The overriding reason for experiencing post-graduation anxiety is the thought: "The next step I take will determine the rest of my life." BUT... you still can make mistakes and explore what your career will be. Embrace the journey. Career paths are not linear, and it is perfectly normal to change direction or try different things along the way. If you embrace this approach, you can have a better mindset, that will often result in less anxiety. Often this will lead to unexpected opportunities and growth. Take a deep breath and realize that you next choice is not permanent but simply a step towards learning about your future.
Accept what you cannot change, have courage to change the things you can, and have the wisdom to know the difference. This quote resonated with me then (and still does now) because at such pivotal periods in your life, there may be a tendency to look back on your experiences and wish you had done more, or worry about plans that have yet to take shape in the next chapter that lies ahead. My advice: focus on what’s in your hands today. Finish finals strong, submit thoughtful and thorough applications to jobs you’re excited about, be present with your friends, start planning for your upcoming move, visit your favorite spots on Mill. Do your best today and the rest will work itself out. -Libby Branning -B.S. Economics, B.A Business Law -May 2018
Graduating college is one of the most exciting yet terrifying times of your life. My best piece of advice is to say "yes." When you're starting out at a new job and coworkers invite you out to dinner, say yes. When you're at the gym and someone asks to do a workout with you, say yes. Putting yourself in new situations may be uncomfortable at first, but you're allowing yourself to be present to new opportunities. Along the way you will make new friends and life long memories. Who knows, by attending something you normally wouldn't do, you could meet a new mentor or even find a passion/hobby you never would've tried. Adjusting to post-grad life can take some time but saying yes to the opportunities that present themselves makes the transition less lonely and allows you to connect with others who are most likely experiencing the same feelings. Jackie Parr| 2021 Grad | Supply Chain Management and Business Management|
Your network is your net worth. You’re only as successful as the people you surround yourself with. The key to jumpstart a career is to network aggressively and build a strong support system around you. Having a strong network will present you way more opportunities down the road than if you’re going through it alone. By showing genuine curiosity via asking meaningful and intellectual questions, the right person will reciprocate and take a chance on wanting to see you succeed. Being likable will bring you far in life! M.S. finance, class of 2022, graduated May
Post-graduation anxiety is real and a challenge for many. Personally, when I'm feeling anxious, it's because I'm either nervous or unprepared. With that in mind, my best piece of advice for students and recent graduates dealing with negative emotions is to apply yourself to the best of your abilities so that you feel confident and empowered with whatever the anxiety-induced motive might be. A process that has helped me is first to determine the root of the (anxiety) cause, reflect on the "why" aspect, and apply yourself toward battling that feeling head-on. Business Communication, W.P. Carey School of Business, December 2021
It's important to avoid comparing yourself to others since everyone has their own unique journey. Instead, maintain self-confidence in your abilities and concentrate on your own path. Stay focused on your personal growth and development, and refrain from being distracted by comparison. Fixate on being true to yourself and trust that the opportunities you seek will come your direction.
Find a peer group - or maybe even just one person you can connect with - to talk with. Chances are, other recent graduates are feeling similarly to you and it's always helpful to have someone in your life that is going through a similar situation. Even if they are in another location and you chat via modern communication channels, it can help both of you alleviate post-graduation anxiety. Just by having someone to vent with, you'll naturally feel better. Add on top of that the fact that you can share experiences and insight with each other, and it can be a very good connection to have. Look into groups where recent graduates gather, visit graduating events, or just connect on social media with people you know are in a similar situation as you.
I understand that post-graduation can be a time filled with uncertainty and anxiety. My best advice for students or recent grads would be to travel alone, if circumstances permit. When I was in your shoes, I took a solo trip across Europe for a few months. It was a time of self-discovery and independence that I wouldn't trade for anything. I had the opportunity to meet diverse people, adapt to new environments, and most importantly, learned to be comfortable in my own company. This experience helped me view life from different perspectives and prepared me to tackle post-graduation challenges with a renewed sense of confidence. So, if possible, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and embark on a journey that could transform you in ways you never imagined.
If you're feeling stuck after graduating, take the initiative and reach out to your network. Ask your friends and family if they know of any opportunities in your field of interest. Even if they don't, they may be able to connect you with someone in their network who can help. If you don't have anyone in your personal network who knows of anything, reach out to former professors, internship supervisors, etc. They may be able to point you in the right direction. You never know who might be able to help, so it's worth asking.