I’m going to be honest, I’m freaking out a little bit. I thought these college years felt like forever when I was studying for midterms or writing final papers. Now here I am with only two classes left feeling like, “where has the time gone?” It’s kind of funny that people call it the “real-world,” as if we have been living in a fake one all this time. I think I should change that to the “working-world.” Actually, that sounds even more frightening now that I think about it. Well, it may be scary but I have some advice on how I have been dealing with the fears of leaving my college years behind and heading into adulthood.
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First, Change That Fear To Excitement!
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You have worked so hard these past four years to prepare for this time in your life: your future. I know it can be stressful, especially if you don’t have a job or internship lined up just yet. It’s very normal to not get the exact job you wanted right out of college, especially in the current times we are in! Some people are now realizing that maybe what they studied for all these years isn’t really what they even wanna do. That’s normal too! Just be excited and proud of yourself for what you just accomplished, a college degree isn’t easy to receive. Everything else will start to fall into place with time!
- Second, Apply for Jobs Even if They Aren’t Exactly What You Had in Mind.
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For a lot of career choices, it isn’t one easy step to the top position. When I chose my major of Sports Media and Journalism, it is because I want to be a sports reporter. I can tell you right now that in six months you are not going to see me reporting for the NFL on a Sunday afternoon. It takes climbing the ladder and doing jobs you may not want to do. I have applied for countless social media jobs, public relations opportunities, writing positions, and a lot that did not even have anything to do with sports. I even applied to be a Tik Tok intern for a vitamin water company. Anything to get your foot in the door right?
- Third, Stay True To Yourself and Be Confident in That.
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This one is building off the point I just made. If you land a job in something completely different than what you had in mind, it can be difficult to feel like you’re being true to yourself. It may feel as if this is not what you care about, what you want to do or how you want to live your life. I get all of those things. It’s just important to remember that it’s not permanent and it could be a step on the way to finding something you do really care about and want to do forever. It’s part of the process of being true to yourself, finding what works for you. It’s also important to be confident in your abilities and who you are, no matter where you land. Try not to care what other people think, and don’t live to please everyone (except your boss of course), because that can be overwhelming. Know what you are capable of and don’t forget who you are along the way. Also, everyone’s paths look different so try not to compare yours to others.
- Fourth and Lastly, Enjoy What Is Left of Your College Time and Don’t Think Your Fun Is Over!
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It would be a tragedy if you wasted the last semester of your college years being stressed over what is to come. You have to enjoy the next few months and take it all in because it is true, you won’t be able to get these years back. I don’t like the misconception that all the fun years of our lives are over though. Yes, we are going to be working more and have less free time, but we are still only in our 20’s! You are still going to find me going out with friends on the weekends. As long as you prioritize your time and get the work done during the week, you still will have time for yourself. If you have a job that works weekends too, make sure you figure out time management and a way to book in time for you. It isn’t healthy to overwork yourself, even if you are a new employee or intern trying to prove your worth.
I hope these tips and advice that I offer are helpful, but it is really your journey. Navigate it well and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!