Key Takeaway
There’s no right answer for what to do after college. You can accept an internship, jump into a full-time job, take a gap year, or even head back to school. The most important thing is that you choose something that aligns with your interests and future goals. Whatever your next chapter holds, remember to balance work and fun, manage your money well, and make time for yourself and your friends (old and new).
Passion project: turning ideas into action.
Graduating college is an incredible accomplishment and you should be proud of earning your degree. For many, choosing to attend college after high school was a clear decision. However, figuring out life post-graduation might seem uncertain and even complex.
The path that follows your college years doesn’t always look the same for everyone. You may decide to accept an internship, begin your career, take a gap year, get a part-time job, or you may even decide to head back to graduate school. If you aren’t sure which one is for you, we are going to explore how each of these options can help you transition to your next chapter.
Options After College
1. Accept an Internship
If you’re unsure about a career or want to experience it firsthand, internships are a great way to learn. They provide a day-to-day experience you can’t get from sitting in a classroom. You’ll get an opportunity to see if a specific field is right for you.
Oftentimes, an internship can lead to a job offer from the company or they may provide strong recommendations to help you get other jobs. If anything, internships are a great way to improve your resume if you need more experience relevant to the field you want to work in.
2. Begin Your Career
Many graduates desire to begin working right away after graduating. For this to happen, you’ll want to start your job search during your final year of school. Begin by making sure you have a strong resume and cover letter that highlight your education, skills, and any relevant experience to the job you are applying for. It is recommended to tweak your resume and cover letter to fit each job description.
You will also want to dedicate a specific amount of time each week to look for job openings and connect with as many professionals as you can. Let them know that you’ll be a recent graduate who is excited and eager to start working. Remember, even if you don’t start with your dream job, an entry-level job is a great way to gain experience, hone your skills, and work your way up to your ultimate career goal.
3. Take a Gap Year
If you feel as though you need some time to recharge after working hard on your degree, you may decide to take a gap year. Take this time to explore new opportunities, such as traveling, volunteering, making a positive impact, or even discovering new interests. Decide why you want to take a gap year and what you want to achieve.
A common misconception is that employers will look at a gap year negatively but it is quite the opposite. The skills and experiences that you develop during your gap year actually add to your job applications. You’ll be able to share your experiences and stories during interviews and your learned skills will be incredibly useful in any job.
4. Get a Part-Time Job
You may consider getting a part-time job after college to help financially while you are applying for full-time jobs. Even if it’s not related to your chosen field, it can help you build skills, gain work experience to add to your resume, and allow you to find tasks that you like doing. You may find that your part-time job can turn into a full-time position. Some great part-time jobs include:
- Server
- Retail Associate
- Nannying
- Receptionist
- Delivery Driver
5. Pursue Further Education
If you’re pursuing a career that requires continuing education or you’d just like to increase your earning potential with a master’s degree, you may decide to go back to school. Since you’ve just graduated and are most likely still in an academic state of mind, it could make it easier to stay in the groove. This way, you’re already used to studying and living the college lifestyle. Remember, it is additional money and tuition, so make sure you evaluate what you really want to do and what your career goals are before making the choice to go back.
Embracing Life After College
Whatever option you choose, take care of yourself by prioritizing a healthy work-life balance and managing your money wisely. This way, you’ll be able to embrace every opportunity that comes your way.
Budget: Track your income and expenses so that you can ensure you are living within your means and can put money towards financial goals you have like purchasing a new car, paying off your student debt, or saving towards a down payment.
Manage Student Loans: If you have student loans, it is crucial to understand your interest rate and repayment schedules. Figure out what payment plan will be the most manageable for you and make timely payments to avoid penalties.
Set Work Boundaries: You have a set number of work hours for a reason, so stick to them. It can be tempting to check emails or continue working after these hours, but it can quickly lead to burnout.
Prioritize Self-Care: Between work, friends, chores, and errands, where does one find the time to prioritize themselves? Make sure you are finding time for the things that rejuvenate you, whether that’s a morning walk to get coffee, applying a face mask, or watching a show before bed.
Stay Connected with Old Friends: College is a special time when you get to see your friends often. After graduation, staying in touch can be challenging as people move away for jobs or get busy with their lives. Make an effort to keep your friendships strong by scheduling regular calls, video chats, or visits.
Build a New Social Circle: Leaving college doesn’t mean leaving behind friends. Use this new chapter to find ways to connect with people who share your interests, whether it’s through regular gym classes or joining a local book club.
Final Thoughts on What’s Next
Graduation is a big achievement and the start of a new chapter in your life. Remember, there isn’t one right path; you can explore internships, start a job, take some time for yourself, or continue your education. Regardless of what you choose to do, aim to have a good balance between work and life and manage your money wisely. Keep learning, build meaningful connections, and go after opportunities that align with your long-term goals. As you begin your next chapter, embrace all that is to come in life after college.
Planning out your next chapter? College Raptor has the tools to help you find your perfect fit, whether it’s a career or further education.
