What to Do After College: 4 Steps to Bring Success

Life after college is a time of incredible excitement. But for many folks, the uncertainty can also be scary.

Up until now, life might have felt fairly straightforward. The objectives have been clear—get good grades, maybe get an internship or two, and then graduate. But after that, then what? 

Life opens up to an infinite number of options. How do you know which path to take? 

Worry not! This article will help you understand what to do after college.

If you’re going through a big career or life transition right now here’s a quick advice for you.

4 Tips To Get Clarity on Your Next Steps for What to Do After College

Before going over the options you can take, it will be helpful to do some self-reflection. The more information and clarity you have on who you are and what you want, the easier it will be to know what to do next.

You have plenty of time to figure out what you want in life

Below are a few lyrics from the 1999 song called Wear Sunscreen: 

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life

The most interesting people I know

Didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives

Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t

The song is a list of advice to young adults from journalist Mary Schmich that Baz Luhrmann turned into a quirky, spoken-word song.

This bit of reassurance from the song is so helpful. Because it’s normal to feel like this pooch:

Life is very long (if you’re lucky). And very unpredictable. You’re constantly changing. Society is constantly changing around you. 

At the time of writing this, I’m 33. I’ve been able to create a career where I work 30 hours a week and travel. I get to write about topics I find really interesting. And I’m also in a fortunate position where people pay me to help them with challenges in their romantic partnerships.

I can’t say I’ve 100% figured out my career; I still feel uncertain, and there’s more I want to learn and ambitions I’m yet to actualize. But I feel pretty lucky for my circumstances, and there’s NO way I could have predicted getting here ten years ago. I studied mathematics in college, and my first job after graduating was crunching numbers at an insurance company (I didn’t like this job!). 

It’s okay if you don’t know what you want. Learning about what you want for a career often comes from trying things that you don’t like.

And plus, there is plenty of time to change your mind. Americans who were born between 1857 and 1964 held an average of 12.4 jobs^{1https://www.bls.gov/nls/questions-and-answers.htm#anch41} between the ages of 18 and 54. And that number is only going up with future generations. So, if you pick a job and don’t like it, you’ve got plenty of other shots down the road!

Action Step: See if you can view you can internalize the following sentiments:

• It’s okay if I’m not 100% sure what I want to do with my life.
• My next step isn’t my final step. Life is long, and things will work themselves out over time. I can always change course.
• Life after college is an adventure with ups, downs, twists, and turns.

Do some self-reflection prompts

I’m going to be bold here and proclaim what the purpose of life is.

The purpose of life is to discover who you are, what you enjoy, and what you value. And then to build a life that fits you, your joys, and your values.

For some people, that means creative expression; for others, it means building a family; and for others, it might mean making as much money as possible.

The more you know who you are, the more you can build a life that fits who you are.

It all starts with reflection.

Action Step: Try writing a few sentences on each of the following prompts:

• What types of things do people ask me for advice about?
• What activities cause me to lose track of time because I’m so engrossed in them?
• Recall a moment in the past month when I felt genuinely proud of something I did. What was it? Why did I feel proud?
• What values are so important to me that I wouldn’t compromise on them for anything?

Using these prompts as a foundation, you can consider how your unique blend of strengths, values, and interests might fit into your next step.

Conduct informational interviews

One of the most insightful steps you can take toward understanding your career path or life direction is conducting informational interviews. 

These aren’t your typical job interviews. Instead, they’re opportunities to learn, network, and get a sneak peek into industries, roles, or paths you’re curious about. Chatting with someone already immersed in a field you’re considering gives you a candid, ground-level perspective that no article or class can provide.

You may be wondering about the day-to-day life of a data scientist, the challenges a non-profit manager faces, or the joys of being a travel writer. Whatever your intrigue, someone has lived it, breathed it, and can share their story.

And people are far more inclined to help you than you might think. 

At every career crossroads I’ve been at, I’ve reached out for informational interviews. Sometimes, they’ve pulled me in a direction; other times, they’ve pushed me away from a possibility.

In my mid-twenties, I had just finished a long stint of travel and realized I wanted to dive into a career where I could help people 1-on-1. 

On my first weekend back in the US, I stumbled into a conference called “Psychotherapy and Spirituality.” I felt so inspired, and I set up an informational interview with almost all 20 therapists on that panel and every life coach and shamanic healer I could access. 

I figured that the more I knew, the better equipped I’d be to make a well-informed choice. It served me well and directly led to my enrolling in my first relationship coaching training.

Just remember, these informational interviews aren’t about securing a job offer. They’re about broadening your horizon, validating (or challenging) your assumptions, and gaining a deeper understanding of potential paths.

