Congratulations, you’ve earned your college diploma! You should be so proud of this achievement!
Graduating from college is a big advancement in your educational and professional career. It is also a huge milestone in your personal life. Determining what to do after graduation will help you create a plan to keep you motivated and focused during this exciting transitional stage.
Perhaps some of you have already lined up your first position, whether from your practicum experience or through a new employer. Others are actively looking. To ensure you reach your full potential, we have compiled eight pieces of advice for graduates to remember as they enter the workforce.
1. Set Goals – in Increments
Professional goals are something to be proud of. They show that you're motivated and driven to succeed in life. To avoid overwhelming yourself with a list of ‘end goals’, start small with incremental goals that will one day lead you to your dream job or lifestyle.
2. Practice Your Social Skills
The importance of having good social skills should not be underestimated. Did you know that networking is one of the most successful ways of finding a meaningful job and attaining career success? 80% of professionals consider networking essential to their career success, with 100% of people believing that face-to-face interactions build stronger long-term relationships.
When it comes to your career, developing and maintaining your social skills can help to make lasting impressions on employers, colleagues, and industry experts.
3. Trust the Process
Naturally, the next step after earning your Diploma is securing employment. That may take a few interviews with some exciting twists and turns.
Remember, not every job will be the right fit for you and that’s ok. Stay positive, determined, and confident in your abilities – the right job is out there waiting for you!
4. Develop Interview Skills
To ensure you give yourself the best chance at success, it is extremely important to prepare in advance for an interview. This way you will feel more confident in yourself and your ability to answer interview questions. To optimize your chances of securing a great job, check out our interview tips article.
5. Spend Time Outside Your Comfort Zone
Often it is necessary to step outside your comfort zone to gain new experiences and grow as an individual. This behavior is good practice for both your career and your personal life. Stepping outside your comfort zone can inspire creativity by encouraging you to think in alternative ways.
6. Set Realistic Expectations
If you are new to your field's job market, recognize that you may need to start with an entry-level job. For example, if your goal is to become a manager, working in different roles can give you a deeper understanding of managing a team. By setting realistic expectations based on your individual situation, you will be less likely to compare yourself to others who might be further along in their careers. This will also bring you greater job satisfaction and make the journey to your dream role more enjoyable.
Remember, never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Everything takes time, and practice makes perfect.
7. Keep Learning
Just because your formal education has come to an end doesn’t mean that your path of learning is over too. Learning new things can boost self-confidence and self-esteem and help to find meaning and purpose in life. It’s a great way to keep yourself employable in the job market and even more importantly, it’s vital to keep your brain active and healthy. In an ever-evolving world, there are so many opportunities to learn, and that includes outside the workplace and college.
8. Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labour!
Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back – your hard work and dedication have resulted in a huge accomplishment, and it is important to enjoy your success and commend yourself for a job well done. Take time to celebrate your success but don’t lose sight of your objective: a new career and a brighter future!
Sundance is Here to Help!
At Sundance, we are dedicated to supporting our students’ success, and that doesn’t end in the classroom. After all, we’re as excited as you are when you land your dream job!
To propel you forward toward that moment, our Career Services team provides a full range of supportive services to graduating students, such as resume preparation, interview skills, and job search techniques.
For those who haven’t yet started their journey toward a new career, simply fill out this form. Your personal Admissions Advisor will be in touch to answer all your questions and start you on the path to becoming a proud Sundance Graduate.