Otago grads say first jobs take months to master

Otago University alumni working in diverse fields report that their first professional roles did not match the immediate competence they expected from their degrees. Critics Te Arohi spoke with graduates in healthcare, journalism, science, consulting, and policy to discuss the gap between academic training and workplace reality. The consensus is that entry-level positions often function as training grounds rather than final destinations.

Mia, a health economist, stated that it can take six to nine months or longer to properly learn a new job. Sienna, a healthcare worker, described the initial period as feeling "out of place, terrified, or utterly clueless." She emphasized that persistence is necessary until the anxiety subsides. MP Francisco Hernandez agreed, noting that new hires should not expect their first role to be fulfilling. He advised taking "a grind job to get your foot in the door" to gain entry into a field.

Several alumni stressed the importance of communication and seeking help. Tom, a junior solicitor, admitted he wasted time solving problems alone to avoid looking incompetent. A senior lawyer nearby could have resolved the issue in under a minute. Mia and consultant Francesca both advised new employees to ask questions. Francesca noted that senior colleagues often want to help and are interested in the new generation. "Corporate uncs are fascinated by our generation and genuinely want to help us succeed. Ask questions!" Francesca said.

Networking emerged as a practical tool for career progression. Jodie, an Interpretation Coordinator at Auckland Zoo, credited word of mouth for securing her contract work. She advised finding a mentor who is successful and kind. Nina, a journalist, noted that established professionals often want to support the next generation. She recommended sending cold emails and requesting coffee meetings. Jodie also warned against focusing solely on grades, stating that extracurriculars and internships matter just as much as academic performance.

Soft skills proved essential across different industries. Sophie, a physiotherapist, learned that technical knowledge is insufficient without the ability to explain plans to patients. She found that convincing patients to follow a rehab plan required clear communication and comfort. Amy, a workforce management graduate, highlighted the impact of management styles. She recommended discussing communication preferences with supervisors early on. This includes clarifying whether questions should be asked immediately or saved for specific meetings.

The alumni described the transition from university to work as a shift in responsibility. Andrew, who works in carbon forestry and online safety, noted that the workplace does not offer extensions for personal emergencies. Reliability is key because other team members depend on individual deliverables. Amber, a policy advisor, suggested that employees should not present themselves as perfect workers. She advised showing personality in applications and explaining the reasoning behind past actions. Theo, a Ministry of Social Development employee, found the work environment less rigid than expected. "It’s nice to have money," he said.