Archive for June, 2010

26 Things To Do As A Recent Grad

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Rome

While I’m in search for the perfect job, I have made many goals for myself. I have realized that this time “off” is very special. I have the opportunity to do things I haven’t been able to partake in since my hectic life as a college student began. Now, I have the freedom to try new things, go to new places and enjoy the hobbies I love. So, while I am diligently looking for my new place in this world, I will take advantage of living each moment of my life to the fullest.

26 things to do as a recent graduate:

  1. Travel. After graduation, I took a three week trip overseas. I traveled to the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Monaco, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. It was an indescribable experience that changed my life. I learned dozens of things I didn’t even know I didn’t know.
  2. Learn a new language. This is not only something that will personally challenge you, but it will also help widen your skills in the job market. Plus, once you pick up the basics, it makes traveling a lot more exciting!
  3. Get involved with a non-profit organization. Volunteering is not only rewarding, but it is fun. It is a great way to stay busy and make new friends while doing something good for the community.
  4. Organize your life. After years of school, it is easy to begin a collection of “junk”. Take this time to go through your belongings and organize your documents. This is a fun way to reminisce about the past. Plus, it is proven that less clutter improves productivity. All right!
  5. Donate your items to Good Will. Your old items may become someone else’s treasure.
  6. Get active! Ride your bike, go for a hike, canoe, rollerblade, try a new fitness class and go for a walk. This can change your life.
  7. Read for fun. Throughout my academic years, school took over my life. I had hundreds of books on my “want to read” list, but I never had time to read because of school. Now, time is on our side.
  8. Have fun with H20. I have never been a big fan of swimming, but I absolutely love the water. I plan on spending my days exploring new beaches and collecting shells. To me, there is nothing better than being one with nature.
  9. Become a pro-chef! I love to cook, but let’s face it, I’ve dedicated more time to public relations than I have my diet. So this summer I will become a master chef! Who knows, maybe one day I will become so talented that I will have my own cooking show! Anything is possible!
  10. Reconnect with family and friends. After a demanding few years in college, it’s time to play catch up with the ones you care about. Now is the perfect time to reach out to new and old friends and re-build relationships.
  11. Run a race for charity. I have always been an active individual, but I have never had the courage to run a 5k. This summer I will run and I will love it!
  12. Reminisce on past experiences. I love looking back on my life and remembering where I came from. Now is the time to put together homemade videos and scrapbooks that will recapture those memories.
  13. Try new restaurants, shops and cafes. After returning from Europe, I’ve realized how “scheduled” my life has become. I go to the same restaurants and cafes each week rarely trying new places. My new goal is to push away from that conformity. It’s time to step out of the box and try new things.
  14. Do what you love. I have so many hobbies, but I hardly partake in any of them because there is always “so much to do”. This summer, I’m making the time to do what I long to do. I will feed the ducks, redesign my house and write. There are too many wonderful experiences out there; dive into what you love.
  15. Movie marathon night with your friends. I don’t know about you, but ever since I started college, my movie-going days have come and gone. A movie marathon night is a perfect way to catch up with friends and have fun!
  16. Make a bucket list. I know this may seem a little crazy but it’s worth it. Life is meant to be enjoyed. So write down everything you want to accomplish in life, big and small, and create an on-going bucket list. This will keep you both focused and active.
  17. Do something that scares you and do it often. The things that have shaped my life are those things I have accomplished that terrify me. Those experiences have helped build my character. Challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid of the unknown.
  18. Babysit. Believe it or not, you will learn more from children than you think. Kids have innocence, a sense of adventure and a carefree-spirit that is so hard to find in adults. Spending time with kids will help you rediscover yourself. Plus, it is an excuse to act like a kid all over again.
  19. Do things that you wouldn’t normally do. For example, go to the zoo or the aquarium. I have had some of the most amazing experiences doing activities that most young adults wouldn’t really find interest in anymore. It’s all about the adventure! So, why not?
  20. Attend local sporting events. There are dozens of events going on all year round. Go to the football, basketball, baseball, hockey, tennis, soccer and rugby games. It may even inspire you to go out there and play some ball yourself!
  21. Become a mentor. Building relationships and helping others is what life is all about.
  22. Pay attention to the news. Learn everything you can and use your time to absorb and learn the history of our nation.
  23. Try new things. Let the adventure of the unknown take you to new places. Don’t let it discourage you.
  24. Go to concerts, festivals, carnivals and shows. They are there for a reason.
  25. Keep applying! This time spent in search for your future is great, but don’t take advantage of it too much. It is a gift and it isn’t meant to last too long! (This is why it is so special). Always remember why you went to school and what your career goals are. Work is fun! So spend your time networking and learning all about new possibilities.
  26. Live your life and enjoy it!
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Life After College

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

Graduation

In the blink of an eye my college graduation arrived and disappeared. That day, when I walked across the stage, my entire college career seemed to flash before my eyes, and now, I stare face to face with my unknown destiny.

My professors, mentors and friends gave me a slight inkling at what this life after a degree would look like but no words can describe that feeling until you actually get there yourself. It’s scary, mind-blowing and yet exciting. I have the entire world at my fingertips. I am in charge of my future. I can go wherever my heart desires, and I can follow the path to life I’ve always dreamed of. The only problem is; how in the world do I get there?

With my new degree in hand, I have found myself jobless fighting against thousands of other candidates for the same positions. The suffering economy has brought an intense level of competition amongst recent grads. To land a good job it now takes a lot more than “just applying”. It takes skills, unique traits, ambition and creativity to even catch a glance from HR. So what do you do when you find yourself on the stepping stones to a new career somewhere in between a degree and a job?

Below, are the guidelines I’ve set for myself during my search for the perfect career:

  1. Create a list of things you want out of life. Where do you see yourself? What do you want to do? Do you have a preference on where you would like to live? What is your desired salary?
  2. Research. Figure out which cities are seeking recent grads for work and which states have low unemployment rates. Discover job Web Sites that target your field for work opportunities.
  3. Take your list and align it with a job opportunity that seems fit. Do your interests/needs match up with what is required for you in this job? Would you be happy with this location?
  4. Update your resume, cover letters and portfolio. If your information is out dated, chances are, the company will over look you. Companies want someone who takes priority in keeping up-to-date with important documents and right now, that document is you.
  5. Network. Network. Network. Even if your friends are in different areas of work, you’d be surprised with who they may know.
  6. Be open to new information and opportunities. Be careful not to shut the door on something new to you. That opportunity may be something you may enjoy.
  7. Volunteer. If you are having a difficult time finding a full-time job, volunteering is a good way to try new things, help a good cause, meet new people and discover new things you may be good at.
  8. Keep updated on social media. Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook are great sites for networking and they can be a great tool for letting people know you are on the job market. On Twitter, sign up for city job listings. The updates will go directly to your page. Keep your social media pages professional.
  9. Continue learning even after your degree. Your time spent “off” during your job hunt can become valuable time you can enrich your skills. Read books, practice what you do best and do what you can to keep up-to-date with everything that is going on in your field.

This “in between” time can be scary but it is exciting. Remember to take the time to develop a plan and breathe. It’s okay if you don’t find that perfect opportunity right after college, but don’t give up or give in.

Remember this: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” Life after graduation is a gift. We, as recent grads, have the entire world in front of us. We can decide where we want to live, who we want to become and how we are going to get there. So never give up on your search for complete happiness. You will find your place in this “life after college” world, I promise. We will all do it together.

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