It’s almost here. Everything you’ve been working for is about to pay off: you’re about to graduate.
In order to make the transition to post-college life as smooth as possible, here are some steps that you should take before it happens.
Visit Career Services. This office is a great resource for career counseling and resume consultations. As an Albertus student and as an alumni, you will have lifelong access to Career Services and its job posting service, Jobs Just Inbox. Be sure to connect with Career Services on Facebook and Twitter for job searching tips, career fair dates and career opportunities.
Prepare your resume. As we mentioned above, Career Services is a great resource when you are creating your resume. There are also many online sites sites that offer samples and templates that you can use. Be sure to prepare a sample cover letter too. While every CV you actually send out should be tailored to the company you are applying to,it is helpful, and convenient, to have a basic template that you can modify. (Note: Be sure to do a thorough proofread on everything you send out.)
Clean up your social media. It’s common practice nowadays to “Google” applicants, so before you begin your job search, go through your social media and make sure there’s nothing you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see. Also, update your LinkedIn profile as it is a valuable tool for professional networking, learning about your field, and attracting recruiters’ attention. Click here for resources on how to create an outstanding profile and take advantage of the benefits LinkedIn has to offer.
Job search. You have worked so hard to earn your degree that you no doubt can’t wait to put it to use. If you haven’t started job searching yet, there are multiple reasons for you to start before you actually graduate. First, looking for a job is a process, and landing the perfect one can take some time. Also, you want to have time to really see what is out there, as well as to find the right fit, which you can sense during interview. Don’t just take a job because it’s a job — you have worked too hard for that. Another benefit of beginning a job search early is that it will give you a feel for the market in your field and possibly even introduce career options that you didn’t even know existed.
Take care of the Logistics. Most schools require that paperwork, such as applications, be completed and all schools require that any outstanding fees are paid in order for you to officially graduate. One of the greatest benefits of attending Albertus Magnus College is that your academic advisor is with you every step of the way from enrollment to graduation and is there to help you make sure all of this is taken care of correctly and on time.
Have a financial plan. Unfortunately, when you graduate from college, you have to take on some additional financial responsibilities. First, if you received financial aid, you’ll be required to start paying it back after a short grace period. Talk to your Financial Aid Office about planning out repayment and find out what options may be available to you. Second, if you have been living on campus, you’ll need to think about housing and the related costs, including utilities, food, and insurance.
Enjoy your last semester. Post-graduation life will come soon enough so be sure to enjoy college life while you are still here. Take time for yourself, [Link: “Me” Time Enhances Productivity — Science Says So] take advantage of everything campus offers, and make sure you have contact information for all the great friends and mentors you’ve met throughout your Albertus experience.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about graduation, we encourage you to speak to your academic advisor. Albertus Magnus College has your back in the classroom and beyond.
And while everyone here at Albertus will be sad to see you go, we could not be more proud of you and excited about what your future holds.