Job hunting mistakes 10 business leaders made when graduating was originally published on College Recruiter.
To debunk common misconceptions fresh graduates have about the job market, we’ve gathered ten insightful responses from professionals including founders and managers. From understanding that a major doesn’t dictate a career path to realizing a degree doesn’t guarantee job success, these insights provide a realistic perspective on career growth.
Major Doesn’t Dictate Career Path
One of the biggest misconceptions I faced was that I firmly believed my major was to predetermine my job and career in general. Having a Master’s Degree in English Language and Literature, I thought my career was more likely to be related to teaching rather than digital marketing.
In my head, there were few options on how I could implement my knowledge. Frankly speaking, it did not scare me at all, as everything seemed so straightforward. However, at some point, I freaked out when I was fed up with tutoring and understood teaching was not mine at all. Not that my current career path has nothing to do with my passion for literature and writing, but now I clearly understand that you should not limit yourself to your major in your job search, especially at the start of your career.
On the contrary, this is the best time for experiments. The developing world brings new opportunities every day, and job-switching becomes even more popular.
Tania Doshko, Career Expert and Content Manager, CryptoJobsList
Teamwork Over Individual Achievements
When I first graduated, I thought that one’s own accomplishments were the only factors that determined one’s employment success. Because of this misperception, I put my own achievements ahead of teamwork. I ignored the benefits of teamwork in favor of trying to stand out as a solo achiever.
As a result, the overall results of my early endeavors suffered from a lack of the synergy of group efforts. After realizing my mistake, I started concentrating on encouraging teamwork. Accepting cooperation has boosted project outcomes and expedited my professional development. It helped me understand the value of teamwork and interpersonal skills, which were essential for moving up the corporate ladder.
Derek Bruce, First Aid Training Director, Glasgow First Aid Courses
Job Stability Doesn’t Equal Success
I used to think that having secure work was a sign of professional achievement. This way of thinking limited my willingness to take chances and explore new opportunities. It wasn’t until I embraced the idea of calibrated career risks that I experienced tremendous advancement. Recognizing the importance of flexibility and openness to new experiences in building a successful career has been a major epiphany.
Gerrid Smith, Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros
Value of Genuine Networking
When I first started networking, I thought it was all very superficial and meaningless. Because of this misunderstanding, I could not establish substantial professional relationships. Knowing the value of genuine connections has completely altered my professional course. The ability to network effectively was invaluable, allowing me to meet new people and advance my career.
Cindi Keller, Communications Coordinator, The Criminal Defense Firm
School Success vs. Workplace Success
I entered the job market believing that what led to success in school would naturally lead to success in my career.
As a lifelong straight-A student, I earned top grades by studying hard, providing correct answers to well-defined problems, and rigidly following all rules and guidelines.
But, after a few months on my first job, it became crystal clear that education and the workplace had totally different rulebooks. Succeeding in the workplace required a shift from being reactive to proactive, and seeking creative solutions instead of just correct ones. Also, hard work alone didn’t cut it. Interpersonal skills, collaboration, and effective communication were just as vital, if not more so.
Because of that misconception, the first months of my career were a whirlwind, as I needed to unlearn many unproductive behaviors. Thankfully, I recognized these differences early on, avoiding long-term career setbacks.
Ana Colak-Fustin, Founder, ByRecruiters
Career Growth Isn’t Always Linear
One of the biggest misconceptions I had as a fresh graduate entering the job market was that career growth would be linear. I thought I’d start out working, grow within the company, and then either move on or keep going up.
In the real world, however, there are going to be setbacks and changes that you won’t see coming. Sometimes, you may have to drop down a bit (either in salary or even in your professional position) in order to break through the next scope of growth.
Don’t get me wrong, this can be extremely frustrating! But you’ve just got to persevere and keep focusing on your goals. Keep doing this, and eventually, you’ll reach those goals and create new ones to strive for.
Lauren Carlstrom, COO, Oxygen Plus
Personal Growth is Self-Driven
I mistakenly believed that it was the company’s responsibility to develop me as an employee and offer me a clear growth path. It didn’t take long to realize that it was up to me to seek out opportunities, identify gaps within my team, and teach myself new skills to fill those gaps. That’s where the real growth happened.
Will Baker, Director, Skirtings R Us
Understanding Time in Career Advancement
I underestimated how long it takes to move up positions within a large organization. Even when working extra hard and excelling in my field, there were many times when my organization didn’t have room for me to move up the ranks so quickly.
However, when the time arrived, I ended up moving up in roles and responsibilities, which taught me a lot about the value of experience. Even though I may have been ready to move up faster, some experiences I gained over the years made a big impact on my character and prepared me to face the responsibilities I now have.
Career growth is important, but it doesn’t need to be rushed. You will eventually get to where you want to go, and as you move up in your career, so will your responsibilities. Make sure you’re prepared for that.
Scott Sidders, Co-Founder, Scott & Yanling Media Inc.
Job Satisfaction and Adaptability
Once we graduate, we always consider getting a job to secure our future. However, getting a job is very competitive, and you face many things to ensure a role. When I graduated and took my first step into the job market, I believed in the misconception that you cannot leave a job even if you do not like it.
Being a newcomer, I thought I had to stay in my first job for one or two years. It helped me in a good way; I started looking for the solution to my problem instead of leaving the job. It helped me overcome the problems and adapt to every situation. By believing that misconception, I became better at facing challenges, which took my career in a positive direction.
Fahad Khan, Digital Marketing Manager, Ubuy India
Degree Doesn’t Guarantee Job Success
A misconception I had as a fresh graduate is that a degree is a straight ticket to a job. While education is important, it’s not the only criterion employers use to vet candidates. Modern employers want candidates who not only prioritize skills and adaptability but also fit the company’s culture.
This is not meant to discourage you from pursuing your degree. Get that degree, but let it only serve as a foundation. Try to learn complementary skills and acquire relevant certifications to stand out from other applicants. Acquiring a broader skill set has made me a more versatile and adaptable candidate, opening a wider range of career opportunities in my current field and related industries.
Young Pham, Founder and Project Manager, Biz Report