Action Step: Start by listing professions or roles you’re curious about. It could be anything from a content creator to an astronaut.

Once you’ve got your list, use Google and Linkedin to find professionals in each career path you laid out. 

Reach out with a genuine message expressing your interest in learning about their profession. Frame it as a learning opportunity; most people will be flattered and open to sharing their insights. Ask for a brief 15-30 minute chat. Come prepared with questions and follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation. 

Remember, each conversation is a doorway to a world of possibilities!

Envision yourself in each of the possibilities below

We’ll go through some major paths you can take after college in a moment.

Instead of just reading through each option, noticing how each option makes you feel is helpful. 

There’s actually quite a lot of wisdom in your instincts and gut feelings. You might have the mental idea that a certain path will be the right choice, but if it feels cold and contracting when you consider it, then if you pick that route, your life might end up feeling cold and contracted.

It’s common for people to choose a job that seems like a good idea but doesn’t feel good.  

I’ve done this!

When I graduated college, I had the mental idea that I should get a job involving numbers. So, I worked as an actuary at an insurance company. I can’t say I felt remotely excited by the role, but it seemed like a good idea for my resumé.

After working for about a year at this job, I remember attending a meditation class in downtown Seattle during my lunch break. On my walk back to the office, I fantasized about traveling the world, living in monasteries, and going on epic adventures. And then, I arrived at my 32-story black office building. I remember looking up at this building and feeling my stomach drop with dread. My feelings were making it clear that I was building a life that didn’t fit who I was.

I couldn’t have known before I started the job, but often, the best routes for us are those that feel expansive and exciting. While it’s still important to consider the strategic implications for any choice you make, try this embodied heuristic yourself and see what you discover.

Action Tip: As you read through the rest of the article, pause after each possible life path and visualize yourself living that lifestyle—notice which options feel the most exciting and expansive and which feel the most dreadful and contracting.

Life Options to Consider

Below is a list of possible routes you could take for life after college.

Remember to notice which ones excite you more than others.

Postgraduate studies

If you want to keep learning, there are plenty of options. 

Let’s explore the significant avenues available and weigh the pros and cons of pursuing further studies.

1. Ph.D

A doctoral degree represents one of the highest levels of academic achievement. Ph.D. programs are research-focused, requiring candidates to contribute original knowledge to their field, usually as a dissertation. 

Depending on the discipline and specific research, this can take several years, often four to eight.

Some examples might be a Ph.D. in biology, literature, physics, or sociology.

Pros of a Ph.D:

• Recognized as a pinnacle of academic achievement, often leading to specialized roles in academia, research, or consultancy.
• Provides in-depth expertise in a specific area of study, allowing for original contributions to knowledge.

Cons of a Ph.D:

• A significant time commitment, often requiring four to eight years or more.
• It can be mentally and emotionally taxing due to the intense research and long duration.
• The academic job market can be highly competitive, especially for tenure-track positions.

2. Master’s programs

Going to graduate school for a master’s degree will help you delve deeper into a specific field’s academic and practical aspects. They typically span one to two years.

Some examples are a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Pros of a master’s:

• A master’s degree can deepen your expertise in a specific field, potentially leading to more specialized job roles and higher pay.
• Provides an opportunity for research, networking, and broadening academic horizons.

Cons of a master’s:

• It’s a significant time commitment, often requiring two or more years.
• It can be expensive, adding to potential student debt.

3. Professional certifications

This describes recognized credentials showcasing proficiency in specific skills or knowledge areas, often earned through coursework and examinations.

Here are some examples: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification.

Pros of professional certifications:

• Certifications can testify to your skills in a specific area, making you more marketable to employers.
• Often, it is less time-consuming than a master’s program, allowing quicker re-entry into the workforce.

Cons of professional certifications:

• Some industries value credentials less than formal degrees.
• Requires regular updating as industries evolve.

4. Specialized courses

Specialized courses are short-term learning modules designed to impart niche skills or specific knowledge, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Some examples include coding boot camp, data visualization with Tableau, and conflict resolution and negotiation courses.

Pros of specialized courses:

• Perfect for acquiring niche skills or knowledge in a shorter duration.
• More flexible, often available online, allowing for concurrent work or other pursuits.

Cons of specialized courses:

• It may not hold as much weight as a full-fledged degree or certification in specific fields.
• Quality varies, necessitating thorough research before enrollment.

How does the idea of continuing education feel to you? Exciting or not so much?

