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| Laura Golden |
Choices young adults make during the move from college to the “real world” can set the trajectory for the remainder of a college graduate’s adult life, yet limited attention has been paid to the emotional wellness of these young adults—until now.
In partnership with Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research (Transitions ACR) in the Department of Psychiatry at UMass Medical School, the Jed Foundation (JED), has released a white paper, “College to Career: Supporting Mental Health,”which analyzes the challenges to emotional wellbeing faced by young adults during the college-to-career transition. The paper also offers strategic recommendations for colleges and employers seeking ways to support young adults and improve positive outcomes during this time in their lives.
“The college-to-career transition is a crucial, nuanced and difficult developmental period, and today’s young adults face a set of unique challenges, burdens and barriers,” said white paper lead author Laura Golden, research coordinator for Transitions ARC. “We hope this report deepens understanding of this cohort’s needs and offers concrete first steps on how colleges and employers can better support young adults during this critical time.”
After conducting a thorough literature review regarding the college-to-career transition, the Transitions ACR and JED teams, in partnership with Harris Polls, surveyed 1,929 college seniors, recent graduates and employers exploring specific challenges during this transition, as well as suggested strategies to support young adults and their emotional health.
Among significant survey findings, approximately two-thirds of young adults wish they had more help preparing to transition to the workforce after college, yet less than half of those surveyed took advantage of career counseling, internships or resume help offered on campus. Only 2 in 10 college seniors with diagnosed mental health conditions had plans for managing their mental health through finding a work environment, living arrangements, and/or career path conducive to their health needs
“The Harris Poll results illuminate the concerns and needs of young adults transitioning to ‘real life,’ including disconnects with available resources and their employers,” said John MacPhee, executive director and chief executive officer of the Jed Foundation. “For example, 73 percent of college seniors noted ‘how much is unknown for the next few years’ as a source of stress, yet only a third of college seniors and one-quarter of recent graduates have sought emotional support during this transition time.”
The mission of the Transitions ACR is to promote the full participation in socially valued roles of transition-age youth and young adults (ages 14-30) with serious mental health conditions. The Jed Foundation is a national nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults. Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. and the Bruce Abrams Family Foundation provided support for the white paper.
Read “College to Career: Supporting Mental Health”and learn more about Transitions ARCand the Jed Foundation.
Related story on UMassMedNow:
Center guides youth with serious mental health issues into adulthood
