The Before:
I graduated from the University of Dubuque one semester early to pursue my career in Marketing. As my graduation grew near I kept hearing my former classmates give their two cents about life after college. The responses were on both ends of the spectrum, but seemingly nothing in between. “It is terrible, I miss the simple college life” or “It’s so much better, no homework and more money”. I believe its human nature to overexaggerate just like it is to worry. Worrying over finding a job after graduation was short lived for me, luckily. My worries came with the unknowns of a completely new way of life.
The During:
The time finally came for my first day, at my first real job. I waited and waited for this day, stressed over it, dreamed of it, and it was finally here. It began with some rudimentary tasks for someone beginning in marketing. Sadly the education system didn’t teach me anything useful for these tasks, but I had faith that my education would help me with career and fought my tunnel vision urges. After a week of work, I still hadn’t completed a task where my schooling had contributed in my mind. As I began my second week I couldn’t accept this fate, but diligently completed my work. I was gaining confidence as my superiors acknowledged my work and was given more responsibility. It finally hit me like a bag of bricks or a train or (insert some cliché line here), I finally figured out where my schooling came to fruition in the real world. I gained a work ethic, communication skills, and desire to help others. Eventually, my classwork did correlate with my work, although somewhat covertly.
The After:
Whether you are a college student, a recent graduate, or something in-between you don’t need to worry about facing the low end of the spectrum moving forward. Graduating isn’t terrible and neither is your post graduate work. I quickly learned it is all mindset. Don’t waste time in class wondering if this will ever help you in the real world. Don’t waste time at work wishing for something better. Those who put in the time and effort achieve results. Maudience has shown me the results from putting in the time and effort just as the University of Dubuque did.
-Sam
