5 Tips for Life After College: A Guide To Living Life As An Alumni
5 Tips for Life After College: A Guide To Living Life As An Alumni
A how-to on networking, beginning your career, and what to do with your life after graduating college.
First and foremost, congratulations, Class of 2023; graduating college is no small feat. You have survived “8AMs”, several all-nighters, and a million and one team projects, all while balancing being a part of clubs and organizations and having fun with friends. But now that it is all over, the question that many of us pushed to the back of our minds has resurfaced “What will I do next?” As nerve-wracking as that question may be, remember that there is beauty in the unknown – it allows for self-discovery. In an attempt to ease your nerves, here are some tips to reduce your anxiety while you enter into a new chapter in your life.
1. Join your school’s alumni network:
The beauty of attending college is connecting with people from all walks of life with different aspirations and goals. Furthermore, your school’s Alumni network grants you access to individuals who may have taken the same class as you but now have a career that interests you. Use it to learn about different job opportunities and how someone who was once in your shoes got there. Join BU Connects to gain access to personal and professional networking on a global scale.
2. Continue to Educate Yourself:
Because many of us won’t be students reporting to a classroom anymore, we are still students of life. Post-grad takes the time to learn a new skill, stack up on certifications for your job, or read a book. All of which can help you become a competitive candidate and just an overall well-rounded person. The more you learn, the more you’ll grow.
3. Travel and Explore the World Around You:
If you can, post-grad, use the time to travel. Traveling allows you to immerse yourself in new cultures and gain valuable perspectives. These skills could even help you to work better on a team in the future.
4. Attend Career Fairs/Networking Events:
Career Fairs are a one-stop shop for graduates to connect with employers and learn about the different opportunities. At the same time, networking events enable you to communicate with people in a desired industry and learn about the daily routines and, more importantly, what it feels like to work at a particular company. Attending both types of events will help you build your professional confidence and steer you down the right career path.
Fun fact: the BU Alumni Association hosts networking events and career-building events throughout the year. You can check them out on their website.
5. Bask in the Moment:
Again it is okay not to know exactly how your life will pan out. As the late Albert Einstein once said, “Life is a preparation for the future, and the best preparation for the future is to live as if there were none.”
Graduates, remember that you are not supposed to have your life all figured out; however, I hope these tips will aid you in leading with purpose, grace, and curiosity as you leap into this next phase of your life. Good Luck, Terriers – you’ll be amazing.
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