It’s Graduation Season!
This brings back so many memories! It’s been exactly two years since I graduated from university. I can remember the feeling of leaving my final exam of undergrad – it was a mixture of nervous excitement. I was so excited to finally be done school, but anxious because I didn’t know what the “real world” had in store for me. This is such a common feeling for grads, so I wanted to take the time to write an advice post for all the new grads out there.
1. So It Begins!
First of all, congratulations! It’s a huge achievement to complete your degree. But don’t stop here. Your life is only just beginning! Remember to live in the present and make the most out of every opportunity.
2. Find Your Passion
Diving straight into a job after university is a great way to get ahead on student loans. It can also be a great way to figure out what you don’t want to do for the rest of your life. It’s no fun to be stuck at a job you hate, so take the time to reflect on what you want to do. Ask yourself the following questions.
- What do I like to do?
- Am I good at any of these things?
- Can I make a living from doing these things?
Check out our How to Find Your Dream Career blog post for a journal prompt exercise you can do to find your dream career.
3. Take Risks While You Are Young
Do you want to become a part-time vlogger while traveling the world? Do it!
One of the best times to take risks is your early 20s because you likely have not settled down yet, so you have fewer responsibilities. This gives you the freedom to explore and find out what you are passionate about.
4. Cherish Your Relationships
When you are starting this new chapter in your life, it is easy to get caught up in the moment, so you start to neglect your family and friendships. My favorite quote for this topic is “No matter how busy you are, or how busy you think you are, the work will always be there tomorrow, but your friends might not be.”
For more inspiration, check out this awesome collection of quotes for new grads by The Muse.
5. Define Your Success
My final piece of advice for all the new grads is to define your success. It can feel like a race with your peers to see who can get the best job, make the most money, and be the “most successful” at this time. Throughout your academic career, you have been taught to equate success with good grades, but now is the time to define your version of success.
You can spend your life chasing someone else’s dreams, or you can define your success and begin to live according to your terms.
Read Next: Success Kills! Why You Need to Define Your Success.