Discussion Thread

  • 1.  New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 03-07-2022 07:44 AM
    Does anyone have any challenges or adjustments they faced when they were a recent graduate entering the workforce after university? I'd love to hear your experience! 

    My curiosity is from two angles: I'm interested in how different people adjusted between those two phases, and I also would love to keep that information in mind as I mentor and onboard new engineers to my group.

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    Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
    Tulsa, OK
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  • 2.  RE: New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 03-08-2022 08:04 AM
    1. Supervising Labor is extremely hard for people new to the workforce.
    2. Life outside work is sometimes lonely especially for students who are just out of college. This is because his/her college buddies (most probably) are also at work and it's extremely hard to plan & meet up for dinner/games/entertainment etc.
    3. Over-working (burnout) is also common.

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    K Vasanth Kumar Aff.M.ASCE
    Coiambatore TN
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 03-08-2022 09:46 AM
    For me the biggest adjustment was the constancy of work.  Throughout college I pushed myself hard in my classes and organizations I was part of, nearly to the point of burn out, but then I would have winter and summer breaks to recoup and reenergize myself for the next semester.  About 9 months into my first engineering job I realized that I was still operating the same way.  I was pushing myself toward burn out, but without the several week break on the horizon to recoup and reenergize me.  This started to take a serious toll on me physically and mentally.  So, I realized I really needed to do things differently.  I had to work and live my life in a way that I could sustain for the long-term, not just 4-5 month stints.

    So, I would recommend talking about what helps them to reenergize (in work and outside of work), and how they can ensure that they are doing those things on a regular basis to keep themselves in a healthy state both physically and mentally.  Also, just being aware of burnout and how to recognize it in yourself.

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    Nancy Simpson EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
    Muscatine Power & Water
    Muscatine IA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 04-04-2022 03:07 PM
    Love this feedback! I also had a similar experience -- I really felt the absence of that first Spring Break. I'll be sure to include that in my list of things to go over with them as part of their onboarding.

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    Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
    Tulsa, OK
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 03-17-2022 07:56 AM
    I work directly with a fair number of new hires and interns. I would say that trying to give them time to adjust to the workflow and culture at a company can require a significant number of hours all on its own. There is a fine line between letting a new person struggle with a task, and letting them get too far before correcting their mistakes. Finally, trying to establish effective communication is always different with each person. Some are happy to let you know when they have a question or when they have finished a task, and others will wait to be approached before bringing up these topics, or will pick only one person to ever go to for tasks or questions. Try to always explain the bigger picture behind a step or a task as well, so they don't feel like something is pointless or otherwise get lost in the details. 
    Simply trying to be available for the first few months is probably the most important thing in my opinion.

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    Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 03-19-2022 12:00 AM
    I agree with the strategies proposed by Christopher; however, not all engineering firms have procedures to incorporate the new personnel into the daily routine smoothly. I think we all agree that is the reason that our first job is not easy to forget both if it was a good or a bad experience. My first job was horrible. I was by myself with many responsibilities, and the firm was near bankruptcy in the middle of a project. After that, I worked in public service, and I was more cautious about my assignments and responsibilities and sought permanent support in my daily routines among my coworkers based on my previous experience.

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    Luis Vasquez-Varela Aff.M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
    Manizales
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: New Grad Adjustments

    Posted 03-22-2022 08:04 AM
    I would like to start in following up with the requirements in the workplace or board exams. A many documents to go through. Not to mention all fees you need to process those documents you needed. Like for ID's, and so much more you know what I'm talking about. As a fresh graduates, we must be financially ready for the expenses as when we are preparing for everything. Although we don't have a job yet, responsibilities in your start up career is very important. We need to do a lot of research in review centers, your desire company if you're qualified and vice versa they are also qualify for all you needed and wants in the company ( like benefits and terms you believe so). It's so much pressure, and it's important/ or not depends on owns capabilities of decision making, to have atleast consult this plans and try help/ find networks to help you.

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    Llala Chrishaye Ocampo Aff.M.ASCE
    Student
    City of General Trias Cavite
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    Original Message


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