The Post-College Freak Out

by Foram Mehta

I still remember the days when you counted the years until you moved into the next block of school. As an 11-year-old, you couldn’t wait to leave behind elementary school and being surrounded by tag-playing, nose-picking, nap-taking “children” for the mature middle-school crowd, who transitioned in between classes with style and hung out casually by those oh-so-cool lockers dishing the latest dirt about the cafeteria lady’s secret life.

As a 14-year-old, it wasn’t soon enough that you graduated to the glamorous life of a high-schooler. Football games, dances, boyfriends – oh my! Let’s not forget driving, prom, and the the final lap to official adulthood – the big 1-8 birthday(!) that only drew you closer to escaping your over-protective, restrictive parentals and brought your mandatory public education to a grand finale.

Of course most of us were still itching at the end of that milestone to start the new chapter of our lives as big, bad, college students: the intellectual (and social) elite. Finally – the freedom we’d been craving for! The parties, the late classes – the LIFE! The best four years could also be the worst when it came to the new responsibilities of surviving on your own, the hangovers, and of course – the dreaded all-nighters.

Now it seems, we’re coming to the end of the age when the next step isn’t as desirable. Of course, change is always good and moving forward is only necessary – but it’s scary! Being in college made us adults. But for most of us, the financial and emotional support from our parents was still like training wheels on an uber-fancy bike – kind of a negating factor. Without that security blanket, the real world looks a lot more gritty than when we were looking at it through the rose-colored glasses (funded by our parents, probably). So, what now? What happens when you put on your final gown and toss up the last cap? Life starts – and that’s enough of a statement to stop many short of breath – including me!

Before you start dragging breaths in and out of a brown paper bag, know that there are definitely ways to cope and get ahead of the game, so come graduation time, you’re not biting fingernails about your post-college plans.

Start Job Hunting – Now!

You may not be graduating for months – maybe not even for a year, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared. You don’t want to be left without your stash of food for the winter – and you DON’T want to be facing post-graduation without a clue of where you’re headed.

• Look into your school’s career services – chances are that there is more than one resource to help you tweak your resume and learn how to get it in the right hands.
• Attend job fairs armed with a crisp resume and polished look – first impressions are a big deal!
• Talk to your advisor about what she can recommend your next steps should be.
• Talk to your professors – many of them were professionals in their fields or still know many. Even if they can’t set you up with a job, getting to know them may really pay off when you need those recommendation letters.
• Look into internships – any and all. Don’t be choosy about only finding one that pays, because most don’t. It’s the experience that employers look for – and in a job market like this, you need all the edge you can get. It also doesn’t have to be something you are necessarily hoping to do in the future. If it is something related to your degree and your dream job and can teach and hone your skills, it’s beneficial. The point is to LEARN and be GOOD at what you learn!

Have a Back-Up Plan

It’s never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. You could be the most well-trained and qualified person for a job, but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get it. It’s a hard truth to accept, but it’s the way the cookie crumbles. Having a Plan B will balance out your aspirations and help you deal in case things don’t go the way you originally planned.

• Take some extra courses that teach you practical skills. Adding a certificate to your degree might be your ticket to employment bliss – whether it’s your dream job or the one that’ll help pay the bills while your search for it.
• Look into programs Like Teach for America or the AmeriCorp. that allow you to do some great work, make a little money, and give you both time to keep job hunting and credentials to pad your resume.
• Stay open-minded. You might have to work some odd jobs before you land the one you want, but in the end it’ll show your persistence and responsibility. Not to mention, your independence will only boost your confidence and feeling of self-worth while proving to your family and friends that you can make it on your own!

The key thing to remember is: don’t freak out! There are lots of resources and people out there to help you climb the ladder to success, but it’s important to keep in mind that a few missing rungs might make the trek somewhat stressful. With that said, be smart, be resourceful, and breathe! Life is about to begin – and chances are it’s going to be a crazy ride…