Finished with College and Moving on into the Real World
I just graduated from college about a week ago, and now that I have officially begun my break from the world that is inside the four walls of the university setting I have some advice for my fellow graduates.
Of course, much of your preperation for breaking into the real world will be most directly related to the way you prepare in college. Some of it is the basics: get good grades, get involved, make connections with faculty and staff that will reccomend you. Beyond that, you have more control than you know!
Tip #1: Dont think you need to jump right into graduate school or even the job world immediately. There are programs like City Year (www.cityyear.org), AmeriCorp (www.americorps.org), Teach For America (www.teachforamerica.org), etc. that will not only prepare you for a career, or graduate school, but pay you in the process.
Tip #2: If you are planning on going straight into the job world, start your search early! There is no harm in applying for and interviewing for jobs even before you get your diploma. If nothing else, this will teach you interviewing skills and get your name out there to local employers.
Tip #3: Always keep in mind the insurance consequences of whatever path you chose to follow after college. For many of us, graduating means we will no longer be covered under our health insurance as full time students. Whatever path you take, keep in mind that going without health insurance for any reason is a dangerous game!
Tip #4: Be cautious of moving back in with Mom and/or Dad. While home can be a safe haven, it can also be a crutch.
Tip #5: The sooner you find a job, or make yourself a plan, the better. Ideally, you will have on before you graduate. The longer you sit around looking for something to do to fill your time, the longer it will take to actually go out and do it.
Tip #6: Use your connections! Did you do an internship that might be hiring now, or may know of a place that is hiring? Do you know someone that is in the field you are pursuing that can offer some advice or reccomendations?
Tip #7: Going back to school is always an option, but you no longer have the luxury of not knowing exactly what you want to do. Going to graduate school to get a degree in something you won't use is a waste of money. Make sure you find the cheapest way of going back to school... assistantships and scholarships!
Tip #8: Now is the time to do some soul searching! Maybe you were pressured into a specific major in undergrad, now is the time to think about what you would really like to do, and pursue that, your the one that will have to live your life!
Tip #9: If you have a large amount of student loans to pay off, keep this in mind! Some choices will mean that you need to start paying back loans were postponed until graduation. Other choices will allow you to defer them more.
Tip #10: Do what is right for you!I know that this is a scary time! For many of us, this is the first time we've had any choice in what we do to fill our days. While money is always a concern, try to do what is right for you because these decisions will affect you for the rest of your life!Good Luck Fellow Graduates!
