It's come early...

THE POST-GRAD THOUGHTS

If you're anything like me (neurotic, anxious, worry-wart, planner, Type A), you've been thinking about life post-graduation since freshman year of college. And like any good college student, you've put the thoughts off and procrastinated on thinking about it.

Welp, I'm sorry I had to be the one to break it to you, but you are almost done with your first semester of senior year. It's finally time to get your act together.

Sure, I guess you could leave it until winter break but let me pop your bubble, employers are hiring now. Here, let me say it for those in the back...

Employers are looking for applicants now. And they are hiring NOW.

My best friend and roommate is being flown out to Texas next week for a real interview with a major corporate company. Seriously people, you need to start applying. If anything please at least start your professional resume.

I've compiled a list of things you need to do (or at least start) before you head into your second semester senior year.

1. Find A Place

I'm not talking a house or apartment, I'm talking about a region or area. Want to work back home? Good to know. But applying to jobs first involves knowing what kind of job you want and what area you want to be placed in. You can't apply to a school district (I'm an education major btw) if you don't know what area you want to teach in. Also, most major corporate jobs will ask what area of the country you would like to work in. If you have a specific place in mind, fantastic. However, keep your options open. Does working across the country scare you? Post-graduation is the perfect time to get out of your comfort zone and branch out. Never rule out something you can't see.

2. Download a Resume Template

The Google machine is a great place to find resources. Check it out sometime, you can literally find anything on that thing. URL to get you started.... www.google.com

3. Research, Research, Research

I am my father's daughter in this area, I do not do or buy anything without researching the heck out of it first. I need to read at least twelve good reviews in order to almost be convinced to follow through with something. From there, it takes heavy convincing. I really appreciate the types that can impulse buy and do something. Spontaneity is not in my vocabulary. That being said, do your research. There is so much great information to be learned about literally anything and everything. Stockpile facts, opinions, websites, brochures, etc. Create a bookmarks tab. I have one simply marked "Job Options" and every once in a while I'll go back to all the districts I've bookmarked and see how I feel about them. In the moment, a job can look absolutely perfect and you can get wrapped up in the emotion and feeling of it. This is where the bookmark comes in, revisit it every so often and see if you still feel the same way. That'll tell you more than you think.

4. Visit Your University's Career Center & Website

They are there for a reason. They will discuss job options, help you create/edit resumes, find placement options, teach interview tips, do mock interviews, and so much more. If you don't know where to start, just make an appointment and they will help you through it.

BRADLEY STUDENTS: http://www.bradley.edu/scc/

5. Start Saving

Whether you decide to go off on your own to pursue a job opportunity or you go back home to live with your parents, start saving money. It will make a stressful time a little easier with money saved up specifically for that moment.

6. Look Into Jobs Abroad

Okay I admit, this one is a stretch and it's also not for everyone. However, if you have any sort of interest in working abroad or just wanderlust in general, look into it. There is so much more out there than you realize. No matter your major, a lot of organizations will pay you good money to teach English abroad while providing you vacation time to travel. Business majors, communications majors, engineers, nursing majors, just use the Google machine and look it up. You may be pleasantly surprised as to what you find.

7. Set Time For Yourself

The road to graduation is a long and stressful journey, but you're almost there. Don't forget to breathe and be patient. There is a reason and a season for everything, Don't let any opportunity pass you by.

Hopefully, answering that timeless question... "What are you going to do after graduation?" might be a bit easier.