Graduation is Coming Up…What’s Next? by: Josie Bobeck

If you’re like me you think about the future a lot, especially when it comes to things like job hunting and what my next move will be after I graduate in April. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it is an incredibly overwhelming feeling, and I always try to remain vocal about these feelings because I know I’m not the only one feeling them. I also feel like a certain level of vulnerability helps to work through these feelings, as well.

One thing I’m working on right now is weighing my options. I know for the time being I plan on staying in Metro Detroit, so I’ve been researching positions and companies I think I might enjoy working for and could see myself applying to. Doing is has helped alleviate some of my anxiety, and it also reminds me that there are plenty of jobs and internships out there.

I’ve also recently started reworking my résumé so that I’m not scrambling to come up with one later. This is also important because when the time comes, tailoring your résumé and your experiences to the role you are applying will be much easier if you have something already made and you’re not constantly writing out new résumés. I would also recommend having your advisor or mentor review it and give you feedback.

Reaching out to people in your network can also be very helpful. In Meg Jay’s book “The Defining Decade”, she talks about the importance of weak ties. Weak ties are people you may have had a class with a couple semesters ago or met at a conference a while back that can help you when you least expect it. More often than not, they are more than happy to help connect you to someone in their network and that can help you land your dream job.

I have horrible interview anxiety, so I’ve been reading up on how to “ace the interview”. Interviews can be scary, but there are plenty of resources out there that can help provide tips and insights on how to better prepare. I personally like Career Contessa; she has a lot of valuable information on her website.

To help curb my anxiety, I’ve also been talking to people I trust and making time for things I enjoy. Holding space for myself and my feelings helps me work through them, but I’ve also made sure to meditate, read, go on walks, and do other things I enjoy to help clear my head when these feelings get to be too much.

We still have so much time left to apply to jobs, but if you ever want to chat please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. You’re not alone in your feelings, and it will all work out!