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Entering the Working World: “Post” Pandemic

May 2nd, 2022

Growing up as an only child, my parents always had high expectations. So, I was always a straight A student, with big dreams and aspirations of becoming successful. As a senior marketing major at Stonehill College, I find myself feeling anxious, yet excited, to be entering the working world in just under a month.  

I have never worked a full-time job before, so the thought of doing that is nerve-wracking. Most of my college experience has been affected by the pandemic, since the lockdown happened the spring of my sophomore year. That time was so scary, I had no idea when or if I would return to in-person learning. The thought of my college experience being cut short was terrifying. Luckily, we were able to return to campus with online learning in the fall of 2020.

So now, the masks and restrictions at school have become routine, and I anticipate the next step into the working world will entail the same, since we are still not out of the pandemic. Most of my friends are going to grad school in the fall, so they do not have to worry about the job search just yet. Which is good for them but bad for me since I’m going through this job search pretty much on my own. I’ve been actively applying for jobs through Indeed (about 25 so far), participating in zoom calls with recruiters and a few online interviews as well. While they have gone well, I still find myself without a job lined up for after graduation. In my search, I’m finding a lot of jobs are not returning to the office full time. They are either implementing a hybrid schedule or the position is fully remote. This is disappointing, since going into an office full time was something I always expected to do. I know it’s unlikely at this time, but I would love to find a job working in an office full time. I am beginning to realize that this will be hard to find, so I may have to compromise with a balanced hybrid schedule.

 I was really looking forward to the atmosphere of working 9-5 in a large corporate office, surrounded by new people and new experiences. Sitting in my bedroom in front of my computer screen for the whole day isn’t as exciting to me. In-office work is crucial for establishing co-worker friendships and for first time employees getting a feel of what a full-time job is like. Online friendships can be made, but in person it is easier since you can tell a person’s energy and overall vibe (something you can’t do online). Caroline Colvin, a reporter from HR Drive, says: “LinkedIn recently found that Gen Zers are, to use a generational turn of phrase, feral for mentorship and connection, especially having started their work lives in the pandemic”. She is right. Since I’ll start my career amidst the pandemic, I’m looking for that connection, and the ability to find a role model within my field to help navigate the tricky waters of the corporate world. During a few interviews, with the companies that are offering hybrid work, only 2 have mentioned that they implement a “buddy/mentor” system with the new hires. This is very important to me, especially since I am an only child and I do not have an older sibling to guide me or give me career advice. I’m afraid I won’t find that connection or person working virtually, unless they are specifically assigned to me. All of this makes me very concerned about my future and how easily or quickly I’ll be able to learn the ropes and move through the ranks of a corporation.  I’m starting to wonder if the plans I’ve made for my future, what I want to do and where I’ll be in 5 years or 10 years, are realistic anymore.

In order to learn more about how companies are currently operating, if they have a hybrid/remote model, I started asking the question “how do you maintain a sense of community in your workplace when this position is partially or fully remote?” during interviews. A lot of times, the interviewers will mention things like virtual happy hours or events. But personally, I feel like that would add to the zoom fatigue! Working in front of a computer for 8 hours a day, just to “log off” and hop on a different zoom for another hour? While I can appreciate their efforts in trying to maintain a welcoming workplace culture, it still does not sound appealing as a first-time employee who is not only already drained from computer time but wants to go out with friends after work.  Luckily, they also mentioned that employees who are in the office can partake in team building events that will be done in-person.

Part of me wishes things will go back to pre-pandemic office schedules. But I know this hybrid/remote model is here to stay, for at least a few more years. Although it’s not what I envisioned, I must accept that I will most likely be accepting a position with a hybrid schedule for my first job. I can only hope to find a friend or a mentor to help guide me through.  As I continue my job search, I have to keep in mind that this may be the “new normal” and despite the current obstacles, I keep searching for a position that matches my ultimate goal of full-time work in the office.

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