The next chapter: What to do after college

While life after college has new responsibilities, you can still experience a fulfilling life by creating a budget, managing student loans, setting work boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and staying socially connected.

The next chapter: What to do after college

Graduating from college is an incredible accomplishment, and you should be proud of earning your degree. In addition to it being a personal achievement, graduating with a degree opens doors to many career paths and job opportunities. However, even if choosing to attend college after high school was a clear decision for you, figuring life out post-graduation might still seem uncertain—and even complex at times. With so many options ahead of you, which one should you choose?

If you aren't sure about what to do after college, here are 10 options that can help you as you transition into your next chapter.

10 potential pathways for what to do after college

The path that follows your college years may not look the same as your classmates' - that's to be expected. The most important thing is that you choose something that aligns with your interests and future goals. Here are 10 potential pathways you may consider:

1. Take up an internship

Internships are a great solution if you're unsure about a career or want to experience it firsthand. An internship provides a behind-the-scenes look at a job, along with day-to-day experience you could never get from sitting in a classroom. You'll get a more realistic expectation of what the job involves, how you fit into that role, and whether or not it is the right choice for you. Working in what you may think is a ‘dream job' could be far from the reality.

An internship can often lead to a job offer from the company; if they don't give you an offer, they may still provide strong recommendations to help you get a job elsewhere. Regardless, internships are a great way to improve your resume if you need more experience relevant to the field you want to work in. They also boost your chances of getting a job in more competitive companies and industries.

2. Begin your career

Many graduates aim to go to work directly after graduating. The sooner they start earning an income, the sooner they can pay off their student loans and become debt-free.

If that's your plan, you'll need to start searching for job opportunities during your final year of college. Begin by working on a strong resume and cover letter that highlight your education, skills, and any experience relevant to the job you are applying for. Remember to customize your resume and cover letter to fit each job you're applying to.

You will also want to dedicate a specific amount of time each week to looking for job openings and connecting with as many professionals as you can. Let them know that you'll be a recent graduate who is excited and eager to start working.

Remember, even if you don't start at your dream job, an entry-level position is a great way to gain experience, hone your skills, and work your way up to your ultimate career goal.

3. Take a gap year

If you feel you need some time to recharge after working hard on your degree, you may decide to take a gap year. If you're unsure about what career path to pursue, a gap year can give you the time, space, and opportunity you need to get clarity on your future goals.

Those who take gap years often use this time to explore new opportunities, such as:

• Traveling
• Volunteering
• Making a positive impact in the community or abroad
• Discovering new interests
• Spending time with friends and family

The most important thing about taking a gap year is that you determine what you want to achieve during this time. Without a plan, you may end up wasting precious time. It generally doesn't matter what you choose to do as long as it's part of a plan.

Is taking a gap year viewed negatively by employers?

Believe it or not, no! The skills and experiences that you develop during your gap year can actually add to your job applications. You'll be able to share your experiences and stories during interviews, and the skills you've learned will be incredibly useful in any job.

4. Get a part-time job

Taking up a part-time job after college can help financially while you are still applying for full-time jobs. Even if the part-time job is not related to your chosen field, it can help you build transferable skills, gain work experience to add to your resume, and allow you to find tasks that you enjoy doing. You may even find that your part-time job can turn into a full-time position.

When it comes to part-time jobs, the opportunities are endless. Some great part-time jobs to consider include:

• Restaurant Server
• Retail Associate
• Nanny
• Pet Walker
• Pet Groomer
• Receptionist
• Delivery Driver
• English Tutor

5. Pursue further education

If you're pursuing a career that requires continuing education, or if you'd just like to increase your earning potential with a master's degree, you may decide to go back to school. Since you've just graduated and are most likely still in an academic state of mind, you may find it easier to stay in the groove. Earning a master's degree could open up doors to even more job opportunities and higher-paying positions. It also qualifies you for specializations that will help you advance in your career.

However, while higher education offers several benefits, don't use it as an alternative simply because you cannot think of what career path you want to pursue. Getting a master's degree usually costs a lot of money—and that could mean additional student loans for you. Take the time to evaluate what you really want out of your future and what your career goals are before you choose to go back to school.

6. Apply to become a research assistant

Becoming a research assistant isn't for everyone, but it could be a great option for anyone considering graduate school or a future in academia. Many institutions hire recent graduates as research assistants in various fields like science, psychology, literature, or history. You'll get hands-on experience and build closer connections with the college's faculty.

If this sounds like something you'd like to do but you aren't sure what it involves, reach out to your former professors to inquire about potential research opportunities and what you'd need to do in those roles. Besides giving you substantial research experience, working closely with a professor can significantly enhance your chances of securing an academic position at the university.

