So you graduated from college… now what? This is what you’ve been working for all of your life and now you have it. It may feel a bit like the letdown some feel the day after Christmas when all the hype, presents and parties are over, but it doesn’t have to. Here are a few helpful tips on taking your newfound freedom and conquering the world.
Getting Used to Life After College
“The truth about life after college”
Great insight from a graduate about the eye-opening realities of life after college. This brave new world comes complete with paying rent, buying your own gasoline and grocery shopping. This writer issues a wise word of warning about credit card debt.
“Is there life after college?”
If you thought your life changed after you graduated from high school, wait until you see what happens after graduating from college. It’s enough to stress anyone out just thinking about it. Read this to de-stress and gain some moral support.
“Eight critical issues facing new grads”
Important issues all college graduates should consider before making any major decisions. It’s helpful to get another point of view on these important topics.
Haven’t decided what to do next? Consider this advice when contemplating your next step. Travelling or even starting your own business may be the way to go.
“How to work abroad after college”
If you’ve considered seeing the world before settling into a career but you’re not sure how to go about it this is a must read. Here are some helpful ideas about taking that giant first step.
Making educated, informed decisions just got a little easier. Read this for help with six guidelines for setting a plan.
“How to Survive the Real World: Life After College Graduation”
From people who have already been there and done that. If you believe that two heads are better than one, how awesome must hundreds of heads be, 774 to be exact?
Finding That First “Real” Job
Finding a job directly after graduation isn’t always the route college grads take, but for most it is. Many graduates turn to their school counseling centers for help. This can be a great resource but it may not be enough. The following may help give you some new insight into landing that first, coveted job.
“From college campus to corporate climate”
Learn how to transition from 17 years of the “safe haven” of a classroom to the “real world” where tests come in the form of performance reviews.
“How to use social media in your job search”
Find out how to use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to help you find a job.
“Secrets to getting your next job using social media”
Very informative article about using social media and other great ideas in your job search. The college graduate now needs to be aware of new and changing job searching methods.
Need help getting started? Here’s how to get going on an entry level job search.
“Monster College helps recent graduates find their first career”
Learn about jobs and get interview tips. See what companies are hiring now. Read articles pertaining to today’s job market.
“Tips for recent college graduates”
Here are a few tips you can really use when searching for your job. Included are resources for getting feedback on your resume, posting your resume online, networking, preparing for an interview and using your manners among others.
“The Nonprofit Career Guide: How to Land a Job That Makes a Difference”
There are many careers offered in the nonprofit sector industry. This book will help you understand what the nonprofit sector is and what it isn’t.
Two innovative approaches from effective and easy job searching to finding your perfect job, career, work at home or other business opportunity.
“Graduate’s guide to using online job sites”
Online job sites provide resources for new college grads to get their dream jobs. This article offers advice on how to use job search sites and resume posting services and gives a selection of established websites to try.
Get Your Foot in the Door
You’ve heard the saying that if you “get your foot in the door” you’ve got it made. This can be done in a variety of ways. Networking, or knowing someone in the organization who can recommend you is a great way to land a job. If you’re not so lucky then looking into doing temporary work or an internship can help.
“Get your foot in the door and stay there”
Here is some information that has some ideas about alternative methods of getting your first job.
Steep competition and a tough job market have forced some job seekers to get creative when it comes to finding a job. Learn about some of the ingenious ways some have used to get their name out there.
“More creative ways to get a job”
Here are more interesting ideas to get yourself noticed above someone else when applying for a job.
“Applying to a company where you know no one”
You don’t always know someone to network with at every company you wish to apply to. Here are some ideas of what to do and what not to do when seeking employment under this circumstance.
Advice on how to make yourself stand out against the pack of job hunters. Showcase your skills and talents in unique ways.
Do What you Love
The time you have after college is the best time to find what you love to do. You’re not burdened, for the most part, with the heavy responsibilities of a mortgage, family, or dependents. You need to have passion for the profession you choose. You cannot imagine how often people are miserable in their professional lives mainly because they didn’t think hard enough before choosing their career path after graduation.
“Five things every college grad should know”
This is no nonsense, real advice every college student and graduate should read.
“How to Get Any Job with Any Major”
Are you worried about getting a job with your particular major? Donald Asher’s book can help ease some of your fears.
“Do what you love – and other career advice”
Sage advice offered by six speakers to college students about to transition to the “real world”.
“Katie Couric’s commencement address at Williams College”
Katie Couric gives insight into what some top executives have told her over the years. She also talks about following your passion.
“How to stay positive as an unemployed college graduate”
This tough job market can really take a toll on your mind, spirit, and ego – not to mention your wallet. What you really need are some suggestions and motivation on how to keep your chin up.
Need help finding the right career for you? Read this for help in overcoming obstacles to career happiness.
