The Biggest Hurdles Recent Graduates Face Entering the Workforce

“Exhausted.” “Lost.” “Anxious.” “Everything’s a struggle.” These are just some of the ways that 54 recent college grads interviewed by researchers described their experience transitioning from college to the professional world. Despite being advised to hit the ground running, many young people felt disoriented, confused, dissatisfied, and in many cases overwhelmed with the “real world.” Some have attributed these struggles to millennials — that young people of this generation are particularly prone to struggle because of how self-absorbed and entitled they are. However, the researchers argue that the main reason young people struggle isn’t generational — it’s cultural. In particular: the very significant, but typically underemphasized, cultural transition between college to the professional world. This culture shift plays out along at least three key dimensions: feedback, relationships, and accountability. Smart companies should address all three, and smart young employees should be willing to take the time and effort necessary to master the skills necessary to improve on each.