Advice for College Graduates

For the last several days my Facebook feed has been exploding with pictures and “congratulations” to many individuals who received their degrees. To all the college graduates, I want to say congratulations.

My graduation was in December 2015, but it feels like it was just yesterday. I remember waiting in the hallway with all my peers. The area felt like a sauna from all the body heat. I remember dancing like Carlton Banks when a professor informed me that I passed her class with an A. 

I remember my tassel waving from side to side, inpatiently waiting to be turned. I remember walking across the stage as my name was announced, shaking my college presidents hand.  Somewhere in the crowd I barely made out the cries of joy from my oldest brother, mother, and father. Some of you must be wondering about what to do now that the days of homework, professors, and college lectures are out of the way. From one college graduate to another, here is my advice: 

Celebrate You deserve to be happy because you made it. All those years of studying past midnight; forcing yourself out of bed; fighting to find a parking spot on campus; chugging down caffeine; begging for extra credit; and hectic college papers have finally paid off. The diploma in your hand will feel like gold. The graduation cap must have felt like your own personalized crown. And all those stoles around your neck must have felt like the latest bling. Take some time to yourself. Go on a vacation, conquer something on your bucket list, spend time with family and friends, or thank God for helping you get where yo are. 

Ready Your Resume There is no better time to touch it up than after you graduate. Nowadays, employers do care if you have education, even if it isn’t beyond high school. If you need assistance fixing up your resume you can look online at examples or look to your professors. Trust me, some of them do care to help you succeed in the job market.

Decide Your Next Move What will it be: marriage, military life,  job market, kids, getting your own place, more education? In regards to more education, I said, “HECK NO!!!!”. While I did love college, admission wasn’t exactly like Dollar Tree. Still, I praise God that the only debt I have is the student loan, which thanks to Him blessing me with a job, gets paid every month.

Don’t Think You’re Too Good For Jobs Recently, I heard of an individual who refused to accept a job, because he thought it was beneath him, or too good for him. Don’t be that person. Your goal should be to find something within your field, but chances are you are not going to find that job or get hired when you want. You are not the only person wanting to be a news anchor, electrical engineer, lawyer, etc. Don’t be afraid to take jobs outside of your field. With those jobs comes experience. With experience comes something to add further to the skills and work section of your resume. A job is a job. If it pays well, grab it.

Pray I tell you prayer is a good assurance in post college life. If there is ever a time where prayer is needed it is after college, because from then after is the real world. Scenarios: “I’m having trouble with student loans”, ” I can’t find a job within my field”, “How am I going to make the rent this month?”

“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” -Mark 11:25

Believe that God can get you a job. Believe that He will help you pay off your debts. Believe that He has a future for you. If nothing happens right away, maybe He wants you to have what you desire when you’re ready, or perhaps something better for you. I have to always believe that too.

Whatever your next move be after receiving all the gifts and applause, remember that it is your decision. Nobody can dictate what you do with your life but you. Have a good day, congratulations, and God Bless!