Let’s be real for a second…graduating isn’t going to actually hit us until we are walking onto the quad, holding our diploma in our hands. Sure, we can go and get our caps and gowns, cords, take graduation pictures, etc. but we won’t feel like graduates until we walk across that stage. As we sit in the seats draped in our black gowns with our gold and maroon tassels dangling from our hats, we’ll probably have a million thoughts going through our heads like “holy hell it’s hot out here” “I hope I don’t trip when I go on stage” “Does my hair still look curly?” and “Wait…now what?!”
Some of us may be staying for graduate school, going to a different grad school, starting a new job, or moving back home. Regardless of where life will take you after May 10th, the reality is .. you will be a recent college graduate and you’re going to need to know how to deal.
Grad SchoolLike I said, some of you may already have made the decision to continue your education. If you didn’t think grad school was for you but you have yet to secure a full time job maybe you should consider staying for grad school. In today’s society, the more education you have the better. When you’re going to a job interview it’s going to look really good to see that you have a Master’s Degree over someone going for the same position with only a Bachelor’s. You don’t have to decide this right away. Go home, travel the world, take a part time job or a full time job – it’s never too late to decide to go back to school.
InternshipsYes, most of us had to do an internship during our years at BU but did you really do one to learn or did you do it just to earn the credits? Regardless, don’t shut out internships as an option after graduation. If you get the opportunity to intern with a company, do it! You never know where an internship could lead you – you will make new connections and maybe even land yourself a job at that company later down the road! If you can’t find an internship that is paid, make sure the unpaid internship that you are doing is worth your time-remember you’re a recent graduate likely with loans to pay off.
Take Chances
So you got offered an internship in London? Go ahead! Travel the world! This is the time to do it. Take a class to learn a new skill and start planning to make a business with it. Be daring within your means – the world is at your fingertips.
Stop worryingSeriously, stop worrying. It will all work out as it’s supposed to. Who cares if your best friend got her dream job three weeks ago before you’ve even graduated? Be happy for her, you will too!
Perfect Your ResumeYou can never perfect your resume enough. There is still some time left in the semester, utilize the Career Development Center.
ExerciseIf you’re staying for grad school you have no excuse. You balanced school and working out before, you surely can do it again. However, if you are starting a full time job after graduation you may be wondering how you’re going to fit in your daily exercise. Trust me, you’re going to want to find a way especially if you’re going to be sitting at a desk all day. Waking up early may be for some of you but most likely you’re going to opt for working out after work. Go to the gym straight from your job otherwise you probably won’t make it back out after you go home. Your body will thank you later.
Save Up
Drink specials will now be more expensive than $2 you-call-its or $3 pitchers. And I can guarantee you’re not going to find 25 cent (ugh, 50 cents now) beers anywhere… ever. Limit your days of going to happy hour with co-workers, you can use the money on more meaningful things than alcohol now. And those crop tops from Tobi that you just HAVE to have…no, you don’t. First off, you’re out of college. Second, they will be out of style next season and you’re going to be left with shirts you’ll never wear again instead of money you could have had in your pocket. You’re likely going to have rent and bills to pay and you’re going to want to save up for things you really need. It’s probably not going to be as easy to ask mom and dad for some extra spending cash once you graduate.