What happens right after college graduation?

Madelyn, great question. Walking across the graduation stage last summer, I was incredibly anxious due to the fact that I was completely embarking on something new. For the first time in my life, I no longer had to go to school, what I wanted to do was up to me. When you graduate, what you choose to do and what you choose to pursue is your choice to make. If you want you can work, you can intern, you can take a gap year, you can travel, you can go to graduate school, you can really do whatever you want...the options are truly endless.

Thankfully for myself, I had a job lined up for me after graduation and I started working a quick 72 hours after having received my diploma. Ideally before you walk across the stage you will have figured out and decided what you are going to do after undergrad. What people do after undergrad really varies and is contingent on their goals and their plan. If you haven't done so already, sit down and make a plan/brainstorm. What are your interests? Do you want to work? Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you need a break from school? Are you ready to go to a graduate school? The above are all questions that you need to ask yourself to help refine and decide upon the best course of action. Don't stress this, breathe as everything will be alright so long as you are prepared. Graduation is only scary if you make it so; the best thing to do is plan and devise a strategy.

Hi Madelyn!

What happens right after college graduation is up to you! You have to decide for yourself if you want to get right into the work field, attend graduate school, or travel and experience other things.

If you decide to start working right after college, make sure you are preparing yourself for this while still in college. Getting part-time jobs or internships that are relevant to your career path can be important for securing a job. This early experience will show companies that you have the skills it takes to work in the field. Attending job fairs is also something you can do. Networking with different companies and keeping in contact with them may lead you to a job right out of college. You should start applying for jobs a few months before you graduate as the job search process can be long.

If you decide to attend graduate school, this is also something to prepare for while still in college. Studying and taking admissions tests may be needed if you want to go to law school or medical school. You also want to be involved in various clubs and activities, as these roles will look good to graduate schools. Researching the schools you would want to attend and applying for them is ideally done before you graduate, so you are able to attend the following semester.

However, these aren't your only two options. You can look into study abroad programs to travel around the world or other various jobs that allow you to travel such as working on a cruise ship or becoming a flight attendant. During this time, you are still young and able to do things you may not be able to do in the future, so you may take advantage of this time.

Overall, think about these things while in college and make a plan. Preparing yourself and having a schedule will help you become successful.