This weeks AWA or ‘Afternoons With Alumni’, comes from Post-Her-Campus-Graduate Steph Kesler. Steph took the time to fill us HC Undergrads in on what life is like after Graduation… Is it exciting?! Is it scary?! How do you handle being adult?!?!?! Steph lays it all down for us (deep breath). – KA
“It’s graduation day! You wake up early, make sure you’re looking fresh, wait in line, get choked by the graduation regalia (who invented that, seriously!), almost fall asleep in the gym, curse those who got honors with distinction (is honors even possible in first year!?), walk across the stage, get your fancy piece of paper, frantically pose for quick pics with anyone and everyone, eat dinner, and then, its over. Just like that.
For some, the “School’s out for summer” song is blaring in your head; for others, reality and panic begin to set in. University is now over, but you find yourself thinking, “what on earth am I doing with my life!?”. Grams is asking, “what’s next?,” Mom and Dad are questioning, “So what exactly do you want to do with your life?”. Can I just say damn you, Anne Hathaway and your luxurious job in The Devil Wears Prada! I’m sorry, but I would take a job at a prestigious fashion magazine any day…even if it meant working for the She-Devil.
Movies make it seem as if everyone goes off and immediately finds wonderful jobs when they graduate. Rainbows and butterflies? More like question marks and head scratching. Let’s get one thing straight, ladies, the reality is you’re probably going back to your pink childhood bedroom and that mediocre retail job you had last summer. Maybe that was just a tad pessimistic. Okay, a LOT pessimistic. I suppose I just wish I had Master Yoda whispering advice in my first-year ear. But this isn’t Star Wars.
In today’s society, there are many reasons why recent grads end up back at their childhood home. For starters, paying off that OSAP debt. The grim reaper is knocking at your door. You can run, but you can’t hide behind those new Ray Bans you probably can’t afford. If you’re lucky enough to end school without crippling debt, there’s still the fact that most recent grads have little to no experience in order to land a job.
As a recent English grad myself, I have found that the hardest thing about searching for a job is deciphering what to type into that job search box. Yes, I know, that sounds strange, but it’s true! Engineers get to type “engineering jobs,” business students get to type “marketing jobs”, etc., but what do English grads type? Writer, editor, proof reader… andddddddd, you’re out of ideas. Not to mention a lot of these jobs require years of experience to even have the chance at that entry-level position.
If I could give one piece of advice to current Western students, I would have to say GET INVOLVED. Whether it’s writing for (amazing) organizations like Her Campus or the Gazette, or gaining promotional experience in the London nightlife, DON’T STAY IDLE! Any experience is good experience! Hone in on what you MAY be interested in doing in the future, and make conscious efforts to gain experience in these fields. With that being said, volunteering may not make your wallet heavier, but it will make your resume significantly stronger.
Setting yourself apart from your fellow classmates may seem like a daunting task, but when small strides are taken, rewards will follow. This year, join a club, make new friends, take a risk, volunteer for a cause close to your heart and most importantly, become the biggest advocator for your own success!
Mom and Dad’s cooking may be comfortable, but nothing is more comfortable than a steady income and personal achievement. Bridge that gap between the present and future by building connections and experience on your way to the top.
Graduation may be over, but the learning never stops.”
We wish you the absolute best Steph!!HC XOXO