Next Steps to Take After Graduation
Posted: April 23, 2024 | Author: Madalyn Bushman | Read Time: 4 minutes
Graduating from college is a significant milestone. As you toss your cap in the air and celebrate your accomplishments, it’s essential to shift your focus towards the future. What comes next after earning your bachelor’s degree?
There are many different routes you can take after graduating with your bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University. Everyone’s paths after graduation are unique, and not everyone has it all figured out either. (And that is okay.)
Let's take a look at what the next steps might look like for you:
Job Search
For many graduates, securing a job is a top priority! Start by updating your resume and creating a compelling cover letter that highlights your achievements, skills, and experiences.
Utilize SUU’s Career Center as they offer services that help current SUU students and alumni improve their job search skills and find employment opportunities.
Some of their services include:
- Interview prep
- Help on Resumes/Cover Letters/References
- Job Search
- Career planning
- Career Cafe Podcast
In addition, leverage online job platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake and Indeed. All three are great platforms to help narrow down your job search and help you find jobs available within your criteria and experience.
Attend career fairs and utilize all opportunities to connect with potential employers. Networking is crucial, so reach out to alumni and industry professionals, and attend networking events to expand your professional connections and chances of securing a job.
Grad School
Continue your education!
Some graduates choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree or specialized certification. You are already on a schedule where you have set time aside to study, complete homework and prioritize your education.
An alumnus, Shemree Naegele, stated, “Why not spend one more year to get the master’s degree? I was in school mode and the advanced degree, in such a short amount of time, would open a lot more doors for me.”
Assess whether advanced education is necessary for your chosen career path and if it aligns with your goals. Consider factors such as the time commitment, financial investment and potential return on investment before committing to further studies.
SUU offers online and on-campus master’s degree programs that are flexible, affordable and lead to success. SUU’s Graduate School helps students build credibility, develop a competitive edge, network and build connections with peers and professors, and obtain a deeper understanding and development of skills.
Internships
Internships offer valuable hands-on experience and a chance to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Internships provide opportunities that can serve as stepping stones to more advanced roles and help you build a professional network.
In addition, internships provide you with a competitive edge that will set you apart from other applicants in your future job search. In most industries, it can be hard to find a job right off the bat with no experience.
Don’t shy away from internships, as they often provide a foundation for growth within a company or industry.
Travel
A lot of students celebrate their graduation (and new-found time freedom) with travel to explore the world. Traveling offers a much-needed break, allowing you to decompress, recharge and gain perspective on your future.
In addition, traveling exposes you to new cultures, perspectives and challenges, providing a unique opportunity for self-discovery. You can take the time while traveling to learn more about yourself, your values, goals and priorities. It can be instrumental in shaping your identity and influencing your future decisions.
Traveling can be a perfect opportunity to broaden your perspectives by experiencing different cultures and interacting with people from various backgrounds. While traveling, you will have the chance to meet people which provides you with networking opportunities that can lead to friendships, mentorships, and even career opportunities.
If you wish to travel in a group, SUU offers the Community on the Go and Learn on the Go travel programs for community members and alumni. These are great for those who want to see exciting locations with SUU experts while someone else takes care of the travel details.
Be sure to get your passport ready!
Embarking on the journey after earning your bachelor’s degree is both exciting and challenging. It can be hard to navigate what your next steps may be. But by reflecting on your goals, actively seeking opportunities and staying adaptable, you can navigate the post-graduation landscape with confidence.
Each step you take contributes to your professional and personal growth. So, embrace the possibilities that lie ahead and use this time as a foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.
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