I recently started my first job out of college and it’s not what I expected.

Anonymous

July 26,2022 at 5:47PM UTC

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I recently started my first job out of college and it’s not what I expected. I know that most first jobs tend to not be the “dream job” - however in this case it feels like it was a bait and switch. I wasn’t told that it was a rotational program that requires X amount of years. It also does not align very well with what I studied as I thought it would, so I am surprised they thought I’d be a good fit and brought me on. I feel like I’ve been blindsided ever since I’ve learned more about what this position entails, and many people on the team generally seem to be unhappy and stressed with little to no breaks throughout the day. This is a really great company and one that I am proud to work for, but unfortunately I think it’s a matter of right company, wrong position/team with not much flexibility to move to another team until I’ve completed the rotation, if even then.

I am not sure whether I should try sticking it out for at least 6 months? Try to see if I can move internally earlier (though it is a strict policy and I don’t want to have a target on my back)? Start applying for new jobs now? Thanks so much for any advice.

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AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
apply apply apply, elsewhere you have your whole life ahead of you.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 27,2022 at 2:03AM UTC
So you've learned a very important lesson right off the bat in your very first job: You need to be interviewing your potential company/boss as much as they're interviewing you.
That you are in a multi-year rotational program should have been made clear at sometime during the interview process.
YOU SAID:
"This is a really great company"
AND THEN YOU SAID:
"I feel like I’ve been blindsided ever since I’ve learned more about what this position entails, and many people on the team generally seem to be unhappy and stressed with little to no breaks throughout the day."
There's nothing about that second part that says "great company" to me.
As a recruiter with 20 years experience, personally I have more respect for someone who says "this is not a fit for me" than someone who thinks they should "stick it out" and be miserable for 6 months or a year because ... I don't know why - it will look better on their resume?
Sometimes when you know, you know. I have known on Day One that the position was not the right fit for me. I still worked there for several months while I searched for a new position, but I was right in my initial assessment. I've never had a job get better. Ever.
As an employee, all you really have to invest is your time.
Isn't it better to invest it in a better company/position where it will pay off for you in the long run.
I say fire that resume back up.
Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!
Yichen ZhangJuly 28,2022 at 11:18PM UTC
I'm perplexed that a "rotational" setup has the company sticking you to one team. Focus on you - pick up and document your new skills and achievements, network/have informational interviews with people within and outside the present organization, and apply to other places.