“How to choose a career you will love”
Advice on basing your career choice on skills, personality, values and talents. Consider talking with someone already in the career you’re considering or even working as an intern in that field.
Not sure what career’s right for you? Get advice here on picking the right career and how to go about getting it.
Graduate School Options
Many people joke that going to graduate school is just a way to hide from the reality of finding and keeping a job in the real world, but to some it’s no laughing matter. At some point you have to ask yourself is a graduate degree really worth it or is it simply a good way to be productive and avoid a tough job market? Hopefully, the following information will give some good insight into this question and give you some ideas on what other recent grads have said about the subject.
“Graduate school – a backup plan”
Read why graduate school may be a better option than you think right after graduating with your bachelor’s degree. More student loan debt can scare away would-be graduate students but some universities help make it more attainable.
“Good luck graduate – good luck finding a job”
Career counselors say the key to finding a job is flexibility, be willing to relocate. See what other graduates have said about finding a job in this economy.
“Recent college graduates face realities”
Did you ever think that a Bachelor’s Degree was no longer a plus, but rather, the bare minimum? This author points out that it’s hard to get hired without experience, but it’s hard to get experience without getting hired. Graduate school may be the solution. The longer you wait to go to graduate school, the less likely you will be to go.
“Is graduate school worth it?”
This article takes a hard look at answering this question. There are no punches pulled here with its straight forward look at analyzing why you want to go to graduate school. Good insight as to whether or not grad school is worth the extra time and money.
Weigh the cost and benefit of graduate school, then you decide whether it is worth it for you.
“Ask the Dean: Grad school worth it?”
Should you go to graduate school immediately after graduating with your undergraduate or work for a few years before applying? See what the Dean of the Williams College of Business at Xavier University in Cincinnati has to say about it.
Earning Extra Income
A good job is hard to find in this economy. It’s never a bad idea to build multiple income streams when you’re first starting out to help pay back those loans and other expenses. Who knows, one of them could turn into your main source of income.
“Extra income ideas for college grads”
Sometimes all you need is a good idea to get motivated. Here are seven of them that you can get started on right away.
“40 plus extra income ideas and resources”
View plenty of ideas for generating a second or third form of cash-flow. Note that some ideas may be worthwhile for you and some may not, depending on your financial situation.
So much has changed in our society with the internet revolution there are a host of alternate forms of income to take advantage of if you just knew what they were. Be careful not to get sucked into “work-from-home scams”. Read this first to see some legitimate sources.
“Seven more ideas on side-jobs that can earn you cash”
After reading this you will have more ideas about extra sources of income anyone can do.
“Earn extra cash in your spare time”
Why have a second job? To pay off your debt, build up your savings, get more experience or ease into a career transition.
Living on a budget
“Feeling broke: little things add up”
“How to set up a living budget”
Sound advice to help you meet your financial goals. Assessing spending habits is a good starting point. Analyze whether you’re the frugal or the extravagant type.
“Trick yourself into saving more”
Advice on how to take advantage of the bi-weekly paycheck. Check out the information on the bi-weekly mortgage payment as well.
Here are 50 tips for living frugally. There’s bound to be at least one idea here that you can put into practice to save a few bucks every month.
Learn how to live on $34.01 a week! There are tips galore here and the best part is, it inspires you to want to do this just to see if you can.
“Budget grocery shopping tips”
Advice on how to grocery shop on a budget. There’s even a chart for recipe substitutions to fit ingredients into your budget.
“Cheap eats – save on dining out”
Eating out doesn’t have to mean splurging beyond your budget constraints. Learn how to trim back your restaurant bill while still enjoying the benefits of dining out.
“Cheap thrills: entertainment on a budget”
Twelve ideas for inexpensive or free entertainment you can do with family, friends or date night. Some of the best things in life are free.
Although you most likely didn’t see this class offered in college, couponing has become more sophisticated than ever before. In fact, some people have it down to a science.
“Warehouse shopping: how it save’s you money”
Food, clothing, gift cards/tickets, toys, gas and more – it can all be found at the big warehouse stores. The catch is you buy most things in bulk but saves you money over time. While not for everyone, it seems that most of your neighbors and friends are members of one or more of these discount stores.
“Outlet shopping – does it really save you money?”
Be careful of the word “outlet”. Here are some things to consider before making a trip to the outlet stores.
College is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and build upon your interests. Hopefully very soon you will get your foot in the door and land that perfect job. Don’t forget to be frugal with your hard-earned dollars.
We are looking for current or former students of the online universities we discuss on the site to write for us. We want to know what each school is like and answer questions potential students might have. Are the classes challenging? What's it like communicating with your professors? How was the enrollment process? Anything helps! This will be a great opportunity for you to work while going to school, and gain valuable experience that will help you in the future.
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