I Didn’t Sign Up For This!

Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting to a group of seniors at Wabash College who are poised to graduate and enter the “Real World.” Sounds great–embarking on a new adventure where you’ll use the knowledge you’ve earned in the past four years and chart a grand course for yourself!
Or will you? The reality is graduation can be intimidating—there’s alot to think about and if you adopt a “wait and see” attitude, you run the risk of a very rude awakening. Although graduatio is a few weeks away, what can you do now to prepare?
1) Plan your move
This sounds simple, but line up movers and helpers now. You’d be surprised how few Uhauls there are available to rent if you wait until the last minute. Plus, there’s thousands of seniors pounding Craig’s List right now for apartments. Do you want the least of the best?
2) Make a budget
Whether you’re headed to grad school or the corporate world, try to write out what all of your expenses will be. Paying for things on your own for the first time is never peaches and cream. Try making a list. And don’t forget things like food, renter’s insurance, electric and gas money.
3) Dress right
Find out whether your next step is casual, business casual or business dress. And then dress the part. Casual doesn’t mean sweats and sneakers. And business doesn’t mean you can wear athletic socks with that suit. Oh and try saving that perfume or cologne for nights on the town instead of days in the cube.
4) Set some goals
It make sound corny, but write down what your goals are. That may mean with your boss, your graduate professor or yourself. Regardless of where you’re headed, if you don’t write it down there’s nothing tangible to achieve.
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Susan Strayer
Author, The Right Job, Right Now
www.susanstrayer.com
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