One of the most dramatic impacts that the pandemic had on many companies is the move to remote work. Now that the height of the pandemic has passed, many companies are struggling with the transition back to traditional office-based work. A good number have established hybrid working rules, and some have continued to operate with mostly remote employees.
Remote or hybrid work seems very attractive to seasoned employees who point to multiple efficiencies ranging from eliminating time spent commuting to being able to work with increased focus due to fewer interruptions.
But what about newly-minted graduates? Many have never worked in an office before. Not only that, during the pandemic, they were learning remotely. In my interactions with clients, I’ve noted that this has resulted in some recent graduates not feeling comfortable in social situations due to inexperience. They may be hampered in their career progression because they don’t necessarily understand non-verbal cues – they don’t know how to “read the room.”
My recommendation for new graduates who have an interest in career progression is that they should strongly consider looking for fully in-person positions or hybrid positions. Here’s why:
Understanding Corporate Culture
Whenever people interact in groups routinely, unwritten rules evolve that help individuals understand each other and collaborate as a team. This is the basis of corporate culture – the commonly held beliefs and behaviors that underpin an organization. It is difficult to decipher corporate culture from afar. Understanding and adapting to this culture is vital for long-term success and job satisfaction.
Making Connections
As a new graduate, it is very helpful to be able to connect with and interact with other new employees as well as establish relationships with more seasoned employees and leaders in the organization. These professional relationships are important to short and long-term career development.
Developing Professionally
Being in an office environment exposes new hires to different aspects of the business, providing a broader understanding of how their role fits into the larger organizational structure. They’ll more easily learn best practices that will improve their performance.
Achieving Work-Life Balance
One of the challenges of working remotely that some people have complained about is the merging of work life and home life. Work can escape the normal timeframes and physical boundaries that are apparent when an employee physically goes to the office and then leaves when the day is done.
Career Visibility and Exposure
Visibility is important to gaining recognition for good work. Employees who have earned the trust of their colleagues and managers are more likely to be considered for new opportunities.
Ultimately, the first job for a new graduate is a formative role and newly hired graduates should want to learn as much as possible. In-person work experience should give them an advantage in future roles given the advantages gained by being in the office. Even if the next jobs are remote or hybrid, the in-person experience will leave them with a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes activity, the unwritten rules, and the power dynamics in the office that might be influencing what they are seeing and experiencing.
If someone you know is struggling to get their first job or needs more confidence to get through the interview process, ask them to reach out to Command the Interview. We provide individual coaching and programs that help new graduates achieve the job of their dreams! Give us a call at 678-777-9602. Initial consultations are at no cost.