Excited for graduation but intimidated by what’s next? You’re not alone! The first year after earning your degree can be filled with uncertainty, but with the right planning, this can be one of the most exciting and impactful years of your life. Whether you’re jumping into a new job, or still figuring out your next chapter, make the most out of your time post-grad by taking note of these helpful tips.
- Resist comparison: Theodore Roosevelt once wisely said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” While it can be easy to compare your progress post-grad to that of your peers, this will only hinder your growth. The pressure of graduating, getting a job, and entering the “real world” can create some understandable anxiety. Keep your expectations realistic and focus on your own progress. You’re not expected to have everything figured out right away, so give yourself time to adjust to your new circumstances. Only compare where you are today with where you were yesterday and where you want to get to tomorrow. You got this!
- Start career building: Whether you have a job lined up or are still searching for the right one, your first year after graduation is a great time to focus on building your career. Network with professionals in your field, attend job fairs, utilize LinkedIn, and consider taking on internships or volunteer opportunities to gain experience. Your dream job could be right around the corner.
- Hone in on your hobbies: When working toward your goals, it can be easy to get caught up in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle and neglect a healthy work-life balance. Use this time as an opportunity to continue a hobby or even pick up a new one. Activities outside work and school environments are essential for stress relief, personal growth, creativity, social interaction and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Never stop learning: Just because you've graduated doesn't mean you’ve finished learning. There are endless opportunities to learn and advance your career, whether you attend workshops, seminars, or networking events. You might even want to explore Herzing’s many pathways to other degrees or expand your experience through new certifications and continuing education. Keep your skills up to date and learn new ones by exploring after graduation.
- Keep in touch with those who support you: College is a time when many lifelong friendships are formed, and it's important to maintain those relationships even after graduation. Try to stay in touch with your peers and professors. Herzing University has a variety of alumni services to make it easy to connect with fellow graduates. Not only are they valuable professional connections, but they are also an integral part of a strong support system. Feeling supported in your journey post-grad will give you the confidence to flourish in any endeavor.
- Manage your finances: As you get accustomed to life post-graduation, it's imperative to be financially responsible. Managing your finances after college lays the foundation for your future financial stability and can keep opportunities to explore hobbies, travel and enjoy life now and years down the road. Paying off student loans, creating a budget and saving for emergencies and future goals can help you achieve financial independence and avoid the unnecessary stress and debt-related concerns so many of us think about.
- Be open to change: With any major change comes a sense of unpredictability, but embracing the change as a new chapter in your life is important. Embrace new experiences and opportunities, and don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Throughout your experience, maintain your momentum by staying positive and motivated. Success is not linear! Your first year will be full of ups and downs, but the way you handle these experiences will determine what your future has in store.
Herzing University is proud to support ambitious individuals with the tools to succeed in their academic endeavors and beyond. If you’re looking to take the next step toward a new and rewarding career, explore our variety of online and in-person program pathways in in-demand fields. And if you’re about to graduate or recently did, remember to connect with our Alumni Center and the variety of resources we offer.
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* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2021. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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