I recently started watching HBO’s new series, Girls, and I immediately related to the show’s characters. The show is about recent college graduates in their 20s who are, ultimately, trying to find their place in our complex world. The characters on the show are very representative of our generation — a college educated youth given endless possibilities, yet forced to deal with all the uncertainties that come with entering the “real world.”
If you are graduating this year, this must sound all too familiar to you. Over the past few months, everyone from my family to my friends have been asking what my plans are after I graduate. The fact that people ask me this question makes me think that they are expecting a grandiose answer along the lines of: “Well, actually I will be attending Law school at Harvard next Fall, thanks for asking”, or “I’m going to be volunteering at orphanages in Cambodia, isn’t that exciting?”
Planning ahead for after graduation can be a very stressful and exhausting enterprise. Plus, stories we hear all too often about college grads unable to find a job with their undergraduate degree do not exactly help in the matter. Feeling stressed about graduating is completely normal, but it also helps to take this uncertainty and turn it into a feeling of excitement. Graduation, after all, is supposed to be a time to celebrate your academic achievements. That being said, here are a few tips on how to deal with pre-graduation angst:
1.Think about what you want to do:
Taking the time to find out what you really like to do and what you are passionate about is really important when thinking about graduation. Think about it: if you are going to be working all day, don’t you want it to be doing something you love?
Finding out what you are really interested and passionate about is not necessarily an easy task. It may take a lot of self-reflection and time to look back on the last few years. Ask yourself questions like: what classes you enjoyed most; which professors you remember; and, what do you see yourself doing? This does not mean that you have to narrow down your interests to one particular field, but rather to keep your ideas flowing. Whether it is writing, debating, working with kids, or computer science, finding what you like to do and what you are good at will definitely help when you start looking for a job or applying to grad schools. Reaching out to a mentor can also prove to be very helpful; they can help guide you through this important period of your life.
2. Grad school and job applications:
Applying to grad school or looking for a job can be very stressful, but what is important is how you deal with this stress. Talk to you academic advisor to see if grad school is right for you and what documents you need to complete your application. Getting started early and being aware of the different options out there for you is imperative — and the same goes for job applications. Meet with your university’s career placement center and then take it from there. Networking and working your connection is also a huge part of the job search process. Knowing people does help, but don’t worry if you don’t know anyone in your field of interest; it is never too early to start reaching out and building your own connections. Remember that rejection is part of the process, and that if you get rejected from your first school of choice or from a job position, move on and apply to two new places. Rejection only means that something better will come along!
3. Get involved:
Your last year as an undergrad is the perfect opportunity to get involved in areas that are of interest to you. It’s never too late to look for an internship in a field that you want to learn more about, or to volunteer at an organization. Internships and volunteer work allow you to gain hands on experience of what working in that area is really like, and will give you a sense of whether not this is something you would like to continue later on — you don’t know until you’ve tried it! This is also your last year to be involved with your school; clubs are always looking for new members, so stop by to one your school newspapers’ weekly meetings or help out with a student peer mentorship program. Although your senior year can be a very stressful time, it is also probably the last time you will be with all of your school friends in one place. Take the time to enjoy your last year and everything your school has to offer!
4. Update your resume and cover letter:
This is the perfect time to update your resume and practice writing cover letters — and it will make applying for jobs or grad school a lot easier in the long run. Chances are you probably have already written a resume, but now is the time to update it and possibly have it looked over by a mentor, advisor, or industry professional. When it comes to perfecting your resume, presentation is key! Go over some online resume templates to get a sense of what different professionals are using, and then choose a style that fits you and the job you are applying for. Try to fit your resume onto one page and remember to maximize your space and content.
When it comes to writing cover letters, this task definitely gets easier with practice. Write a first draft with all your ideas and points that you want to emphasize about your work and academic skills, and then apply them to the job application. Make sure your cover letter isn’t too long and stays to the point; remember, you want to keep your future employer interested.
5. Keep things in perspective:
One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe sometimes, but there are thousands of other students graduating this year from your university… just like you! When you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and uncertain about your future, remember that you are not alone and that these feelings are perfectly normal and a part of growing up. Talking to your parents, your roommate, or a friend may help relieve some of that built up stress.
Also, it is important to keep in mind that the decisions you make after graduation are not final, and the career path you choose doesn’t have to be a final decision. Indeed you may decide to go back to school to pursue another degree, or change work fields completely after a few years. The reality nowadays is that most people change careers four times throughout their professional lifetime! Keep this in mind when you are narrowing down your career options. Although we desperately try to plan our lives ahead of time, the reality is that life is full of twists and turns — and you never know where you will end up. Keep an open mind and the opportunities are endless!
Photo Source:
http://www.buzzsugar.com/Girls-TV-Show-Review-22679584