NETIZEN WITH 2 YRS WORK EXPERIENCE, STILL LABELLED AS “FRESH GRAD”

A netizen shared how he/she graduated in May 2020 and has almost 2 years’ worth of work experience but is still labeled as a “fresh grad”.

Here is the story:

It’s not always easy!

I have almost two years of work experience, and I graduated in May 2020. Yet, I’m still being labeled as a fresh grad. It’s a frustrating thing to experience, especially when I’m looking for a job. I recently went for a job interview, and the hiring manager labeled me as a fresh grad and asked why I was asking for such high pay. It was an uncomfortable moment, and I left the interview feeling discouraged.

It’s common for fresh grads to be paid less than someone with experience, so it’s understandable why the hiring manager was surprised that I was asking for the pay rate I was requesting. But it’s confusing why I’m still being labeled as a fresh grad when I have two years of work experience.

I understand that the hiring manager was trying to gauge my worth as a potential employee. But it’s disheartening to be treated as though I have no experience when I do. I’ve worked hard for the past two years, and I’m proud of the skills I’ve acquired. I want to be respected for my work experience, and I want to be paid accordingly.

It’s true that two years of experience is not a lot, but it’s enough to make me stand out from the crowd of fresh grads. I may not have as much experience as someone who has been in the job market for much longer, but I have valuable skills that can benefit an organization. I have a good knowledge of the industry, and I’m familiar with the software and tools that are in use.

It’s also important to remember that fresh grads are not all the same. Some may have more experience than others, and some may have more knowledge of the industry. So it’s unfair to lump everyone together and label them as fresh grads.

It’s understandable that employers want to hire experienced professionals. But it’s also important to recognize that fresh grads can bring something different to the table. They may be more open to new ideas and eager to learn new skills. They may also be more willing to take on tasks that experienced professionals wouldn’t want to do.

Editor’s note: Welcome to the workforce.