With graduation season coming up, many soon-to-be grads are expected to jump with joy and excitement. While in reality, the most common feeling for graduates at this time is an overwhelming wave of anxiety about what’s coming next. If you’re wondering why you’re feeling this way and are on the lookout for tips to go through this transition as smoothly as possible (even if you’re not a recent or soon-to-be graduate), this article will provide some supporting insight for you or the graduates in your life.
Post-graduation anxiety can arise from uncertainty about the future; which could be finding a job, applying to grad school, or planning a move. Graduation for many students also means mourning the place and the friends you made many memories with throughout those formative four (or five) years of your life.
Now, soon-to-be grads, listen up: what you’re feeling is completely normal and expected– seek advice from alumni or talk with friends going through the same transition for reassurance. Breathe in and breathe out because you’re going to be okay. To manage these big plans more effectively, break it down to smaller tasks and goals. If you’re applying for grad school, make a checklist composed of smaller tasks that may include (in no particular order): meeting with an academic counselor, researching programs of interest, requesting and submitting transcripts, completing forms, etc.
For those going straight into your field, consider not only applying to jobs online, but also networking! Ask friends, family, peers, or professors if they know about any openings in your field of interest you might be eligible for. Even if they don’t have something to offer themselves, they’ll point you in the right direction and connect you with someone who does.
Take time to make your last few weeks memorable by planning activities with your friends. Attend senior events, capture memories with pictures and videos, visit that local restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to, explore nearby spots, or go to a sporting event. You could also reflect on your experience by journaling the lessons you’ve learned, your favorite memories, and acknowledge the growth and changes you’ve gone through in the years you’ve been in college. Staying in touch with your now long-distance friends can be hard, but planning ahead is key to make sure you can carry on your best friendships beyond college. Plan a reunion,a group trip to your college town, or somewhere you’ve talked about wanting to visit throughout your time at university. This will provide something to look forward to and assure a date for your friends to spend time together while navigating your new busy schedules. This could turn into a tradition to cherish the time you spent at college and create new memories with each other at a new stage of your lives.
Remember that the uncertainty you are feeling is natural and by welcoming new opportunities, following advice and hearing other’s experiences, you’ll navigate through this transition with ease. So, give yourself the grace to enjoy this milestone – props to you, grad!