A Guide to Life After Graduation

The Unofficial, Unauthorized, and Incomplete Guide to Life After Graduation

by Richard Kirby, Mensa/Tau Beta Pi/Eta Kappa Nu Member, Former P.E., Lifelong Contrarian, and 21-Year Career and Business Owner Coach

Prior to Graduation

1. ASAP … Gain experience you can reference (on your resume and in interviews) via internships in your industries of interest and do meaningful work related to your functional job interests. If not possible, at least do something in your industries of interest.

2. ASAP… After investing tens of thousands of dollars and thousands of hours on your academic education, learn what career options most motivate you by investing $149 (or less if there is a sale banner at the top of the home page) and buy the Executive version of the MAPP assessment at www.assessment.com.

3. September of your last year, or sooner if a grad student … Make a list of everyone you know who you think knows you, likes you, and would probably be willing to help you get a job if you asked them for help. Prioritize them by strength of your relationship and start in the middle and work your way toward the strongest, then work from the middle down. Explain your industry and job interests as specific as possible and ask for their help in making additional targeted (industry and job function) personalized introductions.

After Graduation and Throughout Your Career

4. As you become motivated to do so … Evaluate your group of friends and others with whom you socialize/work. Think seriously about reducing or eliminating contact with negative people and about increasing/expanding contact with more positive people. Build a mutually supportive group.

GREEN FLAGS IN PEOPLE (Ref: @herpsychology)

They celebrate your wins                                     They remember small things about you                   They respect your boundaries

You feel energized after seeing them               They listen without being defensive                           They allow you to be fully yourself

They make you feel safe                                      You don’t have to watch what you say                      They support your goals

5. Per #3, continue to expand your network of valuable people in your industry and your profession as this is the gateway to future promotions and new job opportunities … or to clients if you are self-employed. Remember that your college alumni, professional/honor society members, fraternity/sorority members, etc. are members of key affinity groups you can leverage along the way.

6. Decide if you have the personality, talent, endurance, etc. to be self-employed as an independent gig worker, founder of a startup, etc.

7. Per #6, chart a path for your desired career progression as an employee or toward self-employment. If you are on an employee track, learn about mentors and sponsors. Pursue developing such relationships with at least one mentor and one sponsor in your employer.

8. Pay attention and remember “success principles” that you can reference along your career journey, such a “BE > DO > HAVE”. Collect general wisdom, not just technical or job-specific knowledge.

9. Find a way to organize and discipline yourself to stay focused on #7. Consider investing in yourself via coaching or other resources to help you advance sooner to your goal(s).