You've finally done it! After countless hours of studying, cups of coffee, and stress headaches, you've donned your cap & gown, walked the walk, and have a diploma in hand. CONGRATS!
So now what? It's easy to get lost in a flurry of goals, directions, and possibilities. After all, the world is your oyster. Follow these tips to make the most of your post-graduate life.
Take Your Time. Relax. Your ultimate goal might be a corner office in a Fortune 500 company, but that will likely take some time. Continue working toward your goal, but baby steps are okay.
Read for Pleasure. Yes, you've been reading ALL year long, but staring at a textbook is not the same thing as curling up with a hot new thriller or an old classic. Allow yourself to become immersed in someone else's story; it will give you a new perspective on life, and it can encourage meaningful conversations (in an interview, perhaps?)
Persevere. Finding your path in life will take a lot of time and a lot of closed doors. That's okay! Do not get discouraged or give up.
Use Your Resources. Your college wants you to be successful because it reflects nicely upon the institution. Therefore, they have set up career centers with job postings, oftentimes exclusive to alumni from your school! Use these resources, because you are likely to meet less competition than when blindly applying to jobs on the Internet.
Work Hard. In your first post-graduate job, do not work with the mindset of "That's above my pay grade" or "That's not my job." Routinely ask your supervisor how you can help your coworkers & the company better succeed. Go above & beyond the call of duty. It will be noticed, and you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Our most important tip? Take good care of your skin. It will represent you in your first big interview!!