Tossed your cap? Oh, crap. What’s next?
Whether or not you’ve thought this far, the world of post-graduation planning can be stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what comes next in your journey, stick around for some advice from Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) own, Dr. Carlos Baldo, of the Davis School of Business.
In today’s age, there is an unnamable pressure to know exactly what you want to achieve and exactly how you will achieve it. Whether that means earning your next degree, or getting a promotion, the fast-paced world we live in is intimidating. My opinion: it’s okay to not have everything figured out.
In an interview with Dr. Baldo, his biggest piece of advice for graduating seniors is to get prepared. Going into your senior year is the time to seek out internships, analyze your skills as an individual, strengthen your resume and professional profiles and turn the page to the next chapter of your life.
A common misconception is that college is just a place to earn a degree. Yes, that is one outcome of pursuing higher education, but Colorado Mesa University does one better. There are a handful of resources available to students to help them better prepare for what comes after flipping your tassel.
Dr. Baldo’s first suggestion for guidance is to reach out to your advisor. They are experts in your field and are excited to help you move forward. They can connect you to internships, give advice on the transition into a career, and are one of the best forms of support to you during this time.
You don’t have to wait until a job interview to stress about preparation. After meeting with your advisor, swing by Career Services in the University Center for help preparing your resume with resume evaluations and practicing interview skills with mock interviews. Keep your eye out for college placements, where local businesses come to campus seeking new hires. This is a great time to apply your new skills in a comfortable environment.
Knowing exactly which direction to go can also be overwhelming. Some degrees can be helpful in multiple areas, and that is something to be excited for. Dr. Baldo advises you to start by identifying what skills you are good at. If you love to write, look into media and public relations, for example. When you’re able to understand what things you are good at, you are able to apply them to your job searches. Be creative in what you’re searching for and you are sure to find a good fit.
College is a time of growth, so not knowing your next move is a blessing. It’s okay to take your time and discover where you want to go next. To close our interview, Dr. Baldo referenced “Game of Thrones,” and reminded us that “Winter is Coming.” This is not meant in the sense that something bad is going to happen, but meant to encourage us to prepare for what is to come. Just because you don’t know your next move, doesn’t mean you’re going in the wrong direction. Stepping into senior year, set yourself up for post-graduation success by taking your time to grow as an individual, honing in on professional skills, and finishing your education on a high note.
