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Written by: Kevin Gardner
You've completed college and earned your degree. This is a time to be proud of your achievements, but you might be wondering what happens next now that you're no longer in school. Perhaps you feel you need a sense of direction or maybe you aren't sure what the best course of action to take is. Check out these ideas on how you can find success in post-graduate life and what you can do to improve your chances of getting into the best career path for you.
1. Start Networking
Networking is particularly helpful when it comes to making new connections, both in and out of your industry, who might be able to help you get your foot in the door. Many experts agree that career networking should be something you strive for throughout your time working, even if you are happily employed or don't think you need to engage in it. That's because valuable connections are formed during your time working, both on and off the clock. Your next job offer could be through the friend of a friend without you even realizing it.
2. Set Career Goals for Yourself
Take time to sit down and identify what you hope to achieve with your career. Are you ultimately looking for flexibility? Do you want to work for a specific company or is there a position you would like to achieve within a set timeframe? Knowing what you want to do and how you plan to achieve it is important, and the act of setting goals can help you think about and realize what you have to do in order to get to where you would like to be.
3. Begin Building a Professional Wardrobe
Depending on the industry you work in, where you live, and what your career goals are, it can be useful to build a professional wardrobe. If you aspire to a higher level of management or are in any type of position where you need to present yourself well, it's helpful to look your best. Concentrate on finding clothing that looks good on you, with cuts and colors that help you feel your best while blending within your industry. This can make it easier to appeal to employers while interviewing or networking. Another bonus is that you'll always have something to wear.
4. Save Money
Saving money after graduating can seem like a daunting task. Even if you are working in a job that is below your skill level or not part of your ideal career path at all, it is still important to save money for when hard times hit. Saving money even before you graduate can help you have enough funding to secure housing, move to a different area, or get a car, depending on your needs and what you are trying to accomplish.
5. Keep Looking for Opportunities
Once you have achieved a position within your desired industry, it's important to keep your options open, no matter what you are doing. This might mean continually looking for jobs or even going back to school to build upon your education. It is possible to find student loans that provide the type of coverage you need in order to complete a certificate or even a master's degree program. Building upon your education can make you highly desirable to employers, allowing you to get the type of position and success you've been seeking when you first decided what you wanted to do for a living.
If you are trying to succeed in life after graduating college, start by networking and making connections. Figure out a plan for your career path, and develop a professional wardrobe that can carry you there. Make sure you are saving money for current and upcoming expenses. Keep on looking for opportunities, even if it means going back to school to expand your education. These suggestions can help you do everything you set out to accomplish.