What do I do?: Life after MC

By Jessica Walendukanis
Courier Staff

When Lee McGaan, professor and chair of the department of communication and theater arts, was asked about how he transitioned from college life to working life, he laughed.

“But I haven’t made the transition; I’m still here,” he said with a smile.

However, on a more serious note, he added, “The one observation I would make about leaving Monmouth for the wider world is to be confident in your abilities.”

The majority of students’ lives are spent in a school environment, and what happens after college is a question that may be running through the minds of many seniors.

According to Fran Katzanek, author of “Reality 101: The Ultimate Guide to Life After College,” found on www.college.com, “Academics have little to do with transitioning. Not knowing what awaits you is the most traumatic.”

In his article, “The Critical First Year on the Job,” found in the 2006 edition of “Job Choices” magazine, author Ed Holton stated, “Because a strong start is essential to a successful career, it is unfortunate that so few students know how to break in with a company. The key is to come in with enough savvy to have appropriate expectations and attitudes.”

To help seniors prepare for the transition, the Wackerle Career and Leadership Center will host, “Is There Life After Monmouth College?” on Wednesday, April 19 at 4 p.m. in the Morgan Room.

Students will receive insight on what to expect next and how to handle the transition.

The presentation will also cover important information about payroll deductions, employee benefits and other human resources topics on which all young professionals should be knowledgeable.

The material will be presented by Michael McNall ’81, MC director of human resources, and Michelle Shawgo, director of the Wackerle Career Development Program.

Students are encouraged to register for the program by calling the Wackerle Center at ext. 2115 or email at wackerle@monm.edu.

“Savvy graduates know that many new graduates hang on to their student attitudes and behaviors too long. But few realize that it also takes time to understand and earn the rights, responsibilities and credibility of a full-fledged professional. There is an intermediate stage that lasts from the time you accept your job until about the end of the first year that can make or break the early part of your career,” explained Holton.

McGaan recognizes there is a transition from college to the professional world, since he has experienced this first hand.

“Upon leaving Monmouth, I was apprehensive that my time spent in the friendly, small-college environment would be a disadvantage in comparison to graduates of larger and better known schools. Before long I found out I was wrong; I was better prepared for the ‘real world’ coming from Monmouth College than most new graduates I encountered.”

McGaan offered a bit of advice to seniors who may be worried about successfully transitioning. “While it’s natural to feel uncertain about the future, my advice to this year’s graduates is to be confident; you’re better prepared to face the challenges after graduation than you may realize.”