You’ve just graduated from college and the world is your oyster, or so they say. But what comes next? How do you go from living in a bubble to becoming a functioning adult? Here are some tips to help you thrive as a new graduate!

When you study for so many years, first at high school and then at college, it feels like you’ll always be within the world of education. Graduating can come quite suddenly, and then it feels like a whole new world again. It’s not uncommon to find this a little intimidating.

So here are some key tips to help you embrace life as a graduate, and be the best you can be.

Think About The Big Picture

It can be easy for some people to graduate, drift into a job and then carry on that way for a number of years. But graduating is a good opportunity to consider what your wider plan is. What are your goals? What do you want to achieve? It can be helpful to write these down and keep them somewhere you can refer back to them. This will help you stay focused and motivated, especially when things get tough. Doing this exercise will also help you stay focused on what you want to achieve in life. This doesn’t just have to be about a career, but also about the kind of lifestyle you want to lead, where you want to live, and what kind of family life you envisage.

Look At Your Finances

This is an important one, particularly if you’re looking to move out of your parents’ house. It’s a good idea to get a clear understanding of your financial situation before making any big decisions. Make sure you know what kind of debts you have, and whether you need to start paying them off immediately. You might even want to look at options to refinance your college loan. Perhaps the deal you got when you started out at college isn’t competitive any more. You should also think about how much money you’ll need to live comfortably, and whether you’re likely to have any unexpected costs. This will help you make a realistic budget and avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.

Start Networking

This is something that can seem daunting, but it’s really important if you want to further your career. Attend industry events, reach out to people you admire on social media, and make connections with people who can help you achieve your goals. It’s also a good idea to keep in touch with your old college friends and professors. They might be able to introduce you to other people in their networks, or give you some advice about your career. Have an open-minded and personable approach to the people you know and meet – a good attitude can make you memorable to people who might be able to help you achieve your aspirations.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Moving into the world of adulthood can be tough, and there’s no shame in admitting that you need some help. If you’re struggling to find a job, or you’re not sure what kind of career you want to pursue, there are plenty of people who can help you. There are careers advisors at most colleges, and there are also many professional organizations that can offer advice and support. Sometimes it’s helpful to talk to someone who’s been through the process before, so you can get an idea of what to expect. Friends and family can also be a great source of support, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them if you need some help.

Catalog Your Work Experience

This is something that will be really useful when you’re applying for jobs. Make sure you keep a record of all the work experience you’ve got, even if it’s just voluntary work or internships. This will help you to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. The experiences you have as a graduate employee will help you shape your next career moves too, so take good notes about all the experiences you have. This will all feed into your resume to enable you to keep following those stepping stones up the career ladder.

Practice Your Interview Skills

It is also prudent to make sure you’re prepared for job interviews. This means practicing your answers to common interview questions, and thinking about the kind of impression you want to make. It’s also a good idea to research the company you’re interviewing with, so you can ask informed questions and demonstrate your interest in the role. Getting well acquainted with how you will answer interview questions as a graduate is just one step towards thriving in the workplace. You also need to think about your social skills and how you should conduct yourself in a professional environment. Having rapport with your colleagues will be important, so practice your small talk and how you will introduce yourself to your future colleagues,

Look After Your Mind And Body

Last but not least, it’s important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Being a graduate and starting a new job can be exciting but stressful, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep and exercise. Eating a healthy diet will also help you to stay focused and energized during the day. It’s important to find ways to relax and unwind, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family. Taking care of yourself will help you to stay motivated and focused on your goals.