The post-grad survival guide to navigating the transition to full-time adulting
You’ve come so far and have finally crossed the finish line….only to start again at a new start line. You’ve finished college, and the rest of your life is beginning. This feeling takes Sunday Scaries to a whole new level, but this is also an exciting time. Here is some advice from someone who has been there and is still figuring it out along the way.
- Everyone is on a different journey and at different paces, so don’t compare yourself.
There is nothing more terrifying than looking at LinkedIn right after you graduate and seeing everyone with their incredible job offers. If you’re one isn’t sure what their next step is or didn’t end up exactly where you thought you would be, don’t fret. Good things take time. Just because someone else has a position you wanted doesn’t decrease your success. Your journey is your own and nobody else’s. Everyone has their path, and no one’s path looks the same. I’m not going to lie; I frequently find myself comparing myself to others, but I think the moment you are out of college, you realize that nothing is a competition. So be patient, work hard, and good things will come.
2. Take the time your personal brand
This is the perfect time to start working on your personal brand if you’re job-hunting. Make a new website with some of your best work from college or internships. I use Wix for my portfolio, and I found it super user-friendly! I also developed a matching resume and cover letter template on Canva. No matter what kind of job you are looking for, it is a great way to show off your creativity and set yourself apart from other people who may be applying. Also, if you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn account! It’s a great way to find other opportunities and seek advice from people who may be on similar career journeys.
3. Define your terms of success and be intentional with everything to do to be successful
You should stop comparing yourself to others because everyone has their definition of success. Some people want to become a Fortune 500 CEO, some want to open their own business, and some want to lead social movements. Find what is important to you and think about where you want to be in the future. Discover your why and find out who you are. Finding success also means being intentional with everything you do to succeed on your own terms. Write out goals, find resources, learn new skills. You don’t have to do everything, but do what you can to be the best version of yourself.
As Ferris Bueller once said, “life moves pretty fast.” So take this time to breathe and start forging your path forward. Make mistakes, break the rules, and always be open to learning even after you graduate.
