Not So Happily Ever After: Challenges Post-Graduation

Congratulations! You've made it, and we are proud of you. So what's next?

You've graduated with a degree in the field you always loved. Now roll up your sleeves: the show is about to begin.

You have left the academic world and must join the workforce, and it isn't as easy as you think. The transition is not as smooth as you expect. You probably feel exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed and confused, and that is fine: it is all part of the transition. You may question your career choices, or feel you picked the wrong degree. You're not alone. Almost every graduate goes through the same rollercoaster. Here are five challenges graduates face after graduation.

1. Lack of clear direction

I finally have a degree. What's next?

A degree or diploma doesn't draw your career path for you. It's normal to feel frustrated, overwhelmed and unsure of your next step. You may be torn between a master's degree and starting your career. Some graduates need a break to travel or rest and clear their minds before deciding. Others start applying for internships to get a feel for the job market.

2. Job hunting

What career fits me best?

At university you pictured yourself as an accomplished doctor, a great biology teacher or a successful salesperson at your dream company. Having a vision matters, but that job may not fit you as perfectly as you imagined. Your first job rarely meets the expectations of your 19-year-old self. It takes time to figure out what suits you, and life keeps putting obstacles in front of every decision.

3. Identifying skills

What skills do I need?

University rarely teaches you that every job requires a set of specific skills. There is a large gap between what graduates have and what employers need.

4. Needing experience without having any

How can I have experience if no one hires me for lack of experience?

This is the toughest problem you will face. You want a job to gain your first experience, and you are rejected for having none. In the working world, it doesn't matter that you aced your courses. Many employers would rather hire someone with experience than take a chance on a new graduate with a perfect GPA. Real work experience makes you more marketable.

5. Responsibility

What should I choose?

At university, everything was planned for you. Advisors helped you choose courses to graduate on time, and a syllabus guided you through each semester. Now you have joined the adult world, and it is not an easy one. You are responsible for your own decisions, with higher expectations and more pressure.

This is where personal leadership comes in: the ability to lead yourself, make decisions with clarity, find what you love to do, become financially independent and grow your career through uncertain times.