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Graduates have a great deal of textbook knowledge but generally a lack of experience in applying this to the commercial world. It’s easy to see how this experience benefits the individual but what makes a graduate employable and why would an organisation invest in me without any prior experience? Does the business world owe me a living or do I need to prove, as a graduate, that I deserve one?
Author: Alec Bosomworth Project Manager at i3Works
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When joining a new organisation as a graduate it can be nerve-wracking, you are beginning your career and it is unexplored territory. Maybe you have experience in this organisation’s sector, maybe you don’t – either way it can be scary. As a recent graduate myself I know that this is the case, when I left university I had a very limited amount of experience going straight from school to university and like so many of my friends my degree did not contain a placement year.
With small companies the work is very varied and the opportunities are only limited by your level of interest and ability to deliver results. You may think that your thoughts and solutions are not likely to be valued in your new organisation- I can tell you that this is not the case, especially in a small company. As a graduate you bring forward new ideas, a new approach that maybe some people in the organisation can’t see. Ultimately I believe that one of the first and most important things you do is challenge the way things are done, whether this is out loud or silently in your head. Challenging the way things are done in an organisation brings about innovation and change through new approaches. It can be daunting starting at a small company. You’ve put a lot of investment into developing your foundations, but it’s a very competitive environment. It’s important to realise that the world doesn’t owe you a living and you need to provide a demonstrable impact on the success of the business.
As a graduate you have a degree behind you, but this is just a piece of paper right?
Wrong, this piece of paper not only shows that you have passed 3, 4 or even 5 years away from home fending for yourself, it shows that you have determination and can get through even the toughest of times. Because let’s face it, being a student does have its dark times as well as the good. Your degree also shows that you are a keen learner, besides, graduating is just the start! As a graduate you are motivated and keen to impress the organisation through your continued learning and application of knowledge.
Coming from a background with limited commercial experience may seem like you are in a bad situation, however organisations know they need to train the next generation and often may prefer this as they can then mould you into the person they want you to be and help you fit into the company culture. As a graduate you come with an all-rounded set of skills such as your ability to communicate, work as a team, research and provide technical applications, be adaptable, plan, organise, lead and present information… I could go on for a while here. So having these skills, along with your degree sets you aside from someone who hasn’t been to university.
From an organisation’s point of view, hiring you -a graduate, is a cost effective resource with potential and demonstrates investment in your future as well as the organisations future.
So to recap on why organisations should invest in you, the graduate;
- You bring forward new ideas and approaches and challenge the current processes
- You are flexible and able to be moulded to fit the organisation and its values
- You are a keen and determined learner
- A Cheap resource
- You have a well-rounded set of skills
Graduates are the future, if you come in with the right attitude and ability to prove your worth as a graduate you’ll do well in any organisation.
