William Montgomery Cerf Provides Tips for Montclair State University Graduates Entering the Job Market
As a wealth management advisor with years of experience adjunct teaching at Montclair State University School of Business, William Montgomery Cerf knows that- every year- young university graduates enter the job market with high hopes. Transitioning from college to one’s first career step can be daunting for several reasons. Not only are graduates often unaware of the culture of the workforce, but they are also trying to make a name for themselves as they start down their career path. In the present, this is further complicated by the aftereffects of the pandemic, where many new graduates will be contending with more seasoned workers for certain roles.
Monty Cerf’s experience mentoring Montclair State University students along their career path has made him aware of some of the concerns they have as they begin their next step. Luckily, there are several ways that recent grads can set themselves up for success. Here, Monty Cerf includes a short list of tips for university graduates as they enter the job market for the first time.
Go in With a Plan
One of William Montgomery Cerf’s favorite pieces of advice for financial management is applicable to Montclair State University graduates entering the job market as well- always have a plan. A mistake some graduates make is that they stress finding a certain job without thinking much about their long-term goals. Goals are important because they put the work that you hope to accomplish into perspective early on. With a plan, you can get a blueprint for how you can guide some of the things that are in your control as you move closer to your goal. It is important to remember that plans can and will change but having the framework to evaluate how you feel as you move forward is crucial as you set up your career.
Set Realistic Expectations Early
While Monty Cerf believes in dreaming big in pursuit of our goals, it is always important to set realistic expectations early in one’s journey into the job market. For example, recent graduates may be surprised to learn that they will not receive a large salary immediately out of school. Some career paths include high salaries at early levels; however, many people will need to work up to their ideal position or salary. Realistic expectations allow a new member of the workforce to stay motivated as they start out. If you have feelings that you should be much more successful incredibly early in your career, it may later impact how you feel about yourself and your choices. Trust the process and remember that even the most successful people often have had to work at their craft to get to their current position.
Use Your Resources
Recent graduates often have access to university resources that can help them with the transition into the workforce. For example, many colleges have an “Office of Career Advancement” or equivalent department that can assist them with many of the first steps to preparing for a new job. Recent grads will want to ensure that their resume is up to snuff — even if it is not quite full yet- as well as prepare for the job search through resources such as mock interview scenarios and discussions with professionals. These opportunities are great for professional development, as they allow recent grads to ask questions, get feedback, and set themselves up in an environment that is not high stakes. William Montgomery Cerf, for example, notes that Montclair State University’s alumni network is an asset to recent grads exploring career paths for the first time. Taking advantage of your resources and making connections early is great network practice that will help as you begin branching out in your career.
Do Your Research
Before you interview, make sure to carefully research the organization and the person you are working with. It helps you go in prepared and shows that you have a serious level of interest.
