Five Things that Seasoned Business Pros Can Learn from Grads

John Krautzel
Posted by in Management & Business


 

When new graduates come into a company, experienced professionals often take little or no notice. After all, new employees are usually inexperienced and green, which can make them seem like liabilities. Instead of ignoring new graduates or passing them over, seasoned professionals can learn from these young, entry-level employees and use the lessons to create a sense of renewed professional enthusiasm.

 

After years in the same industry, experienced professionals often become entrenched in a specific way of thinking. They are so accustomed to the practices, jargon, and people in their companies or fields that they lose the ability to think outside of the box. New graduates, however, are not burdened by experience and knowledge of the real world. As such, they often feel more freedom to come up with creative solutions or ideas that push the boundaries of accepted practices. Although their solutions may not be feasible, the tendency of new college graduates to think outside of standard procedures is a valuable asset to a company. By combining years of ground-level knowledge with innovative thinking, experienced professional can come up with cutting-edge solutions.

 

New college graduates are usually untested and eager to prove themselves. Each new task is a challenge, which gives young employees the energy and motivation to work harder and stretch themselves professionally. For experienced professionals, exciting new challenges are often scarce, which can lead to burnout or boredom. As a management professional, you can help your experienced employees rediscover their youthful enthusiasm by providing new growth opportunities at all levels. Give managers the chance to participate in cross-training workshops, for example, or encourage experienced professionals to take on different responsibilities with a new client. As a result, you'll end up with a well-rounded team and give your employees new insight into different aspects of the business.

 

When it comes to new technology developments, young graduates tend to be more connected and on-trend than older employees. Many recent graduates grew up with social media and other technology-dependent tools, so they naturally integrate new programs into their daily lives. If your company is dealing with a youthful target audience, even experienced professionals must stay up-to-date on the latest developments in communication. By encouraging your older staff members to follow trends in social media, technology, and other industries, your company will be able to capitalize on tools that will boost the bottom line.

 

In addition to technology trends, young graduates are also more likely than seasoned employees to be on top of the latest in consumer trends. Employees that understand the latest in fashion, electronics, social issues, and current events are better able to understand customers, which can be a lifelong benefit—particularly in the case of a career change. For older employees that leave a company and re-enter the job market, age bias can be a nasty surprise. According to a recent story in MarketWatch, companies are often reluctant to hire older people. By staying on top of industry trends, experienced professionals can retain their edge.

 

When it comes to learning from new graduates, one of the most important lessons for a seasoned professional involves enthusiasm. By letting go of a jaded viewpoint and embracing the novelty and excitement of their industries, older workers can discover more joy in their jobs, and because happy employees tend to be more satisfied in their personal and professional lives, enthusiasm bodes well for workers and employers.

 

Whether you're managing experienced professionals or looking for ways to reinvigorate your career, it can pay to learn from new graduates. By taking a page from the books of these new, excited professionals, you can add new life and energy to your business.

 

Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic / freedigitalphotos.net

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  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    Thanks so much for joining in the conversation. There are so many thing that even seasoned business pros can learn and one of them is how to stay current with technology. Like Susan said, staying enthusiastic about her career and keeping up with technology help her stay on the cutting edge.Good luck to the new graduates. I hope this is the start to a long and prosperous career!!
  • Susan B
    Susan B
    I totally agree with this article. As an older worker I try to stay on the cutting edge keeping up with technology. I have always tried to remain enthusiastic.
  • LaToya W
    LaToya W
    This article really speaks the truth. In my current position, I have had the most barriers while trying to advance within the company. I am a recent MBA graduate with a host of skills and experience to contribute. Wondering if I will ever have my shot of excel with the less qualified I see growing within the organization.
  • Samuel J
    Samuel J
    > According to a recent story > in MarketWatch, > companies are often > reluctant to hire older > peopleIt's also called "agism."  It will eventually prove interesting that those who institute these age-ist policies have the chance to experience them from the other side.
  •  Maria B
    Maria B
    Thank you for your post on the advantages of hiring new graduates.  I'm a recent  graduate looking for work.  This post is exactly what I needed, especially when my competition are experienced in the field.
  • Stephen R
    Stephen R
    I am quickly learning that resting on one's laurel's and being complacent will assure you future layoffs or early retirement.
  • Sherry F
    Sherry F
    As an "old", upcoming graduate, with a Masters in Leadership, I found the article to be truthful, insightful, and encouraging. It can be a little un-nerving for new grads coming into the workplace, it's nice to know someone is looking out for us!
  • Gwen B
    Gwen B
    I totally agree with the article. I am not young in age but I was new to the office I started two years ago and I experienced total resentment and resistant among older more seasoned workers. I was willing to work hard and contribute what I learned while in graduate school ( I am currently in graduate school and have been for last two years) and I loved learning about my major and contributing to the job what I was learning and I got a lot of resistance from my supervisor of 20 years and co workers. Anyway, I am blessed and I am moving on to bigger and better things thanks to the resentments in this office. I applauded any new graduates that goes on a job and shows their skills and courage!!!!!!
  • Kimiko M
    Kimiko M
    Graduate students bring fresh updated information combined with skills and hands on experience that can only enhance an organization looking to recultivate its environment.

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