It feels like all you hear when entering your first year of college is “these next four years will fly by” and “before you know it, you’ll be graduating.” At the time, I thought that’s just what everyone says. But four years later, I feel like those days went by at super-sonic speed. Now, less than a month away from graduation, many in the class of 2022 might be saying, what’s next?
Full-time employment
Whether you have already accepted a position or are still searching for one, full-time employment means stepping into the world of adulting. The quick shift from student to employee comes with many curveballs, especially if there isn’t much time between the two.
Just remember, this isn’t the first big change you’ve gone through. Just four years ago, you made the transition from high school to college not an easy feat. Keep in mind that most likely, your first job won’t be your last. Take the opportunity to learn as much as you can and just what your work-life balance looks like after the college setting.
graduate school
If you plan on attending graduate school, the transition might not be too jarring but is still different from the undergraduate experience. You might have taken five or six classes a semester in undergrad, but in graduate school, you might only have three courses. While you might think this means less work, on the contrary, these courses may require more reading and research and have fewer, high-percentage assignments throughout the semester.
In graduate school, it’s even more important to take what you learned in undergrad about study habits, time management, and how you work and apply it successfully. Taking the step into graduate school means you’re almost a pro in your field. Keep the same energy for the final push, and the next couple of years will fly by just as fast as the last four!
Moving to a new area
If it’s for a job, graduate school, or just for a change of pace, some may be moving to a new area after graduation. This can be just as daunting as any other change, and you may be doing it all independently. Here are some tips for moving to a new area. If you’re moving there without visiting first, check out some of the street views on google maps and research the neighborhood for restaurants, transportation, and crime rates. Also, start packing early and plan on donating or throwing out anything you do not need.
Moving could be a physical start to a new chapter in your life and maybe scary if you don’t know anyone in the area. Take this opportunity to learn something new about the culture and life in your area, and who knows; you might even find someone you know. It is a small world, after all!
Not sure? We’re here!
Whether you know exactly what your next steps are, or have no idea, the Breen Center is always here to point you in the right direction. All Breen Center services are available even after graduation, so feel free to reach out if you feel lost or want a change from your current position. We help our fellow students and alum, and you know what they say; Once a Dutchman, always a Dutchman!
