It’s mid-way through the year, exams have just finished, first semester results are now fresh in everyone’s minds. It can hit anytime, but it is more likely now than ever. That exact moment when you realise exactly what you’re doing all of this for – to get an awesome highly-paid job. The scariest part is, in most of our cases, the ‘get an awesome job’ part is still a mysterious, empty, gaping hole, and that’s when the panic sets in. These spontaneous pangs of dread about your future naturally become more frequent the further you get through your degree, and the increasing worry can throw you off your studies. But fear not for a few simple steps can help you tackle those moments of anxiety, or at least make them more manageable!
Firstly, as soon as you feel that familiar feeling of future fears creeping up on you, stop yourself from letting it unravel and driving you into insanity. Easier said than done, but fretting over something that is, yes, still quite a while away, only distracts you from your educational and social life.
Take a moment to think objectively about where you are at in life – evaluate your own position. So if you’re in your first year of a four-year degree, maybe you don’t have cause for concern yet.
For everyone else who can feel themselves inching horrifyingly closer to that void of potential nothingness that awaits after graduation, it’s a good idea to keep looking and moving forward, even if you still don’t know where exactly you are headed. So brainstorm ideas about things you like to do, and things you are good at, regardless of whether or not you’ve considered a career in them or had any experience. It is true what they say, no better time than the present! Keep a notepad handy for when you’re out and you see potential jobs, companies, and even hobbies you are interested in doing. Without realising, you have build up a portfolio of areas you genuinely feel good about and make you want to learn more.
The next step is to follow up on these interests. Think about joining a new society on campus, a voluntary group or organisation, or even look for part-time jobs in places that appeal to you. For example, if you’ve always loved writing, perhaps speak to the team at Her Campus or Impact if you are interested in contributing (that’s what I did and look at me!). Whilst it may seem like a means to no end, small steps are key – as long as you are keeping yourself busy. You may not find your dream job by joining Cake Soc (although, if you do, I’m jealous), but the social and motivational experiences you are filling your time with will certainly will boost your CV, if anything.
Essentially, by allowing yourself to explore your own personal motivations, you can at least attempt to identify potential starting points for your career. Saying that, procrastination/worry time is now over, start moving career girls!