LIFESTYLE & TRAVELCOLLEGE

Setting Goals: Post-Graduation Edition

Determining what life after graduation will look like can be stressful. This article provides tips on how to prepare for the unknowns that come with becoming a college graduate.

As you embark on your final year of college, the decisions you make now can have an important impact on your future. It’s critical to begin planning for your post-graduation life. Knowing what your goals are and when you plan to accomplish them will help you avoid uncertainty about your next chapter. Let’s review what to consider as you prepare for life after college.

Living Situation

As a new graduate, you may decide to move back home with family to save money or continue living on your own or with a roommate. It’s ideal to know where you will be residing post-graduation so you can find a job in the area you’ll be living. It can be helpful to know ahead of time if you need to relocate to get a job in your degree field so you can prepare to move and start the job hunt early.

Expected Expenses

Your responsibilities — especially in terms of finances — tend to increase post-graduation. For example, you may find you have more expenses each month. Once you land a job, you will be able to calculate your income and make sure your expenses are manageable with your new salary. After graduation, you may opt for a new car, decide to lease a new apartment or home, or begin student loan repayment, all of which affects your monthly expenses. Creating a budget will help you determine if you can afford new items and avoid not having enough money to pay your bills.

Career Path

With a new degree, it’s usually ideal to establish a career in your chosen industry. According to Forbes, 60% of college graduates don’t find work in their field of study after college. For that reason, it’s important to map out your career path as you work toward graduation and research available roles so you can take advantage of opportunities that will help you land your desired position after graduation. It’s also helpful to consider if any additional higher education will be needed and how this can impact your short- and long-term finances and living arrangements.

Don’t wait until you graduate to start thinking about your goals or where you’d like to be in life. Take time during your final year of college to really understand what your dreams are. If you make your future a priority, success will likely come your way. After identifying what your goals are for post-graduation life, categorize them based on whether they are short-term or long-term goals. Try not to get overzealous and make them all short-term. Although it may feel good to check lots of things off your list sooner rather than later, it may take more time to achieve your goals than you expect. Be honest and give yourself some grace as you embark on your next stage of life.

Sources:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/after-college-goals

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesmarshallcrotty/2012/03/01/most-college-grads-cant-find-work-in-their-field-is-a-management-degree-the-answer/