New Grads Checklist: Meeting Challenges, Being Involved

Many graduates exit TAFE or University studies with a casual or volunteer position and a promising future. However, many more have no idea how to get that elusive dream job or to further the position they already have. As a new graduate of the TAFE Diploma of Library and Information Services, I have been a volunteer, a casual employee at four jobs (at the same time), and now aim to become an active member of the library community. This paper will present the New Graduate Professional Involvement Checklist, which aims to assist new graduates in becoming active in the library industry. Actively participating in the industry assists new graduates to learn, communicate their ideas, rejuvenate the industry and network to create new communities. The New Graduate Professional Involvement Checklist looks particularly at conference and industry event participation, volunteering, committee engagement, library camps, unconferences and online resources. New graduates are encouraged to use the New Graduate Professional Involvement Checklist in a way that suits their needs and assists them to meet their goals.