Lessons Learned From A Recent Grad
A couple of months ago, I started thinking about what advice I would give someone who was in my shoes. Since quite a few of my friends are graduating in the coming weeks, I decided now would be the perfect time to share my thoughts on the notorious feeling of ‘I graduated, now what?!?!’
I hope you guys find my insight helpful. If you have anything to add, feel free to contribute!
Lessons Learned From A Recent Grad:
For the first time in our lives we are not given a syllabus that tells us exactly what to expect over the next few months or even how to go about starting the process of “launching a career”.
Throughout my life I have always been crafty, driven, and for the most part extremely lucky, but over the last few months I have found myself questioning my abilities and good fortune. I believe that I am not alone in this postgrad perplexity, so I am going to share some of the lessons I have learned on this journey to find my place in the world after college. My hope is that this advice may assist you in the coming months and put a little ease on your stress of finding a job, because you are not alone my friends.
1.) Be great at whatever you are doing right now. Yes, you may not have your dream job yet, but that does not mean you should slack off. Staying positive and working efficiently will do nothing but help you on your path to success.
2.) Stay current in your industry. Hopefully you already know this, but chances are when you go in for an interview the interviewer is going to ask you how you feel about current happenings in your chosen field. Make sure you do your homework beforehand.
3.) It may take a kick in the pants to make you soar. If you do not end up landing that position that you had your heart set on, move on as quickly as possible. The sooner you set up another interview, the sooner you will stop basking in your sorrow and start regaining your confidence. Also, a kick in the pants is a huge reality check that the world is not always as kind as our professors.
4.) Have fun, but do not be lazy. Enjoy the fact that you no longer have papers to write and tests to study for, but make sure you are setting aside ample time to research companies and apply for jobs. And yes, it is ok to make an occasional appearance at a college party for old-time sake, but try not to make a habit of it.
5.) Look at everyone as a teacher and every experience as a lesson. If you allow it, you can learn more about yourself and the world in the coming months than you ever thought possible. Listening and embracing your present situation are key.
6.) Be true to yourself-Your happiness is most important. Don’t feel like you have to sell yourself short because the economy is not at its best. Stay persistent in your search and determined to find the right job for yourself.
7. ) Make a move. You are never going to have this much freedom again in your life, so go after your dreams! There is no regret in trying, and besides, most of us do not have much to lose at this point anyway.
