The looming presence of graduating sneaks up on all of us, creating this sinking feeling in our stomachs at the realization that school is over. I know that I constantly worry about what’s next because the guiding force of school that once ruled my life will no longer be around and I have to start making decisions for myself. It feels like this choice of what to do after college is going to affect the trajectory of your life, so it’s important to build an idea of what you want to do after graduating. Making this decision doesn’t have to be scary or be the end-all-be-all because it’s all about the experience.
The most important thing I feel must be done for graduation is to make a rough plan for what you want to do. Whether that be going to graduate school, traveling, securing a job, or taking time to yourself, try to sketch out an idea of what you want to do so that at least you have some structure to build off of. These four options are just a few of what you can do after college, but I think it would be helpful to talk about where to go with them.
Graduate school is a great option for those who want to pursue higher education that interests them, which will also help them in the future job market. If you went to a larger school like UMass, sometimes it can be hard to connect with your professors; the graduate programs are often very small and allow you to work closely with mentors and professors. You’ll receive a more advanced degree, which will, in turn, help you find higher-paid and high-level jobs. Experience in graduate school is another reason to consider this option because you’ll be acquiring a more specific, in-depth understanding of your concentration.
You’re young, with plenty of time on your hands after graduating college, which makes it the best time to travel your heart out. You can take some time to see the world before you’re tied down to a job with other responsibilities. You’ve been in pretty much the same place for four years, taking time to go explore can feel refreshing and freeing. You’ll also get a better sense of where you might want to live in the future. Being confined to the United States isn’t for some people and they find happiness living in another country. You’ll expose yourself to a plethora of new cultures and gain a new understanding of world relations. Take this time to discover yourself and what you want to do in the future and where you’d hope to end up.
Securing a job can be stressful because where do you even start, and what do you even look for? The best way to avoid that anxiety is to use resources specifically for job hunting that narrow down your search and also allow employers to connect with you. Sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job search platforms are the place to visit when you’re feeling stuck on what your future plans might look like. They can give you a general idea of what’s out there but also show you a generalization of what most employers are looking for, which you can use on your resume and when answering questions during the interview. You can gain the necessary experience and even find your lifelong dream job while on the hunt. It’s important to note that the first job you find doesn’t have to be your last. You are a free agent with the ability to leave and stay wherever you want. If something isn’t the right fit, feel free to go in another direction, because otherwise, you’d just be wasting your time.
Sometimes the pressure of school can get to you and you need a break. I think we all get the feeling of “senioritis” where we just can’t wait to be done and relax for a little while. Taking some time off for your mental and physical well-being is sometimes the best option, especially after a big milestone like graduating. Really sit down with your thoughts and feelings about the future and focus all your energy on recovering and planning with no distractions. It’s okay to feel burnt out and not want to jump right into the next thing. As long as you accomplish what you were looking for in that time off, that’s all that matters. Just make sure this doesn’t turn into something that lasts longer than its expiration date, because you’ll just be stagnant at that point.
Overall, post-graduation plans are scary and can be hard decisions to make, so it helps to have a rough understanding of what’s out there for you. Know that once you choose to do something, it doesn’t have to be the total end goal for the rest of your life, it’s simply a starting point for you to discover piece by piece where you want to end up.
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