avatarAdam J Bell

Summarize

3 Things I Wish I Paid more Attention to when Nearing Graduation

The advice that would have made my post-school life much easier

Photo by MD Duran on Unsplash

Is graduation right around the corner and you’re freaking out? Maybe you’ve always been a student and you’re not sure what real adulting will be like. Maybe you had plans to travel, but the pandemic got in the way. Maybe you had plans of getting a job right out the gate, but you’re worried that it may not happen. Trust me, I hear you. I’ve been down that road before and have learned some valuable tips along the way to share!. Even when you’re graduated, the learning never stops!

Networking

Networking will probably be important throughout your entire career, but it is especially important when you’re a fresh face in the field looking for a job. I know many people who got their first jobs right out of school through a connection, rather than a job posting. When I would hear the word networking, my heart rate went up, and honestly, it still does. My brain always jumps to thinking about big conferences with thousands of faces, but my more recent experience has taught me that this isn’t the only way to make connections.

An assignment I will never forget took place in one of my most recent courses. It requested that we reach out to a few people in the industry to host quick 15-minute ‘information interviews’ over zoom. I found that because this was a class assignment; I felt more confident in my objective and reasoning behind reaching out. It was a great way to build a connection while also asking someone in my dream job position how they got there. Everyone that I reached out to was more than willing to chat, and they were also genuinely curious about my research as well.

Photo by Product School on Unsplash

I had made no connections before I graduated with my undergraduate degree, and I encourage you to not make the same mistake.

Apply to any job posting you see

After I graduated, I was struggling to find a job, and I ended up finding one through the only connection I had. I convinced myself that something better would come, but that something never did.

I didn’t enjoy the position at all and when I started; I didn’t think it was all that applicable, but when I could speak to my experience in my master's application, I realized its value. Now, I am quite confident that it is one of the principal reasons I got accepted into 3 of my top 4 schools. I am grateful I got the job I did, but having a choice is always a plus.

Don’t be afraid to be unconventional

I have not started my business or YouTube channel or anything of the sort, but I know many people who have, and there are wild success stories that come from them. As the job market has become more flexible and open over the years, it is less about following a linear career path, and more about using your strengths to your advantage. Thirty years ago, no one knew it would be possible to make money posting videos on YouTube, yet here we are. There are many ways to use your knowledge and strengths on the internet in order to grow your network and reach.

Photo by Harrison Kugler on Unsplash

You determine your chances of finding work

Although I am advising on networking and job searching, I am currently a student once again. But why? Unfortunately, my undergraduate experience did not prepare me for real life or a job. I could blame the school and I could blame my program, but in reality, it’s probably because I did not take advantage of the networking opportunities when they were available to me. I was always waiting for a better job to come around.

Going back?

Going back to school doesn’t have to be the only option you have, but if you are considering it, I have some pointers. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that the school you choose doesn’t actually matter a lot. There are many things that you should value more than a universities’ reputation. Yes, some universities have reputations for evident reasons, but it’s about what you learn and what you take away from the degree.

Photo by Michael Marsh on Unsplash

I did my undergraduate degree at a very prestigious and competitive Canadian University, while some of my friends went to a smaller, less competitive university. They all got jobs before me. This really made me think critically about my choices going forward, and I adjusted my criteria when applying to graduate programs. Now, I am studying at a much smaller university and the quality of education that I am receiving is a wild improvement from my undergraduate degree.

When choosing a school, the three pieces of criteria I suggest heavily researching are the class sizes, the experience of individual professors, and CO-OP or internship opportunities

Finally, don’t take it all too seriously. Choosing your path can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be linear, and things can change at any moment. Set some goals and have some fun!

Life After College
College Life
Graduation
Job Search
Mistakes To Avoid
Recommended from ReadMedium