Are you ready for the “real world”?

By Israel Ramirez |Staff writer|

Many students who obtain a degree do not necessarily know what to do with it.

This can only mean they are not prepared for what we call the “real world.”

When I refer to the “real world,” I am speaking about the job industry and what it will take for us to compete with others in order to land a job after graduation.

As students, we must be prepared to perform to our full potential.

“If I could go back and do something differently it would have to be networking with other individuals and attending school events in order to meet new faces who could later be an influence when attempting to obtain a job,” said library service specialist Manuel Veron.

Even when many students are nearing graduation, a substantial amount of those students are not ready to effectively compete in the real world.

We should prepare ourselves by meeting new people and forming friendships that can make an impact on our future when seeking a career.

Now, networking is a very important skill, but in order to meet new faces, one must also be able to communicate effectively.

“Employers are more interested in finding a candidate who has the potential to help the company succeed through the exhibition of stellar communication,” according to Investopedia.com

Having interpersonal communication skills show a person’s ability to work in a team efficiently—while networking is an important aspect for one to succeed, it cannot be done without it.

Students who excel in communication will find it easier to manage in the job industry after graduation, but that is not the only skill that students need in order to be prepared.

Equally important to effective communication is a student’s experience outside of school. An outstanding GPA would not be the only thing the job force seeks for in a resume.

I am not saying your grades are not important, I am saying that having experience outside of school will have a larger impact on your name.

“It’s also important to remember that employers are looking for skills, qualities, and experience that a GPA doesn’t always capture. To put it another way, your GPA may get you in the door, but it’s not going to close the deal,” stated educator Lawrese Brown of Noodle.com

I know many individuals who had outstanding GPAs and are still without a job after graduation.

This does not necessarily prove that having good grades during your college career is worthless; it just shows how it will not always be the thing to move you forward.

“Relevant work experience is more important than college grades to prospective employers,” added Brown.

Work experience can demonstrate your different tasks and skills you performed to future employers.

It is not easy to have these qualities.

However, college is a place for you to make mistakes and put your skills into practice.

Making sure we are prepared with successful networking, effective communication, and work experience, will give us a head start as students and new graduates.

We all want jobs after graduation, but not all of us will be prepared to take on the challenge.

So buckle up ladies and gentlemen, you are soon to enter the “real world,” and I only hope that you are ready to face it.