7. Study abroad

Many people associate studying abroad with something you do while you are still in college, but you can actually study abroad after college. If international experience is something on your bucket list, there are a few options you can explore:

• Graduate School Abroad: Some students choose to pursue higher education overseas.
• Language Immersion Programs: If you don't want to commit to getting another degree, you can enroll in a short-term language program and gain travel experience while learning a new language.
• Work-Study Programs: Some countries allow you to take classes and work while visiting.
• Certification Programs: Depending on the industry you hope to work in, you may be able to earn a special certification in a different country.

8. Start a business

For all you entrepreneurs out there, starting your own business right after college might be the best move for you. Since you're fresh out of school, you likely have more flexibility, fewer financial obligations, and aren't tied down to a full-time job that takes up most of your time. Whether it's freelance service, an online shop, or a tech startup, now could be the time to explore.

9. Join the Peace Corps

If you want to travel the world and make a real impact on communities, consider joining the Peace Corps. This is a volunteer program run by the United States that sends Americans to places in need of support for education, health, agriculture, the environment, and community development. After serving in the Peace Corps, many volunteers return to the States to find new doors open to them for opportunities and careers.

10. Pursue your passions

Not everything you do after college has to be about building a career. If you're feeling unsure of what to do or are feeling burnt out, pursuing a passion project could be a smart idea to help you explore the things that genuinely interest you. Some common passion projects include:

• Writing a novel
• Starting a podcast
• Producing music
• Volunteering for a specific cause
• Starting a blog or vlog

The idea of a passion project is to reconnect with your creativity. There should be no pressure to monetize it, but who knows—it may open doors that you never expected!

Challenges recent graduates may face

Life after graduation may not always be smooth sailing. While it's an exciting time, it can also be a challenging one as you simultaneously navigate the many aspects of adulthood.

One of the more common challenges that recent graduates face is not having a clear idea of their career goals—and that's okay. Exploring some of the options above may help you decide what to do after college while you solidify your career goals.

Other recent graduates may struggle to make ends meet. Student loan payments typically start within six months after graduation, which places an urgency on students to find a job that pays well. Not to mention rent, utilities, groceries, and other monthly expenses. But landing a high-paying job right away isn't always realistic when you're just starting out. If you're in a tough spot, consider moving back home temporarily or finding roommates to help lower living expenses while you get on your feet.

Navigating this season takes time and patience. Remember to give yourself grace as you continue to take steps forward.

Embracing life after college

Whatever option you choose, take care of yourself by prioritizing a healthy work-life balance, managing your money wisely, and embracing opportunities that comes your way. Here are a few ways to help you embrace life to the fullest:

• Create a budget: Track your income and expenses to ensure you are living within your means and can put money towards financial goals like purchasing a new car, paying off your student debt, or saving towards a down payment.
• Make a plan to manage student loans: If you have student loans, it is crucial to understand your interest rate and repayment schedules. Do this immediately after you graduate so you get a handle on your finances from the get-go. If needed, work with your lender to figure out what payment plan will be the most manageable for you.
• Set aside time to look for a job: If you decide to embark on a career immediately after graduation, you'll need to dedicate time to look for a job. This means looking for opportunities, writing your resume and cover letters, and preparing for interviews. It can take time to find the kind of job you're looking for, so be patient, persistent, and don't give up.
• Set work boundaries: You have a set number of work hours for a reason, so stick to them. It can be tempting to check emails or continue working after hours, but it can quickly lead to burnout.
• Prioritize self-care: Among work, friends, chores, and errands, finding the time for yourself may seem impossible, but it's important. Make time in your busy schedule to do the things that rejuvenate you, whether that's taking a morning walk to get coffee, applying a face mask, or watching a show before bed.
• Stay connected with college friends: College is a special time when you get to see your friends often. After graduation, staying in touch can be challenging as people move away for jobs or get busy with their lives. Make an effort to keep your friendships strong by scheduling regular calls, video chats, or visits.
• Build a new social circle: Leaving college doesn't mean leaving friendships behind. Use this new chapter to find ways to connect with people who share your interests, whether it's through regular gym classes or joining a local book club.

Final thoughts on what to do after college

College graduation is a major achievement and the start of a new chapter in your life. Remember, there isn’t one right path; you can explore internships, start a job, take some time for yourself, or continue your education. Regardless of what you choose to do, aim to have a good balance between work and life, and manage your money wisely. Keep learning, build meaningful connections, and go after opportunities that align with your long-term goals. As you begin your next chapter, embrace all that is to come in life after college.

Planning out your next chapter? College Raptor has the tools to help you find your perfect fit, whether it’s a career or further education.