After years of growth, exploration, fun and friends, college eventually comes to an end. Graduation is a complex moment in a learner’s life, as the time they spend at a university typically represents the most protracted and intense period of study they will ever undertake. After this marathon challenge, it’s only natural to want to let off some steam, though this can take some preparation. Those who want to paint the town red in Vegas, for example, would do well to get some practice in by way of the introductory welcome bonuses commonly available for use with an online casino. Likewise, recent graduates hoping to travel the world must first ensure they have all the relevant documents required and have at least a rough itinerary in place to prevent spiraling costs.
A Turning Point
For most people, this window of time is precious, as it marks a period of rest before taking on new challenges in the form of vocational pursuits. Taking time to relax and unwind is crucial, though it’s also a good idea to use the moment as a way of processing where you’re at and contemplating where you want to go.
In the hustle of higher education, it’s easy to lose sight of one’s long-term goals. Often, people find that their original motivation for going into education no longer matches their current values and interests. This is natural — after all, most college students begin their journey into higher education when they’re still teenagers.
This time life is dedicated to figuring out who you are, and what you want to do. There’s often a tension between the onus placed on us by our parents and peers to determine our career and professional goals so early and commit to pursuing them.
Real World Flexibility
After graduation, it’s not uncommon for people to want to explore radically different career paths from those suggested by their degrees. Fortunately, this is less of an issue than most people realize. That’s because, to the average employer, the value in hiring a graduate lies in their proven ability to frame, contextualize, research and manage projects. The details of the coursework — whether it’s classical Greek or chemistry, are often secondary.
All of this is to say that it’s a highly valuable time to consider what you want out of this next chapter in your adult life. Consider the strategies below to help you find your way:
Volunteering / Project Work
While a vacation can be a great way, in of itself, to get some time and space to think, sometimes throwing yourself into some volunteering or project work can supercharge the process. One of the challenges of education is that it can often divorce you from the “real world”. Getting involved in a person-centered initiative, such as those to be found on Workaway, can be a fantastic way to reconnect you to ordinary life. And if it happens to be in a beautiful, far-flung location, even better!
Higher Education
For some, undergraduate-level academics were just the start. Higher education, whether at the Master’s level or in the form of a Ph.D., can be a viable pathway for certain students. Especially those committed to a deeper exploration of their subject, and a hope of one day contributing to it in the realm of academia. Even if you’re reasonably sure you want to do this, it’s good to take time to consider the implications before embarking on further learning.
Talk it Out
Humans are social animals, and one of our best skills to make sense of where we’re at is to talk it out with a trusted friend or loved one. The value in doing so is that those close to us can often see us more clearly than we can see ourselves, and will be able to guide us to a clear understanding of what we want to do after graduation.
