Lex and I were chatting recently, about how little college actually does to prepare one for a career. Oh, it helps most kids to grow up, weans them away from Mommy and Daddy, makes them more independent and resourceful. Their most valuable graduation present is that tool kit - the one that enables them to go out and find what they need, in order to teach themselves as they go along. But, as far as ending up with a complete set of job skills goes, one that would allow you to step right into a job and feel confident that you knew what you were doing? Pffffftt! Yer just gonna have to attend the school of hard knocks fer that, kiddo!
Like everyone else, Lex thought she knew a lot when she graduated, but she was only a few weeks into her first job when reality hit. Unfortunately, her employers didn't have the time nor the inclination to further her education (so why did they hire someone straight out of school?), and they agreed to go their separate ways. Her second job was much better, in that her new boss ran a one-woman show, and was more than happy to teach and train Lex to take over most of her duties. Consequently, she acquired a very diverse set of job skills that enabled her to do just about everything involved with running a small design firm--everything, that is, except for one critical thing: how to have confidence in her own decision-making and creative talents. That was the one area where her boss was not willing to let go of the reins, even a tiny bit.
But, that's OK. She's certainly making up for lost time now! I wouldn't exactly say she's been thrown to the sharks, because everyone is being extremely helpful--more than happy to answer her questions and point her in the right direction. Let's just say she is diving into the deep end, head first. You've come a long way Baby!
P.S. Many thanks to popgoesgreen.com for the above image.
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3 comments:
And I still have these visions of a little girl with floaties on each arm out there splashing around in the water, not getting anywhere. Indeed she has come a far distance since then. Unfortunately, in my consulting business I've seen a number of kids come out of school thinking they know what it takes and not willing to listen to us old timers.
"tool kit...to go out and find what they need...to teach themselves as they go along."
Yes, schooling is good at cultivating minds and more. But it's that good home training that makes it all work.
Janet Riehl
Old Man - Too bad, 'cause it's their loss! Just shows how smart our kids are, since they head straight to you whenever they need advice. Well, unless it's about cooking...or gardening...
Janet - maybe I need to add another paragraph to this essay. It almost sounds as if I'm saying colleges aren't doing their job. Actually, what I'm saying is that helping kids mature, cultivating their minds and giving them tools to find what they need on their own IS their job, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
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