If you recently graduated from college, consider the following suggestions for building a solid career and rewarding lifestyle.
For most, it’s helpful to deal head-on with student loan debt, build a network, focus on long-term career goals, and more.
1. Refinance Your School Loans
If there’s only one item on your to-do list after graduating from college, it should be to refinance student loans as soon as possible.
This move can save you a significant amount of money in terms of lower monthly payments and an excellent way to gain access to better terms, rates, and repayment periods.
However, it’s also essential to learn about the unique relationship between loan refinancing and credit scores by reviewing a comprehensive guide.
While dealing with education debt should be a top priority, be sure to get all the facts before addressing the situation directly.
For many borrowers, credit scores are much higher after graduation than before, which can have a significant impact on the process of refinancing and the amount you can potentially save over the life of the loan.
2. Start Networking Now
Don’t procrastinate about developing a professional network.
The first few months on the job are the ideal time to begin collecting names and contact information from everyone you meet, particularly those who can help propel your career forward.
Remember to add names from college contacts like fellow students who now work in other companies and industries, professors, counselors, and employers for whom you did intern work while still in college.
3. Focus on a Career, Not a Job
Don’t give in to the temptation to find the perfect job right out of school.
Instead, make a long-term career plan and try to achieve milestones incrementally.
Unfortunately, many grads feel the need to score a permanent position the day after they receive their diplomas.
Most working adults experiment with different companies and roles before they find their true calling, even if they already know the industry in which they will spend their entire careers.
Whether your first job is a transition position or one you intend to keep for several years, don’t neglect continuing education courses.
These days, nearly every discipline and industry have a long list of courses that college grads need to take to stay current on trends, technology, and best practices.
Work with a supervisor to develop a plan of attack for getting credits as they’re needed. Most employers pay tuition and fees for any classes you take.
4. Connect with a Charitable Organization
It’s easy to overlook the immense value that comes from donating time to a local charity or social service agency.
Not only does the activity provide much-needed services for less fortunate individuals and families, but it’s an efficient way to make professional contacts, learn new skills, and develop interpersonal skills.
What sorts of things do young adults usually choose?
In addition to helping raise funds for a worthy non-profit, people donate their time in a wide variety of ways, including serving as English tutors for new immigrants, teaching literacy classes for disadvantaged adults, helping low-income individuals prepare their tax returns, volunteering to operate food banks and community kitchens, overseeing social outings for disabled children, and more.
