Graduating from post-secondary education is a milestone that many people find both exciting and overwhelming. For the first time, the main focus is no longer attending classes and completing assignments, and the future seems wide open. With fewer daily constraints, the world feels full of possibility. But, as freeing as this phase can be, it can also feel uncertain, leaving many people wondering: What’s next?

Embrace the Uncertainty

There’s a lot to consider, repaying student loans, finding a job, figuring out housing, and navigating newfound freedom. It can feel like a lot to juggle all at once, and that’s completely normal. But here’s something worth remembering: the uncertainty and challenges you’re facing are part of the process. What comes next might not always be what you expect, but that’s okay. In fact, it’s often in the unexpected that we find the most growth.

Career Opportunities: What You Can Expect (And What You Can’t)

Many believe that having a degree automatically opens the doors to career opportunities. While that’s true for some, it’s not always the case. It’s possible you might not land your dream job right away, or you might even find that the job you thought was perfect for you isn’t everything you thought it would be. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and these challenges can lead to unexpected rewards that you never would have dreamed of.

Many young people pass up job offers, holding out for the hypothetical “perfect” job, which can lead to feeling unmotivated, questioning their abilities, and even feeling hopeless. It is perfectly fine to start with a job you didn’t expect to have. This first job may not seem like the dream job, but sometimes these early roles provide valuable experience, broaden your perspective, and offer lessons that become essential down the road. Other times, it’s the people you meet in less-than-ideal circumstances—whether as coworkers or mentors—who help shape your journey in the best ways possible.

If you’re having a hard time getting started and have a job opportunity that you aren’t sure about, take a moment to consider the following three things:

1. Does this job offer valuable experience that will enhance your resume and open doors for future career opportunities?
2. Are there clear opportunities for growth within this role that could help you move closer to your long-term career goals?
3. Make a pros and cons, or risk-to-benefit list. This can help you visualize the reasons to take or decline a job offer. Remember, only you can decide what you’re willing to compromise in the short term for your long-term success.

Finally, remember that taking one job does not mean that you’re stuck. If you don’t enjoy it or if it doesn’t work out, you can continue your job search and move on to the next thing! As an added reminder, if your dream job does present itself after you’ve already accepted another offer, the worst-case scenario is that you can gracefully withdraw from the first position in favor of the new opportunity. Remember, the only thing standing in your way is you.

Dealing with Setbacks and Finding Your Way

It’s true and inevitable that you will face setbacks. Maybe you’ll find jobs that are farther from home than you’d hoped for, get opportunities that aren’t financially viable, or maybe even lose a job unfairly.

Unexpected setbacks don’t mean you’re on the wrong path. It simply means you’re in the process of learning about what works for you and what doesn’t. Sometimes, losing or quitting one job might even lead you to a job that you love. Sometimes you might find yourself needing to work two jobs to get by before you find the one that meets all of your financial and career goals. That’s okay! Don’t let this discourage you; you might find that by taking a side job or exploring other interests, you might just find some unexpected joy along the way.

How Setbacks Can Lead to Greater Opportunities

Those side jobs or experiences that seem like detours might turn out to hold some of the most valuable things you’ve gained. Eventually, you might begin to notice that what you once saw as “failures” were actually stepping stones that allowed you to make new meaningful connections, adult friendships, and prepared you for your next opportunity. The job you didn’t get, the master’s program that didn’t accept you, or the career move that didn’t pan out could be exactly what led you to a different, better position you never expected.

Helpful Tips and Things to Get You Started

1. Clarify Your Career Goals:

• Reflect on what you’re passionate about and where you see yourself in the next few years. This self-reflection will serve as a compass for your next steps.

2. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile:

• Keep your profiles current to present yourself in the best possible light. This is often the first step to showing potential employers who you are.
• Reach out to your school’s career center for advice, resume reviews, and job listings. They can be an invaluable resource during your job search.

3. Start Networking:

• Reach out to professors, alumni, or professionals in your field. Networking helps open doors that may not be listed on job boards.

4. Apply to Jobs, Internships, or Part-Time Work:

• Gaining experience is key. Don’t just focus on the “perfect job”—any experience that adds to your skill set is valuable.

5. Gain New Skills:

• If you feel like you’re missing some essential qualifications, consider taking an online course or obtaining certifications to boost your resume.

6. Prepare for Interviews:

• Practice makes perfect. Be ready for potential setbacks, like rejection—remember, they are part of the process.

7. Stay Organized:

• Use a job tracker to stay on top of applications, deadlines, and follow-ups. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Enjoy the Journey and Trust the Process

The key takeaway? No one has it all figured out right after graduation. The journey ahead is unpredictable, and that’s the beauty of it. The “what ifs” can feel endless, but the truth is that we never know what’s coming next. Every challenge, setback, or unexpected turn of events is part of a bigger picture that we may not fully understand until we look back. There is no one “right” path forward. It’s okay to take risks, try new things, or even make mistakes. Time will pass whether you’re taking steps forward or not, so take the risks and do the difficult things. Enjoy the process, embrace the journey, and trust that, no matter where it takes you, it will be worth it.

You’ve Got This

Take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and keep moving forward. The road may be unpredictable, but it’s yours to navigate—and you’re more than ready.