It’s a phrase that I feel like many college students are either anticipating or dreading depending on the time of the semester. Big projects, tests, finals, the whole nine yards can make walking across that stage the sweetest moment, but I think for most of us, the ‘after’ is just an end-goal to make it through the semester.
I graduated in May of this year, and I won’t lie, it really was the greatest moment of my life. It was amazing to see all that hard work, sacrifice and dedication finally pay off in the biggest way: I was a degree richer and a part of an entirely new tier of people in America, or at least that’s what it felt like. I reveled in it, framed my diploma, but then I was faced with something I feel like all of us will feel: now what? It was time to trade the textbooks for resumes, and erase all those Google searches on ‘Falkner’ and turn them into ‘How to Successfully Interview’. I was terrified, but I am here to tell you to relax, breathe and stop worrying if you are because, it really isn’t that bad.
If I could, I would like to offer a few tips to make that transition from ‘college student’ to ‘working adult’ a little easier. First off, use the ‘working adults’ in your life to your advantage. I know it seems like such a trivial thing when you have four tests and a quiz in the coming weeks, but those connections will help make your life a little less complicated in the ‘after’. I’m not saying it will guarantee you a job, but I recall how nice it was to just go and sit down with my professors, supervisors, and so forth to talk about life after college and even get pointed in the right direction by some of them. I was a student assistant for two years in the SHSU Online department, and all of my coworkers were helpful in everything from building my resume to walking me through what to expect once I had that piece of paper.
Experience, experience, experience! Yes, it’s redundant and I know you are sick of hearing about it, but unfortunately we live in a generation where most jobs starting out want something other than college on your resume. Experience doesn’t necessarily mean outright work, but rather being involved in your community and garnering knowledge that will help you be a successful investment that the company is making in you. Again, I’ll stress Sam Houston’s resources because they are definitely out there for you. Take advantage of them.
Lastly, I say take a minute and be proud of yourself. Perhaps it doesn’t feel like it right now, but succeeding in college is an enormous deal. You are here because you want to have a better life and maybe it won’t be instant gratification after you walk across that stage (though I definitely hope it will), but the future will be bright if we make it.
I was fortunate enough to get a job right out of college and for that I’m grateful. All the tips I listed aren’t just ideas, but actual tools I utilized to get me to where I am today. Remember: this school is here for you. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of that.