Navigating the Shift: Transitioning from College to Career

What’s better than advice from one expert? Advice from two! In our latest episode of "She Ventures Out," we delve into essential strategies for navigating the tricky transition from college to career with Terina J. Matthews-Davis , a college and career expert.?

To add more depth, I caught up with Rasheem Rooke , a renowned college and student success expert, for a candid and light-hearted Q&A. Here's what he had to say:

Fashion Faux Pas: What was your go-to interview outfit in college, and how would it fare in today’s job market??

A: Back in my college days, it was dark slacks, a white dress shirt, and a simple tie—what I could afford. Today, that might get a chuckle rather than a job offer, especially in more formal industries.

Tech Troubles: Can you share a funny tech-related memory from your college years??

A: The whole ordeal of connecting to the internet via a telephone modem—waiting minutes for that screeching connection sound—it’s comedic gold now, given our instant-access tech today.

First Job Follies: Describe your first job in three funny words.?

A: Department Mascot Kidnappings. It involved a lot of standing and pitching products, a far cry from what I do now!

Networking or Not Working?: How has your perspective on networking changed since your early career days??

A: I used to dread it! I thought it was about schmoozing for personal gain. Now, I see it as building genuine connections long before you ever need to ask for a favor.

Resume Regrets: Any resume additions you look back on and cringe??

A: Fortunately, no. I always had mentor guidance on keeping my resume professional and crisp, even early on.

Interview Oops: Any memorable interview mishaps??

A: None that I recall—I pride myself on being well-prepared for interviews, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t nervous!

Dining Disasters: What was your budget meal as a struggling new grad??

A: McDonald's Dollar Menu was my go-to. It’s something I couldn’t imagine relying on today, not with my more refined palate!

Ancient Advice: What piece of career advice seems outdated now??

A: The idea of 'growing roots' even in temporary settings—while there's value in planting yourself firmly wherever you are, today’s career paths often require flexibility and mobility.

Work-Life Whimsy: How did you balance work and life as a new grad??

A: I didn’t, really. It’s something I had to learn over time. Initially, work consumed most of my time.

Retro Reactions: If you could send a tweet back to your college self, what would it say??

A: Be serious about your future, but also make sure to enjoy the moment and have fun!

Rasheem's reflections are more than just a fun drive down memory lane—they highlight how the journey from college to career has transformed over the years. His stories from a time of dial-up internet and dollar-menu dinners remind us of the shifts in technology and economy and our approach to building careers.

Are you inspired to see how you can navigate these evolving pathways? Tune into Episode #3: 'Degree to Dream Job: Strategies for Seamless Transitions' of 'She Ventures Out.' This episode dives deeper into the contemporary strategies that make transitioning from college to professional life smoother and more successful. So, hit subscribe, and listen in wherever you listen to podcasts.

Qiana Williams is an ICF-certified leadership coach, sought-after speaker, and the author of "The Lie: An Enchanted Revelation: A Fairytale of Finding Your Voice in a Forest of Fables."