Across all these options, one consistent truth stands out: continued learning can significantly enhance career prospects. The evolving global economy values up-to-date skills and specialized knowledge. By pursuing postgraduate studies, you’re signaling your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Often, postgraduate studies require some skills in goal setting and goal achievement. Fortunately, these are skills that any one of us can learn. If you’d like to cultivate your goal skillset, you might be interested in this free training.

Getting a job

Having a degree puts you in an advantageous position. In the age range of 22-27, the wage gap^{2https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/04/12/10-facts-about-todays-college-graduates/} between those with bachelor’s degrees and those without is growing yearly. 

Many choose to take the plunge straight into the workforce after donning that graduation cap. 

You can get an entry-level job where you work in person or a remote position that will allow you to travel while working and be more flexible with your schedule. If you choose the remote route, you can try a platform like Remote.co to find opportunities.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of getting a job immediately.

Pros of jumping into a job:

• Immediate Financial Independence: One of the major perks! You’ll start earning right away, which can help with student loans, personal expenses, or even building up some savings.
• Practical Experience: College gives us theory; the workplace gives us practice. Diving into a job can quickly provide hands-on experience and a better understanding of the industry nuances.
• Building a Professional Network: Starting your career early gets you acquainted with industry professionals, mentors, and peers who can offer guidance, insights, and future opportunities.
• Career Momentum: An early start can mean faster career progression. Climbing the ladder, learning the ropes, and reaching senior positions might come sooner.

Cons of Starting Work Straight Away:

• Possible Burnout: Jumping into a 9-to-5 routine (or longer) immediately after college can be mentally and physically exhausting. There’s a risk of feeling burnt out without a pause.
• Limited Exploration: If you latch onto the first job offer, you may miss out on exploring diverse roles or industries that better fit your passions or skills.
• Short-lived College-to-Corporate Transition: The shift from college life to corporate responsibility can be stark. It feels manageable to manage professional expectations and dynamics with a buffer.
• Potential Skill Gap: Additional courses or certifications can make you more job-ready. Jumping into a job might mean you miss out on refining specific skills that could be beneficial in the long run.

How do you feel about the possibility of getting a job right away? Does it feel open in your body or more contracted?

If you choose to go for a job right away, check out this article for some detailed tips on landing a job, from resume to interview.

Entrepreneurship

Picture this: a world where you’re the captain of your ship, charting unknown waters, driven by passion and vision. Welcome to the world of entrepreneurship, a journey not for the faint-hearted but definitely for the spirited, the determined, and the dreamers.

Traits of entrepreneurs

Only some people have the personality type to be an entrepreneur. It can be stressful, highly uncertain, and requires out-of-the-box thinking.

If you are considering entrepreneurship, we recommend checking out Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan. This is a great way to quickly test your ideas (or develop a concept!)

Here are some common traits that entrepreneurs tend to share. See if you resonate with any of them.

• Openness to risk: A leap of faith is often required, and successful entrepreneurs are fearless in taking that jump, even when there’s no safety net.
• Ability to navigate uncertainty: The entrepreneurial path is riddled with unknowns. Riding the waves of uncertainty, rather than being paralyzed, is key.
• Out-of-the-box thinking: Traditional solutions? It’s only sometimes their go-to. Entrepreneurs thrive on innovation and unique approaches.
• Resilience: Every entrepreneur will face setbacks. But the ability to bounce back, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward distinguishes the great from the merely good.
• Adaptability: The business world is dynamic. Being able to pivot, adapt, and evolve based on feedback and changing circumstances is invaluable.
• Visionary Thinking: It’s about seeing the bigger picture, forecasting trends, and positioning oneself ahead of the curve.

Resources for launching your startup

Every great business starts with a spark–an idea. Whether it’s solving a prevalent problem, filling a gap in the market, or simply following a passion, your idea is the seed. 

If you feel the call to entrepreneurship, and you either have an idea you want to run with or you want to find a picture, then consider the following options for support:

• Mentorship programs: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide invaluable insights. You can try SCORE or small business development centers to get started.
• Business incubators & accelerators: These organizations offer resources, mentorship, and sometimes capital to help startups grow and succeed. Here is a list of accelerators to check out.
• Workshops & courses: There are countless programs designed to help budding entrepreneurs understand the nuts and bolts of running a business. Here is a list of courses to check out.
• Networking events: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. These gatherings can be goldmines for collaboration, partnerships, and support.

Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship is an adventure. It’s filled with challenges, but the rewards – the thrill of bringing an idea to life, the joy of creating something from scratch, the possibility of leaving a lasting impact – are immense. 

If your heart beats faster at the thought of carving out your path, and you love the show Shark Tank, the entrepreneurial journey may be calling out to you.

