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4 Positive Steps to Take Around Graduation

June 9, 2017

Advice For New Graduates | The Elgin Avenue Blog


Advice For New Graduates

It’s almost three years since I graduated from the London College of Fashion, and I still remember so vividly those first few months around graduation. So much changed in such a short space of time, and it was simultaneously one of the proudest and most dis-orientating times in my twenties.

I am so delighted to welcome contributor Chelsea Becker’s take on positive steps to take around graduation. If you’re about to graduate yourself, congratulations! I hope today’s post can help you in taking those first next steps.

Over to Chelsea!

Love, Monica x


Positive Steps to Take Around Graduation

Graduating from college or university is one of the most exciting times of life, and a big congrats if that’s happening for you right now! It’s also a somewhat confusing, overwhelming transition into the real world.

Even though a lot of us feel independent at the time, the uncertainty of finishing up school after decades of attending, finding jobs, a place to live, etc. is a lot to deal with.

The good news is, with a good attitude, support when you need it, and certain positive steps, you can leave graduation feeling confident in what’s next – even if the actual future is uncertain.

Here are 4 positive steps to take surrounding graduation:


Advice For New Graduates | The Elgin Avenue Blog


1 – Clean Up Your Social Media

If you’re anything like me, your college/university days involved a few parties and beer pints along the way. And though there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, you want to make sure your social media is a positive representative of yourself, especially as you start applying to jobs.

Do a clean sweep of all of your accounts to make sure they’re something you’re proud of sharing.

Also, it’s not a bad idea to highlight your interests to match the type of industry you’re interested in.

Into design? Make sure you have a killer Pinterest board showcasing your aesthetic.

Into writing? Link to your portfolio from your Instagram account.


2 – Secure Relationships + Get Letters of Recommendation

Take time to thank the professors who had an impact on you, the counselors that talked you through hard classes, and so on. Not only is this gratitude a respectable thing to do, but it’ll give you the opportunity to secure relationships.

If there are any staff members who know you well, kindly ask them to write you a letter of recommendation when giving your thanks.


Advice For New Graduates | The Elgin Avenue Blog


3 – Brain dump

There’s a lot going on in your mind when you’re graduating, and for some of us (me included!), knowing the career we want or even where we want to live isn’t always clear.

I find that whenever I’m confused in life, I enjoy taking pen to paper and doing what I call a ‘brain dump.’ This isn’t anything fancy and there’s no right or wrong structure, it’s simply a time to clear your mind.

Write down everything nagging at you, questions, ideas of what you’re interested in, ways you’d like to improve your life, and even a to-do list of the mundane tasks.

Once you have a clear head, you might have an easier time figuring out what’s next.


4 – Set up an informal chat

Networking is hard while in school, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to meet people in certain industries – and even secure jobs.

If you have a desired career trajectory, do some LinkedIn searching or brainstorm if you know anyone with a connection to someone in that field, then reach out. Write a heartfelt email (not too long of course) with your interest in what they do and ask if they have time for a chat. Coffee, a quick phone call, or even an email works – make it easy for them.

If you’re unsure of your career path, make these connections in industries that sound appealing.

Hear from the person about what it’s like, ask sincere and focused questions, be engaging. Don’t forget to write a handwritten thank-you note afterwards.


Advice For New Graduates | The Elgin Avenue Blog


Overall

And remember – it’s not necessary (or normal) to have everything figured out right now. Start making positive strides towards your future, but don’t be too hard on yourself to get it all sorted out right away. Enjoy this unique transition into a new chapter, be proud of yourself, and keep your head up. You’ve got this!

What’s Your Take?

Are you graduating this year, or perhaps next? If you’re already on your post-graduate journey, do you have any advice you can lend? Pop any tips you have below to help your fellow post-grads out ????????

Love, Chelsea x

Follow Chelsea’s day to day adventures on Instagram here.

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