We asked around: “What is one piece of advice you have for students graduating college? What is one thing you wish you knew when you were graduating college?” Here’s our collective wisdom …
- It’s okay to be happy, sad, neutral, scared, or excited to graduate. It’s okay to be happy, sad, neutral, scared or excited about life after graduation. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that life goes on.
- If you don’t have a plan post-graduation, it’ll come. You will figure it out eventually.
- Trust the process.
- It’s just as important to know what you don’t want to do as it is to know what you want to do.
- Be flexible. Life won’t always go how you plan.
- No obstacle or problem is so daunting that you will not ultimately overcome it.
- Applying for jobs can be a full time job in itself and often isn’t very fun. We’ve been there, too. Something will work out. Have a cover letter template can to help speed up the job application process.
- Being yourself and showing you can hold a conversation during an interview is half the battle.
- During interviews, remember that you are deciding on the job and company just as much as they are deciding on you.
- Your first job more than likely will not be your dream job or forever job.
- You may have to work at a job that you hate for a little while. Remember, it is only temporary. Do something every day that moves you towards your goal.
- If you’re worried about your qualifications for a job, don’t sell yourself short. You’ll learn what you need as you get into the field.
- Find your fit. If the job or apartment or relationship doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Get out. You deserve more than that.
- Pay your loans on time.
- Get professional financial planning advice. It can help you get a good idea of what to do with your new income, loans, etc.
- Take risks.
- Call your family more often.
- Start your retirement planning now.
- Travel.
- Fear can be debilitating. Close your eyes and take the leap of faith.
- Get some professional work experience before going back to graduate school or professional program. You may not know what you to do for the rest of your life at 22.
- Put yourself out there. Meet new people. You’ll learn a lot about yourself through new experiences.
- Adults don’t always have it figured out. They’ve just learned how to thoughtfully improvise.
- Keep in touch with your favorite professors. You may need them to write you a letter of recommendation someday.
- Take care of yourself. Your physical and mental health are important. Give yourself breaks when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Don’t get tied down by the small details. Keep the bigger picture in mind. Will the thing that you’re losing sleep over matter tomorrow? In a week? In a year?
- Time will start moving faster than you realize. It has never been too long to pick up the phone and call someone that is important in your life.
- Do something that contributes to the greater good. Do many things that contribute to the greater good.
- Instant gratification isn’t always possible.
- Some things in life are completely out of your control.
- Stand up for what’s right.
- Ignore your self-doubt. You are worthy. You are good enough. You are capable. You matter.
Congratulations Class of 2015! Welcome to the “real world”!
Michela DeLuca
Graduate Intern