Getting what is considered your first “real job” is one of the scariest parts of becoming an adult. For most, it can feel as if everything you learned in college is much different compared to what you experience in the field, but the only way to become secure is to learn. Yet, even without prior experience, the world can still feel like a competition. You are not the only one applying for an internship or a job, which is why it is so important to know how to be employment-ready in order to stand out, but unfortunately for most, they are lacking skills in that category.

Out of “32,000 college students” that were surveyed, only “one-third state that they feel as if they will be prepared enough to be successful in the real world” (Nazerian, 2018). This leaves an entire two-thirds of the survey sample feeling as if they will not be well equipped enough to be successful in their job expertise after leaving college. Having the idea of being unemployable can hinder a person’s ability to become hirable from the start. Employers can typically sense if you are confident in what you are trained in and are well versed enough to know when someone has the mindset to be a good part of their team. Despite needing to meet academic credentials, an individual must also meet employment standards to be hired in a competitive field. Life when it comes to a job is usually a competition, and unfortunately for some, they start with a disadvantage. Those with ‘life challenges’ such as ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, etc. Can sometimes have a harder time with developing strong employment skills such as interviewing and customer service, making them less likely to be employed. “Only 28.2% of college graduates with ‘life challenges’ were employed in the year 2019. Overall, 19.3% of those with ‘life challenges’ were employed during that year as well, with or without a degree.” (Parker et al. 2021). This unfortunate setback can make it harder for those with such challenges to be confident when feeling employment-ready, which is why the College Life Skills Program is here to help.

Having skillsets such as good customer service, the ability to be confident in what you know in an interview and in the field, positive time management skills and so much more are all important skills to have when becoming employment-ready, and the CollegeLSP can help you or your child develop it. Being thrown out into the real world after graduation is scary. It’s almost like you are in a never-ending game of “what now?” but with the help of the CollegeLSP, you can hit the ground running. Being aware of what is to come before it does can help an individual with the anxiety that comes with something new. This also helps build confidence, both of which are important skills when looking for jobs. Being employment-ready also doesn’t have to wait until you graduate. Learning skills in order to get temporary jobs while in school also helps build experience and practice the skills the CollegeLSP teaches. It also allows you to learn what does and doesn’t work for you so you can reach the goals you dream to achieve. Don’t let simple things hold you back. Instead, trust the College Life Skills Program to put you ahead.

Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.C., is a Developmental and Behavioral Specialist who specializes in Autism, ADHD and related disorders. Dr. Nach is the founder of the College Life Skills Program where he and his team of professional’s help develop the Emotional Maturity, Executive Functioning, Life Skill and Social Abilities of college students and those high school students preparing for college. The CollegeLSP is a subsidiary program of the Support For Students Growth Center, located in Boca Raton, FL and providing services nationwide.

Parker , D. R., Markle, L., & Taylor, C. E. (2021, August 21). MAKING CAREER SERVICES MORE EFFECTIVE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES. Making Career Services more effective for college students with physical disabilities. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.naceweb.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/individuals-with-disabilities/making-career-services-more-effective-for-college-students-with-physical-disabilities/

Nazerian, T. (2018, December 27). New survey says only a third of college students feel prepared for job market and workplace – edsurge news. EdSurge. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-01-17-new-survey-says-only-a-third-of-college-students-feel-prepared-for-job-market-and-workplace