So, You Graduated College. Now What?

BY SAMUEL BENSON

So, you worked hard and earned your college degree. That’s great! If you are like many other people, you may be wondering what comes next. It does not matter if you have gotten a degree from a top university or a systems engineering online degree, not when real life will hit you.

Look for a Job

Job hunting is going to take a lot of time and effort. You will need to network with others and you will need to make sure your resume is up to date and professional looking. Every job that you apply to will need a new and customized cover letter. It may take you some time to find a good job and you may need to take an entry-level position, to begin with.

Find Employment

Now is the time to enter the workforce and build up experience. You will need to go to work every day and be a responsible and productive adult. In order to make the transition into this new world, you can seek out a mentor at your new job. Many jobs do offer mentors to help go over the expectations, procedures, and transition. This will make it easier for you to adjust to your new life and you can learn how to keep and hold this job.

Student Loan Repayment

Remember those loans that you took out to go to college? Well, it is time to begin paying them back. Some loans will give you a six month grace period. Do not forget about these loans or ignore them. Your credit will take a big hit and your credit score will go down. If you need help repaying your loans or cannot afford the monthly payment plan you need to contact the lender to make arrangements so you can pay something back and begin to get out of debt.

Find a Place to Live

After college, many young people are finding themselves back home. That is okay. If you are looking to make a big move now is the time to do it. You should move before you have too many responsibilities in one location. If you want to head to your dream location you should look for jobs in that area. You should also look for roommates to help with living expenses. If you are going to move to do so before you become tied down and it is much more difficult.

Learn Money Management

As an adult, you will be expected to pay your own way. Once you find a place of your own you will be paying for rent, food, utilities, and daily living expenses. You will need to learn how to develop a budget so you can handle your money. You will need to include the necessities and keep some money aside in case energy such as your car breaking down happens. When developing your budget you can include money for entertainment but it is essential that your bills are taken care of first.

Mental Health

You may have a hard time transitioning from school to work. You may not see your friends as often. It is important you take care of your mental health. There is nothing wrong with seeing a therapist to help with these feelings and keep your mind healthy.

These are some things you can expect to do once you graduate from college. While going to school is hard work, being a productive adult carries just as much if not more responsibilities. Once you have graduated, congratulate yourself for your hard work and then become a productive member of society.