An Open Letter to the Class of 2020

To the Class of 2020 --

I feel for your situation. It's extremely unique on one hand but it does parallel some challenges of the past. This crisis has been an experience to say the least. COVID-19 may have made the finish line look distant back in March, but now we're here in May, staring graduation in the eye. Unfortunately, the finish line has remained virtual in the wake of the virus, but the good news is that you can really see the finish line now.

Emergency remote learning was new for all of us: students, professors, administrators, and all other stakeholders. Despite the challenges, you've handled finishing your degree with enthusiasm and poise. Challenges like these are what make you stronger for the long haul. We learned new things along the way, such as how to run and actively participate in virtual meetings. In any other year this would never be covered in a college class, and therefore you would have learned this on "the job" eventually. The trait of adaptability may be the biggest lesson of your college career, and I'm sure it will be the most valuable.

I know you're missing out on the social aspect of graduating, celebrating great accomplishments through in-person ceremonies and parties. While these cannot be made up easily, some of these events can be made up eventually. Celebrations can be delayed; they don't have to be canceled. Your accomplishments live on beyond the typical celebration period anyway.

I mentioned "the job" before. You're entering a tough job market. I entered a tough job market coming out of school. Think about your personal branding and how you will frame it. This framework happens through your resume, cover letter, social media presence, and connections in your network. Jobs are still out there, and in some industries they're more abundant now. You may have to participate in interviews over Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc. This is still a great opportunity to make a great first impression, and now you're a pro at virtual face-to-face meetings. Research the company, practice the interview, and put on your best business attire (at least from the waist up).

An internet services company uses a tagline, "The internet was made for this." Wow, they are right. Use technology to your advantage. It's come a long way. Take it from someone that watched it happen, someone that watched it evolve.

"Turn dilemmas into dilemonade," as my friend says. Your ability to continue to adapt in these times will set you up for great success in the future. I believe in each and every one of you.

Stay safe,

Professor Mathews

(Originally  published on  LinkedIn on May 5, 2020)