We’re all familiar with the question, “What are your plans after graduation?” This question is asked more frequently, time and time again, as you get closer to graduation. Is your answer always, “I don’t have any plans”? Well then, you’ve come to the right place. Oftentimes, students tend to feel pressured to know what they want to do after graduating. You don’t want your degree to go to waste. Believe it or not, some students have graduated with a degree and never got a job that matched their qualifications.
Plan ahead of time. Without having a post-grad plan, it can be extremely difficult to find a job after you graduate. I would suggest getting started on planning to ensure that you have enough time to explore the different career options. Whether you plan to go to grad school or find a full-time job, it’s never too early to start planning. College helps you explore the different paths you can take to achieve your goals and dreams.
Do you have a job? I hear this question all the time from my parents, friends, relatives and everyone I know. But honestly, it is important to have a job or an internship in college. It prepares you for the real world and all the challenges that come with it. As a sophomore management major, I’ve completed one internship and am currently doing another internship as well. I’m on the right track for graduation and I feel very well prepared. However, that’s not the case for most college students.
Start applying for jobs early. You may not realize it, but it can take months to hear back from employers after applying for a job. According to Statista, the unemployment rate in the U.S. for recent college graduates was roughly 5.4 percent. It can be hard to find a job. But, if you start planning ahead of time, rather than avoiding the questions about your post-grad plans, it can be less nerve-wracking. I would recommend starting by deciding what industry you want to work in or what your career will be focused on.
Do some research on companies that you would be interested in working for after you graduate. It’s okay to not know exactly what you want to do after graduation, but it is important to be familiar with the options. It would be a good idea to look at the different job descriptions and requirements for the role. This way, you will be familiar with the different career opportunities that are in your field of study. I know a lot of students that are pursuing a degree but are not sure what type of careers are in the job market even after they graduate. I would recommend students apply for internships because they’re extremely valuable, a great opportunity to gain experience, and look great on your resume!
A common misconception is that unpaid internships are not valuable. However, the bigger side of it is the priceless experience that you will gain and the connections that you will make. Even unpaid internships can turn into full-time opportunities with the company. So, next time you’re applying for an internship, don’t hold yourself back just because it says unpaid. The earlier you start thinking about your plans, the more likely you will be to become successful.
