So I'll be starting my new job in less than two weeks. It will be my first real job and I am fresh out of college. The position is entry level and they were looking for a recent college grad. I blew away the technical part of the interview and NCSU, the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and my interviewer all feel like I am qualified for the position. I can't help get the feeling that I am underqualified or that I will just suck completely at this job. Is this a common feeling before starting a real job?

5/31/2007 4:21:07 PM

I felt that way too... then I realized the "real world" is full of fucking idiots.

5/31/2007 4:22:11 PM

yes

relax and you will be fine

school just teaches the fundamentals, it doesnt prepare you for real life

that is the part that you have to learn on your own

5/31/2007 4:22:50 PM

Yes. Don't worry about it. When I started my first job, I felt the same way and felt totally out of my element and even questioned my career choice. Honestly, it took me about two months to really feel like I was capable of the work, even though everyone else showed confidence in me. Just take the time to learn exactly what the job will involve, and don't be afraid to go slow at first. Before long, you'll be as confident in yourself as your supervisor is.

[Edited on May 31, 2007 at 4:24 PM. Reason : sss]

5/31/2007 4:23:13 PM

Quote :

"I felt that way too... then I realized the "real world" is full of fucking idiots."

5/31/2007 4:46:25 PM

Quote :

"the "real world" is full of fucking idiots"

god, let me second, third and FIF this

5/31/2007 4:51:14 PM

Yeah it's normal. Especially the first time you get put in charge of something "important".

But you have to realize that they know this is your first job out of college. They aren't expecting experience from you, they hired you for your potential. They are expecting you to be professional, but they know that there will be a learning curve and you'll make some mistakes.

Don't worry about it.

5/31/2007 4:57:05 PM

^^ Winner for sure.

You'll be astounded at how far ahead of many of your co-workers that you are.

Of course, you'll probably be "that guy" in 30 years after you've worked your life away in a corporate office only to have your paltry retirement/pension benefits axed a good 3 years before you need to retire. See how much you care about your work then.

All in all, don't fret it at all, people are generally very lax to let you learn. And most of all, ENJOY your last few days of freedom

[Edited on May 31, 2007 at 4:59 PM. Reason : .]

5/31/2007 4:59:06 PM

My significant other is going through something like this right now. He doesn't feel up to par with his coworkers even though I can list the advancements he's made already in the company. It's his first real job smack dab in the middle of the real world and he's a it intimidated.

Buck up, you'll be fine!

5/31/2007 5:06:58 PM

Quote :

"I can't help get the feeling that I am underqualified or that I will just suck completely at this job. Is this a common feeling before starting a real job?"

almost everyone feels this at one time or another.

it's normal.

6/1/2007 9:30:20 AM

Same feeling before starting any new job. Just think of it this way, they wouldn't have hired you if they didn't think you could do good.

6/1/2007 10:01:22 AM

Quote :

"I felt that way too... then I realized the "real world" is full of fucking idiots."

i agree - you would think in a technical field you would get away from a lot of them at work but that's not anywhere near true

6/1/2007 11:15:43 AM

Quote :

"Of course, you'll probably be "that guy" in 30 years after you've worked your life away in a corporate office only to have your paltry retirement/pension benefits axed a good 3 years before you need to retire"

do companies still do pensions? other than union labor, of course?

in 2007, I would hope that nobody counts on that kind of shit anymore for retirement.

6/1/2007 11:21:01 AM

being successful at a job when you don't have much experience requires two things. the first is that you need to work hard, put in extra effort, and go further than you are required, at least at first. you want people to think of you as a hard worker from the beginning, someone who came in to make a difference instead of taking up space.

you may not always make the best decisions, but your effort can overcome a lot of that.

the second thing is to make nice with as many people as you can. don't say anything bad about anyone for at least a few months, until you figure out who those people are, where they are in the hierarchy, and how you ultimately feel about them. don't join in making fun of anyone either. once you've worked somewhere for a while, you will have a feel for what's appropriate and what's not.

there's other stuff, but those i figure those two things should keep your head above water long enough to get comfortable in your job and learn the ropes. it's almost like school, you want to make a good first impression.

6/1/2007 11:57:14 AM