We are in the graduation season where an estimated 1.8 million potential job seekers will graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Think of it as the starting line of the Boston marathon but with 65 times the runners. I think it is appropriate to look at employment as a long distance race. Your first job out of college is not a guarantee of your future path, it’s just one step on a longer journey. There will be many twists and turns along the way. And exit ramps also. Some of you will start your own business or take the freelancer or independent contractor route. But most of you will try to find someone to give you a job. If that is they path you want to follow I am going to suggest that you stay flexible and take every opportunity you can to develop new skills. Any be conscious of your professional reputation.
We live in a time of unprecedented change. Industries that were the foundation of our economy are disappearing. New business models are transforming the world we live in. Think Amazon, Google, Uber to name a few. Change is scary. Change is good. Change can be painful. But change is certain. The only thing you can count on is yourself. It will be your skills, knowledge and experience that keep you in the workforce. The job, company or industry may change. The only constant in your life is you.
So keep your eyes and ears open. Look for opportunities and always keep learning and growing. That’s how you finish the race.
work in the real world 