"Privilege" must be 2018's word of the year, as so many people were finally realizing that they had a pre-destined place in society just based on where they come from or the color of their skin. At the most basic level, I am privileged because I was born into a white, middle-class family. I have two parents, and I never had to worry where each meal was coming from. My life has been blessed by the simple things we take for granted every day.
In the changing job market for college grads, I have noticed the differences between those that have had a privileged college experience, versus those that were struggling to find work after getting their diploma.
My dad found his career while he was a senior, graduating with a B.S. in business. He wore a cheap suit, combed back his hair, and a position was offered to him at a career fair. This was the norm before our world began to change into an ever-growing business market. Instead of telemarketing and door-to-door sales, the internet and social media have changed even the way we buy our products. Or how B2B interactions work.
Instead of "what can this job do for me?" employers have switched the dynamics to "what can this potential hire do for this job?" And unpaid internships, volunteer work, or clubs became the norm.
Now, what does all of this have to do with privilege? Let me ask you this—did you work full-time while attending college classes full time? Did you also have room in your schedule to work for free to gain invaluable experience? Were you able to keep your mind and body healthy in the meantime?
It is impossible to do it all. As more and more young people go to college in hopes of supporting themselves or their family one day with a rewarding career, the higher the hiring standards have become. The system has allowed for the more privileged students to join their necessary clubs on campus to network and build connections in their desired field, while also having the time to work for free to train before they even get an entry-level job.
As someone who has attempted doing it on my own, to work full-time while taking two or maybe three classes a semester, I was still overwhelmed by the amount of work and pressure I faced on a daily basis. Forgotten assignments, getting to work late, going all day without eating most of the time, were all facets to create complete chaos. There was no way I would have also been able to build my resume and connections, while merely trying to survive in the meantime.
My senior year, my family was supportive and giving enough to allow me to quit my job and finally focus on building my resume, and myself. I cannot stress enough that I would not be where I am now if I did not have the opportunities that I did.
Privilege of skin color, status, mental health, and sexuality is real. It does make a difference, and more people need to realize how lucky they have gotten.
