Life as a senior in college can be everything but easy. Whether you’re going the grad school route or taking on the task of finding a career, either can seem like the most daunting task in the world when you feel unprepared to be an adult. You know what I mean— like a real, functioning, bill-paying adult.
If you’ve ever felt like you had no clue what you were doing in terms of life after graduation, don’t worry— you are absolutely not alone. Every year, thousands of fresh-faced young students matriculate from universities across the country, and more often than not, they’re stepping into the world of adulthood without much of a plan. It can seem really scary to know that in just a couple months, you’ll be among those thousands of people too.
If you’re in this position and you’re starting to get worried about life post-grad, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Jobs fairs are your friends.
SFA puts on at least one job fair a semester, and often times different colleges even put on ones specific to the majors within them. Although it can seem intimidating to get dressed up and go hand people a résumé that may or may not seem a little empty, it’s a really easy way to network and get your face out there for employers.
2. You do need a professional wardrobe, but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.
A majority of professional jobs require a professional look. Unless you’re off to work somewhere like Buzzfeed or Google, you’re more than likely going to need a few nice outfits that you can mix and match until you start getting paid enough to buy more. The key thing to remember here is that places like Ross, TJ Max and even thrift stores can provide you with a lot of great options for a way better price than your average department store. If you need inspiration for bargain shopping, just channel your inner Mackelmore.
3. Grad school IS an option, but you’ll probably still need a job.
Unless you can snag an assistantship or a research position at the school you’re planning to attend, more often than not, you’re going to need a job to get you by during grad school. It’s important to plan for this when you’re making arrangements for your life wherever you end up. Even if it’s something that doesn’t utilize your undergrad degree— a paycheck is better than nothing. This brings me to another great point.
4. Just because you can’t find a job with your degree right now, doesn’t mean you never will.
Job markets fluctuate almost monthly, so sometimes it can be tough if there’s not a high demand for your major. It’s important to remember that jobs CAN be temporary. You don’t have to stick with a clerical job you snag last minute or even a job in the food industry or retail. If you need a paycheck until you can figure something else out, that’s OK. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and get by until you can find the right fit. It’s also important to remember though to keep looking if you don’t find what you want right away. Something is out there for you— it just might be hiding!
5. Going back to your parents’ house isn’t taboo.
Even though a lot of the older generation criticizes us darn millennials for being lazy, you don’t need to view moving back in with mom and dad as an act of laziness yourself. Living somewhere with free or even low-cost rent can be crucial after graduation, especially if you haven’t figured out the job thing yet. You can save a TON of money this way and get your bearings as you work to navigate finding a job and then eventually, your own place.
Lastly,
It’s OK to laugh about it all.
Sometimes it can feel like your life is getting way too serious, and that’s never good when you’re in such a prime time. Your twenties are a period for growth and development, and if you realize halfway down the line of your degree plan or post-grad life that you have no clue what you’re doing, that’s 100 percent alright. Have a drink, make some jokes and just make light of the situation for a night— you’ll feel refreshed the next day when you get back to grinding on that job hunt.