According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the U.S. unemployment rate for college graduates ages 22 to 27 was 5.8% in March — higher than the national average of 4%.
For Scottsdale middle school educator Christianne Meneses Jacobs, the data points to a troubling disconnect between what students learn in school and the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
To help close that gap, Meneses Jacobs has written a new book titled “Professional Life Skills for Young Adults: 7 Keys to Empower Career Readiness.” Based on lessons she once taught in the classroom, the book offers guidance to young adults preparing to enter the workforce.
“Colleges are not teaching these kids how to acquire these skills and how to present themselves,” Meneses Jacobs said. “They’re graduating these young adults who have had very little exposure to professional environments.”
Christianne Meneses Jacobs is a Scottsdale-based educator and author. (Photo courtesy of Christianne Meneses Jacobs)
When her own daughter started college, Meneses Jacobs joined several Facebook groups for parents of college students and noticed recurring themes: concerns about resume writing, job readiness and workplace expectations.
While many young adults possess strong technical abilities, Meneses Jacobs said they often struggle with soft skills such as communication, time management and professional interaction.
She believes the issue has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many students into remote learning and limited their opportunities for in-person internships or jobs.
“That’s where my book comes in,” she said. “I touch on things like, how to communicate with coworkers, how to be emotionally aware, how to show empathy, how to network and why it’s important to ask questions.”
Although the book is aimed at young adults entering the job market, Meneses Jacobs said it’s equally valuable for parents, educators and employers.
She is currently looking for sponsorships from schools and corporations to provide the book to incoming freshman or new hires.
“It’s important that these young adults start learning these skills as soon as possible so they can position themselves for success,” she said.
A Nicaraguan American writer, editor and teacher, Meneses Jacobs has authored a collection of bilingual educational books for children in English and Spanish. She holds a master’s degree in education with a focus on curriculum and instruction. She is also president of NicaGal Media and hosts the podcast Latino Book Chat, where she interviews Latinx writers and illustrators.
Meneses Jacobs has lived in Scottsdale for 23 years. Her new book, Professional Life Skills for Young Adults: 7 Keys to Empower Career Readiness, is available in paperback on Amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble.
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