Hiring a graduate can feel like a risky decision at times. Is their limited experience enough? Will they be too young to fit with your company culture? In some cases, it can actually be the best decision you ever make. Graduates bring current knowledge, youthful flair and a fresh determination to the table. What they might lack in tangible skills, they more than make up for in attitude.
From a numbers perspective, graduates are a better long-term investment too. They can work faster to increase your financial return and if given the opportunity to progress professionally, build the foundation for the future of your business.
Read on to understand the key benefits of selecting a graduate application instead of another experienced professional.
Relevant Knowledge
Graduate students arrive at your interview room literally straight from the classroom. They know all of the latest principles, business models, industry technology and success stories. More than that? They are self-motivated to keep in the know and continue to learn.
When you hire a recent graduate, they offer a solid understanding of the current industry and social culture, even if they aren’t fully equipped with the desired skills. This gap can easily be crossed with training from your side, and in turn, you can benefit from a flexible professional with an open-minded approach.
Can-Do Attitude
You know the ‘change the world’ attitude that so many established professionals hold against the younger generations? What many may consider naivety is, in fact, an unfailingly positive outlook and vision – graduates really are ready to change the world. Skills can be taught, but the right attitude? This comes naturally.
Take advantage of the entrepreneurial attitudes so many ex-students possess and harness this forward-looking approach to give your business new life, not to mention a solid place in the constantly-evolving modern world.
A Doorway to the Next Generation
When you give a young professional a chance to join your business, they’ll share the positive experience with all their friends, promoting your company to up and coming talent. This is the first key phase of succession planning.
The next part? In providing a long-term career path you also plan ahead for your own business, facilitating professional growth in line with corporate growth. Opportunities for promotion or to step up for a managerial position not only give employees an incentive but secure your company’s future.
Open and Flexible Mind
Looking to employ an entry-level builder in your new firm? Someone who knows all the basics, but whose outlook and work ethic can be molded to your business culture? A graduate is your ideal solution. Established professionals are often, well, exactly that. Set in their ways and unable to properly reflect the pillars of your company.
Hire a hard-working, determined graduate straight out of their apprenticeship training and you can show them all the tricks of the trade. In many ways a ‘blank canvas,’ recent graduates make the ideal long-term business investment. One right hire, one great experience and they’ll stay at your business forever.
Great People Skills
Sure, the ability to effectively network doesn’t come naturally to everyone. But to graduates? They’ve just finished their university degree or TAFE course and in the process met countless new faces, in an unfamiliar environment, consistently over the last few years. Good communication and an ability to adapt to changing situations is a key driver behind an agile business.
Often, mature professionals have been comfortable in their old job for the last decade. Content in their routines and surrounded only by coworkers they know and trust. While there isn’t anything wrong with that, the easy attitude and open mind of a graduate can lead to a smoother transition in the long run.
Speed and Value
Need something done quickly? Someone who is not only willing to learn but fast? In the modern world of business, intense competition and quick turnovers are the new day to day. In order to stand out, you need to hire individuals who are efficient and agile. Who better than a graduate?
While some positions are best filled by a long-standing industry expert, there are many opportunities that graduates can excel at, beyond the entry level. Particularly in industries with a heavy reliance on technology and metrics, where graduates are completely in their element. When tasks are done quicker and to a higher standard this means improved financial return for the business, and impressive professional growth for the graduate.
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Author Bio
Caroline Schmidt writes the blogs for Kangan Institute. She is passionate about education, careers, and giving advice to students of all ages.