Unrealistic expectations students have after graduation

After graduation many students have idealistic (some times even unrealistic) expectations about professional life. Not long ago Attentia posted an article about these expectations new graduates have about their first job.

 

Salary expectations

The first expectation is about money. According to Attentia, a large number of students think they will earn a gross salary of at least 2.500€/month but it turns out that a Bachelor’s degree will get you 2.150€ and a Master’s degree 2.450€. It goes without saying that graduates are a bit too optimistic regarding money.
Attentia also announces that 1/3 of graduates assume they will get a promotion within their first year on the job. Once again, they are too optimistic about it.

 

Extra-legal advantages

The article also debunks the myth that graduates are concerned about the extra-legal advantages of a job. However, it turns out that most of them prefer an employer who offers a strong training to one who proposes free meals or other advantages. Belgian students care about developing their skills because they know that they will be of great use in their future.

 

For Employers

Attentia also advises employers on certain aspects of what they offer to graduates. It is said in the article that employers should emphasise other arguments than the salary in order to convince students because as it turns out, they pay attention to things such as the training offered but also to the career path defined by the employer.

 

Other expectations

On a more light-hearted note, there are other myths that we believe in when we are students but that have proven to be incorrect. 

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For instance, you need to forget the idea that having a job means leaving work every day at the same hour. You won’t be able to leave the office at five everyday, sometimes you will have to stay late and finish your work before thinking about going home. Indeed, many employers are looking for people who will not spend the day looking at their watch to know when they will be free to leave.

Partying during the week is also something you will have to let go when you will get a job. Whereas it might be possible to attend a class with a hangover if you sit in the back of the auditorium, it won’t be possible to work with that hangover without being noticed by our boss. So it is probably a good idea to save your partying energy for the weekend. 

Jordan Godet