By: Beth Dykes, Class of 2013
“So what’s next?” The inevitable question everyone asks when you mention graduation. If you’re like me, you had no idea what was really next and every time someone asked you that question… you’d freak out a little. No need to fear; you’re not alone.
You’re in the home stretch of being done with homework, essays, mid-terms, and finals. The joy is overwhelming, but so are the choices for your life afterwards. You could go to career fairs to see if you connect with any of the companies represented. You could start studying for the GMAT to hopefully start working towards your MBA. But whatever path you choose, make sure it the one that makes you happy. Don’t base your choice on what is best for your pocket book (hard for us business majors) or the one that makes you look the best; look for the one that will bring satisfaction for the long-haul.
The “Career” Route
Search. Apply. Fingers crossed for an interview. Repeat. When applying for a job, you have to get your name out there. No company is going to randomly call for an interview, unless they’ve received your name somehow. I can’t stress enough how much Career Services can assist you. They will even keep helping you after you graduate! They were able to get me second interviews with four companies. You want to get as many interviews as possible. This obviously increases your chances of getting a job offer. Once you have offers on the table, the choice is yours to make.
Professors are also your allies in the job process. It’s so important to build relationships with your instructors, and discuss what field you want to pursue. If they hear about an internship or career that fits, they might let you know! Once again this gets your name out there to hopefully secure an interview.
Now that you have an interview set up, be sure your resume is good to go, you dress for success, and be on your game for the interview! Mention all the successes you’ve accomplished. Remember even if your “weaknesses” should be strengths for an interview! Never mention anything negative or bring up issues in the initial interview. Once you’ve determined their corporate culture fits with your personality, this is a good sign that you’ll enjoy this job for a long time.
The “More Schooling” Route
There are two paths along this route. You can start schooling directly after you graduate, or start in your career and decide to go back. It all depends on how flexible your future job will be. Once you are in the job and with promotions up for grabs, it is hard to leave and go back to school. If you want to get a jump-start on even more higher education, there are some steps that need to take place
First, you need to start searching for a school that suits your needs. International business? Path to doctorate? Executive MBA plan? See what the schools have to offer, and what admission requirements are in place.
While your search is taking place, you should be studying for the GMAT. It’s a tough test, but you can do it with the help of study guides. But definitely do as many practice test as possible! Once your GMAT is finished (you get your score automatically!) you can start applying, and see what schools accept. Then once again, the choice is yours!
There are so many options for you after graduation: take some time off, start your career, or go back to school. All are valuable choices and each take consideration of their own. If I have any advice, it’s to do what makes you happy. Take what you’ve learned and use it.
