Graduating is a major milestone in life and students in post-secondary anticipate the day they’ll move on to working full-time, but it can be a significant adjustment for many.
For some, entering the working world may be a nice change. That’s the experience of Riot Radio broadcast technician, Justin Atkins.
“I was more like, I get to wake up early because I have a job,” Atkins said. “It was definitely more of a self motivator once I finally got work.”
Atkins studied Radio – Broadcasting for Contemporary Media at Durham College, which led him to working at Riot Radio. Initially, he did not feel prepared to start working when he left the program.
“I think mine was situational, given that I had school during the pandemic,” Atkins said.
He volunteered at Riot Radio and had a podcast for a year prior to working there.
He was so enthusiastic about working that he didn’t care what time he had to wake up, leave work late or whether he missed the bus.
The biggest challenge he found, especially as a social person, was having freedom to spend time with friends to those times “abruptly” stopping.
According to a study in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, undergraduates’ mental health related to unemployment is significantly affected by the support they get from schools and families.
While not every student will have a family support system to lean on during this transition, there are resources available at Durham College (DC).
There is one-on-one career coaching with the career development office that offers assistance on resumes and cover letters, as well as interview preparation and help with job searches.
Data from Statistics Canada shows that in 2026 the unemployment rate in Ontario went up to 7.6 per cent in March, the same as it was in February. Additionally, it says youth unemployment (aged 15 to 24) is consistently higher than that of adults and averages twice the rate.
While the job market remains uncertain and out of graduates’ control, preparing doesn’t have to be.
Lucy Romao Vandepol, director of career and student development at DC, says students should take a “proactive approach” when it comes to preparing for the work world.
“Yes, there’s things you’re developing in the classroom but what other essential employability skills do you need? And how am I going to create a path, so by the time I’m ready I have all of this on my resume to offer?” Vandepol said.
She says confidence is the key to being a good job candidate, and it starts before applying.
“I think a student who’s more prepared is more confident,” she said.
Students facing challenges on becoming a prepared job candidate can access supports on campus.
The DC Hired Portal offers workshops and job postings that prepare grads for their careers. As well, the Durham College Student Association (DCSA) Support Hub provides mental health support.