Senior Year Checklist:
Five Things to Work on Before Graduating
Transitioning from college to post-graduation life can be overwhelming. As I am working through my first semester of my senior year, I have been thinking more and more about entering the workforce and what life looks like after graduation. Here are five main tips I have been working on myself to try and ease the stressful transition.
Update your resume and take advantage of professional development resources
There are such great resources, such as Clemson’s Center for Career and Professional Development, to give you constructive advice and that extra opportunity to stand out to potential employers. Whether simply utilizing online resume templates, tutorials, scheduling a meeting with a professional or even a mock interview, these tools and practices can really help alleviate the stress of applying to jobs or meeting with employers.
Research potential careers, graduate schools or cities you would like to work in
While job searching, you might stumble across a new career path of interest or a job in an unfamiliar city. Researching and gaining more information about these new ventures can help you gain a better understanding of what your life might look like there and give you a greater sense of control in the situation.
Familiarize yourself more with LinkedIn
LinkedIn is gaining popularity with employers and job agencies, so it would be a good idea to get more familiar with it and how you can use it to your advantage. You can feature various projects and work you’ve done, detail more of your experience from previous jobs or internships and utilize the profile section to give potential employers more insight into you as an individual. LinkedIn is also a great way to use your current connections as well as grow your network.
Reach out to an academic advisor
Academic advisors are another helpful resource that can give you more information about potential graduate programs, career opportunities, or alumni in your field. Their job does not stop at solely helping you determine which courses to take, and they want to help you succeed.
Don’t forget to enjoy it! Make sure you are setting aside time for yourself and your friends.
Although this time is stressful, that is all the more reason to check in on yourself and your friends to help maintain your mental health. Get outside, take a study break, have a movie night or anything else that helps break up your day and set time aside for enjoyment. A good balance of leisure and professional activities helps with overall well-being and productivity and that balance will be just as important in the workforce or graduate programs.
Facing the uncertainties and new opportunities associated with life after college can be both nerve racking and exciting. I hope that these tips help ease this transition and alleviate some of the stress of this adjustment period.
Written by: Olivia Hanline
10/08/2020