Wandering the halls of a university campus can quickly turn into a monotonous schedule of classes, homework and tests that somehow add up to a degree in a specific field after four years. However, once students are handed a diploma, they are thrust into the real world of hunting for a job, a skill that didn’t quite make it into the hall-wandering schedule.
“College is not preparing me for the real world” is a common thought that runs through the minds of students as they make their way through the college grind. This is an overgeneralized statement that doesn’t relate to everyone, as some students are able to gather the skills through internships, mentors and other outside help.
But not all students get these experiences. Many might go through their journey in higher education thinking they don’t need the help; interview skills will just come naturally. Others might think these applying-college-to-life skills will be taught down the road, but sadly realize these skills are only taught in limited workshops that few attend.
“While ‘career training’ may sound vague, if done properly, it is straightforward and teaches how to get and succeed at a job,” Ben Carpenter for the New York Times said.
Some majors lend themselves to learning on-the-job etiquette more so than others do. Journalism, for example, drills the idea of ‘personal branding’ from day one and encourages great PR techniques to help students look good for employers.
Thinking about what jobs will be available come graduation is also a scary thought. When asked what they want to do with their degrees, too many students rely on the response of “whatever is available at graduation.”
Why don’t students have a solidified life plan? Because we aren’t sure what’s available and we’re really not sure how to look for opportunities. Some struggle pairing their degree with an appropriate job, while others just aren’t qualified enough for their respective field.
“Putting these three explanations together — too much education, not the right level of education, the wrong degree — paints a worrisome picture for the job prospects of college-educated women,” Joann Weiner of the Washington Post said.
This concept doesn’t just apply to women, as male graduates also face a difficult time applying for the job they want that best showcases their abilities. College graduates want to use the skills that cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain.
Higher education helps students learn the skills they need to be successful in a field of their interest. Now, it’s time for the University to help us be successful in showcasing those expensive skills to employers.
“…the world today has become so competitive and global that we must provide our children with high-quality career training as a bridge from college to the work world,” Carpenter said.
College students don’t like to think too far in advance, let alone worry about the future with so much time left to wander the halls of school. Once we’re handed a diploma, we should not only be knowledgeable in our field, but also in our ability to do something with that pricey piece of paper.
Reach the columnist at rsmouse@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @BeccaSmouse
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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