How Should You Decide What To Do After Graduating College?

Whether you’re in your first year of college or a month or two from graduation, the question of what to do after you leave school can seem daunting. A whole world of options could arise to explore, but the immense freedom of choice may leave you unsure of which path to take. What should you do after college graduation to maximize the opportunities ahead? 

Some new graduates may already have their next moves mapped out, having lined up a graduate school placement or a full-time job while in school. However, you don’t necessarily need to worry if you haven’t decided what to do next. The period after graduation can offer the opportunity to explore various career options and reflect on what you want from life. Below are multiple routes you can take after graduation, as well as their pros and cons.

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Take time to travel or try a gap year

Some recent graduates take the period immediately after college as an opportunity to travel. For some, other opportunities and the freedom to explore the world can seem fleeting. Whether someone takes a month or two abroad or a full-on gap year, visiting new places can expand their view of life, increase their understanding of other cultures, and provide a sense of resilience, independence, and confidence. 

A potential disadvantage of taking time off is delaying your entry into the workforce. However, employers may recognize that traveling, networking, or other gap year activities can provide valuable life experiences that may enrich an organization. You may also be able to find work opportunities while you travel, such as teaching English at language schools in your destination countries. Regardless, people can graduate college at any age and find a job at any phase in life. 

Look for work 

Some experts advise finding work that aligns with your degree or desired career path. If your first job doesn’t provide at least some of the core skills you’ll need in your chosen field, you may risk being overlooked by recruiters and application review algorithms if you transition careers. 

Pursue an internship to gain experience toward your dream job

Another option for entering the workforce after school is to find an internship related to your desired career. Working as an intern can be one of the most straightforward ways to gain experience directly relevant to your long-term goals while networking with other professionals in your field. 

A potential drawback of an internship is that you may be working for little or no money. The financial challenge can make justifying this option difficult for some people, especially those who don’t have savings or financial support from family members. If you can make an internship work, though, data from LinkedIn suggests this option can significantly increase your odds of securing a full-time job in your field within six months.

Apply to graduate schools for college graduates seeking a master’s degree

If you know that your long-term ambitions could require a graduate-level education, you might choose to begin the application process immediately after your undergraduate years come to a close. Your contacts with the professors whose recommendations you need will be up to date, and you may have a sense of momentum after completing your bachelor’s degree. In addition, the sooner you complete grad school, the sooner you can take advantage of the higher earnings potential offered by a master’s degree.

Some may be hesitant to enter graduate school right away since the option often involves taking on additional debt. On the other hand, graduate programs typically provide leeway in spacing out your credit hours, so you may be able to work while pursuing your degree on the side. Some companies may offer to pay for your schooling as a perk of signing an employment contract. 

Volunteer

Rather than looking for a job or an internship, some new graduates try to find volunteer opportunities. Volunteering for a cause that’s meaningful to you can be a rewarding, fulfilling experience. This option may also help you acquire job skills and contacts, increasing your long-term employability, particularly if you’re considering a career in the non-profit sector or public service. 

Looking for volunteer opportunities abroad can also be a low-cost way to travel after college, and it offers some of the same personal benefits as a gap year. If this idea interests you, you may consider checking out programs like the Peace Corps.

Start your own business

Entrepreneurship can be another viable option after graduating, especially if you’ve gained relevant technical or business skills in school. Starting and running your own company can be a powerful learning experience, and if all goes well, you may wind up with a thriving business that you own outright. 

While launching your own company can be immensely rewarding, this option carries risks. The process can require hard work, success is far from guaranteed, and former entrepreneurs who return to the job market may have a more challenging time appealing to recruiters. As such, some graduates may prefer the stability of a job or an internship. 

How to choose what you’ll do after graduation

With so many possible paths to follow after graduating, how can you choose which way to go? No one else can decide for you, but keeping some of the following considerations in mind may help.

In what career sector are you hoping to work?

Some post-graduate options described above may be better suited to particular career paths. For instance, a master’s degree could make more sense for college graduates intending to work in academia or a technical field like engineering or biotechnology. Volunteer positions or internships may position you well for a government or non-profit career. Considering what post-graduation choices will get you closer to your dream job could be helpful in this process. 

What problem-solving advice do your mentors have for you?

When considering what to do after graduating, get input from those with more experience. Consider talking to people like your academic advisor, previous professors you admire, and family members or friends with experience in your field to get their thoughts. You could also talk to experts in the field online through forums or groups. 

How can you grow your professional network?

According to the Harvard Business Review, networking can be among the most significant factors for career success. Can you find something to do after college that offers lots of opportunities to connect with others in your desired field? Consider adding connections on LinkedIn and talking to people in social media groups with similar professional aspirations. 

What is your financial situation?

Do you have the financial stability to afford a gap year or an unpaid internship? Do you have student loans that could be forgiven if you take on a public service position? Questions like these can help you decide if you will enter the workforce immediately or take time to gain life experience.

Do you need a specialized license?

Some life paths may require specialized postgraduate education or training to gain specific credentials. If you need a teacher certification, a license to perform therapy, a medical technician certification, or a similar credential, consider working toward this licensure right away. Some licenses may require practicums, supervised hours, and residencies so that they may take extra time outside of schooling. 

What do you value most in life?

Some of the discussion of post-college activities focuses on how to position yourself for career success, but there’s more to life than work. Graduates who strongly value service to others might be happier taking some time to volunteer, even if they could make more money elsewhere. Those who greatly enjoy problem-solving and learning new skills might want to head for the workforce immediately. Someone who places a premium on independence and personal growth could be better off facing the challenges of entrepreneurship or the adventure of international travel.

Resources for college students preparing for graduation

There are many informational and mentoring resources from which you can draw when trying to decide on your trajectory after college, including but not limited to the following: 

• Academic advising: Your advisor may often offer suggestions for what to do after graduating, and they may be able to write you a letter of recommendation or connect you with professional contacts.
• Career counselors: Your school's administrative team may include dedicated career advice providers. 
• Alumni networks: Colleges often maintain an association or network that allows former students to connect with one another. Contacting alumni can be a way to get an experienced perspective on your post-graduation options.
• Career centers: Schools may offer offices where students and alumni can meet to discuss career interests and attend events that provide information about particular fields. 
• Non-profits and professional associations: In addition to your school's resources, organizations like the National Postdoctoral Association or ImaginePhD can offer information and guidance for college graduates. 

Mental health education resources for graduates

The pressure of planning your career and transitioning away from the familiar college environment can affect your well-being. For this reason, some people may experience mental health challenges like depression and excessive substance use during this period. If you’re preparing for graduation and feeling mentally unwell, taking advantage of your school’s behavioral health services may be helpful. You could also find help through online resources like the American Psychological Association (APA) or the American Depression and Anxiety Association (ADAA). 

Navigate an uncertain future with professional guidance

Chat with a counselor

Finding a therapist 

Students and recent graduates are often busy with daily life and financial obligations. During a transitionary period, finding an in-person therapist might be put on the back burner. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible. 

Because you can access treatment from anywhere with an Internet connection, you may be better able to maintain continuity of care if you relocate or travel. In addition, online platforms can allow you to connect through weekly support groups on various topics. A 2017 meta-analysis concluded that techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered online can treat mental disorders. However, you don’t need to be diagnosed with or experiencing a mental illness to seek therapy. Therapy may also help with daily tasks, life stress, and guidance in a career path.