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Joshua
Student
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Question
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#Spring26 How can I prepare for postgraduation?
#spring26 I am nearing where I am graduating a bachelor's degree of environmental science and I am worried that I might not have a plan after due to the amount of opportunities and I don't know where to start let alone dealing with loans and living on my own?
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Nereida Lizeth Gonzalez, MBA
Associate Relations Manager
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Riverside, California
Updated
Nereida Lizeth’s Answer
Congrats on your achievement! You're almost at the finish line.
First, it is completely normal to fear the unknown. I still fear uncertainty or big life changes. The good news is that you don’t need a perfect, lifelong plan right now; you just need a starting point. Make a short plan instead: "What do the next 6 months look like?"
Start by narrowing, not choosing forever. My expertise in Environmental science is limited however, it offers many paths (regulatory work, field research, sustainability, environmental health & safety, consulting, GIS, government roles). I would suggest picking one or two areas that interest you most and focus your job search there.
Your first job does not lock you into a career! My first job out of college was in Management at a local Retailer. Don't be afraid to apply to entry‑level roles, fellowships, or internships. Use your college's career center or alumni mentors. Take advantage of your degree skills, not just the title. Employers value data analysis, report writing, compliance knowledge, field sampling, and problem‑solving. Frame your experience around skills, even if jobs don’t say “environmental scientist” explicitly.
For your budget, there are so many free websites available that help you plan your budget to include loan pay off. I would suggest to learn your loan types and repayment options (like income‑driven plans).
For housing, think about shared housing with friends or staying flexible on location to keep costs down (living with family, if applicable). Stability first, not your ideal lifestyle.
Lastly, be kind to yourself. Feeling unsure means you care about your future—not that you’re behind. Many people build clarity after graduation by taking action, not before it. You’re not expected to have it all figured out—just to take the next manageable step.
GOOD LUCK!
First, it is completely normal to fear the unknown. I still fear uncertainty or big life changes. The good news is that you don’t need a perfect, lifelong plan right now; you just need a starting point. Make a short plan instead: "What do the next 6 months look like?"
Start by narrowing, not choosing forever. My expertise in Environmental science is limited however, it offers many paths (regulatory work, field research, sustainability, environmental health & safety, consulting, GIS, government roles). I would suggest picking one or two areas that interest you most and focus your job search there.
Your first job does not lock you into a career! My first job out of college was in Management at a local Retailer. Don't be afraid to apply to entry‑level roles, fellowships, or internships. Use your college's career center or alumni mentors. Take advantage of your degree skills, not just the title. Employers value data analysis, report writing, compliance knowledge, field sampling, and problem‑solving. Frame your experience around skills, even if jobs don’t say “environmental scientist” explicitly.
For your budget, there are so many free websites available that help you plan your budget to include loan pay off. I would suggest to learn your loan types and repayment options (like income‑driven plans).
For housing, think about shared housing with friends or staying flexible on location to keep costs down (living with family, if applicable). Stability first, not your ideal lifestyle.
Lastly, be kind to yourself. Feeling unsure means you care about your future—not that you’re behind. Many people build clarity after graduation by taking action, not before it. You’re not expected to have it all figured out—just to take the next manageable step.
GOOD LUCK!