Soul searching

Graduating from college and entering the “real world” isn’t just about pursuing careers or money; sometimes, it’s about diving deep into the uncharted territories of who you are.

The schooling system is a non-stop, multi-year process. For some people, it can be hard to take a step back.

A gap year as a rite of passage

Many indigenous cultures had rites of passage built into their culture from childhood into adulthood.

The Aboriginals of Australia, for example, have a tradition called a walkabout^{3https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/walkabout-coming-age-0012191}. This is where a young adult, in their teenage years, would leave the village and survive alone for months—trekking thousands of miles and hunting their food. 

One of the purposes of such a harrowing trek was for that young adult to forge a spiritual connection with their ancestors who also succeeded in their walkabout, with the land, and with themself. To come back knowing who they are.

Our modern culture lacks such rites of passage. But for many, the gap year serves a similar purpose. It’s an opportunity for young adults to step away from all the rules and expectations of society that have entrapped them to date. And to discover who they are when they listen only to their compass.

Soul searching can create a more sustainable career trajectory

From a career perspective, taking time to soul-search before jumping into the job market can also increase the likelihood of picking a sustainable course. The more you know yourself, the more likely you will venture in a direction that fits you well. 

After I quit my job at the insurance company in my early twenties, I spent a year bicycling between monasteries and exploring different spiritual traditions. It was a profoundly impactful year for me—perhaps the most valuable of my life—and eventually set me on a career trajectory I feel rock-solid about.

Different ways to soul search

If this option calls to you, here are a few ideas.

• Gap year: Take a year off. Travel, read, write, get yoga teacher certified, or introspect. A gap year allows you to explore the world and, in turn, your place in it.
• A pilgrimage walk. These long walks offer a profound journey of self-discovery, reflection, connection to nature, and many new people. Consider the Pacific Crest Trail, the Camino de Santiago, or the Kumano Kodo Trail.
• WOOFing: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WOOFing) lets you work on organic farms across the globe. It’s a chance to connect with the earth, learn sustainable living, and immerse in diverse cultures. Here’s the website.
• Work a part-time job in a cool place: Have you ever dreamt of being a barista in Paris, a bartender in Bali, or a bookseller in a quaint English town? You can! They provide experiences that are enriching, fun, and eclectic. You can also check out ​​Workaway for some incredible work-trade opportunities globally.
• Volunteer opportunities: Offer your skills and time for a cause. Whether building homes in underprivileged areas or assisting in wildlife conservation, volunteering gives perspective and a sense of purpose. You could look at AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps as a starting point.
• Teach abroad: Share your knowledge and learn in return. Teaching abroad exposes you to different cultures and educational systems and broadens your worldview. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding!

If you choose this route, best of luck. I’m sure you’ll craft an amazing journey for yourself.

You might also find inspiration from this documentary called Happy, which explores a broad diversity of how different people find happiness across different cultures.

Resources for Your Next Steps

If you’re not sure of your next steps

If you still aren’t sure about your next step, you could try reading one of these books:

• What Color Is Your Parachute?: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Meaningful Work and Career Success. As you transition from college, Richard Bolles’ time-tested manual delivers tools for understanding yourself better, making it easier to find a career that resonates with your passions and talents.
• Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life. Bill Burnett and Dave Evans offer fresh graduates a blueprint, inspired by design thinking, to actively shape a life filled with joy and purpose as they step into the world beyond academia.
• What You’re Really Meant to Do: A Road Map for Reaching Your Unique Potential. Robert Kaplan’s insights, perfect for those fresh out of college, help navigate the maze of career opportunities, pushing you to discover and embrace your distinct path in the professional world.
• What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self. Curated by Ellyn Spragins, dive into heartfelt advice from influential women who share their post-college experiences, providing wisdom and guidance as you embark on your own journey.

Another option might be working with a career counselor to find personalized guidance. Here is a repository you can look through.

Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After College

Takeaways on What to Do After College

If you’ve recently graduated and you’re considering what to do next, remember the following:

• It’s okay not to have perfect clarity of what to do next
• Reflect on your strengths, interests, and values 
• Informationally interview people from different careers to see what stands out to you
• When assessing what path to take, don’t only decide with your head; notice what feels exciting

And remember that there are some of the primary paths you can consider:

• Enrolling in a graduate program with either grad school, professional certificates, or specialized courses
• Getting a job full-time, either in-person or remotely
• Entrepreneurship. Just remember to seek support from mentorship groups or accelerators.
• Soul searching through a gap year, WOOFFing, or volunteering.

Best of luck with your next chapter! You’re going to do great. 🙂

If you’re considering going into the workforce and would like more ideas, here’s a helpful article with tips on choosing a career.