Being in your last semester of college is bittersweet. On one end, you’re thinking, ‘Finally, I’m done with my undergrad. I no longer worry about doing five-page papers, tests, quizzes, or discussion boards. I can finally focus on myself.’ But on the other hand, we are also thinking. ‘What am I going to do with my life now?’ This is normal and OK. This isn’t the end but the beginning of your life.
Post-graduation thoughts creep up on us at one point or another, and that’s completely fine. But others around you think the same things. This thought can trigger anxiety, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt. But you are capable and will succeed even if you do not know what you’ll be doing post-graduation. You can still find internships, community, and a new routine.
“I feel both nervous and excited at the same time because I’ve been spending so much time into my degree, ” says Emily Lin, a lower senior at Hunter College. “At the same time, a lot of people say college is a protective bubble where you can explore your interests, and people say it’s the freest that you are ever going to be, so leaving this type of environment and potentially going into a corporate space that’s a little nerve-wracking.”
The first thing you should do after graduation is take a break and celebrate. You just finished your undergrad; be proud of yourself. Those two to four years were difficult, so just live in the moment. You just accomplished something extraordinary that no one can take away from you.
After taking your break, it’s good to establish a routine for yourself. You’ve been attending school for much of your life, which means you are used to structure and predictability. When you’re taken out of your daily routine, you feel kind of out of whack. This is a good time to find and stick with your new routine; be consistent. And if it’s not working out well, you can always adjust it to your liking.
According to research, the benefits of having a routine include reducing stress and helping with mental health.
“I feel excited to finally be done with college because I felt like it was a long journey,” Hunter senior Rosalia Almonte Santos stated. “I’m also worried because I don’t know if what I studied is going to be what I actually want to do. After I graduate, I want to travel and see who I am without college and just live my life for now.”
Life after college is when you discover yourself. You are constantly surrounded by peers of the same age group who are all in the same boat as you, just trying to pass, get your degree, and be on your way out. After twenty-something years, you’re used to this lifestyle. This is a good time to redefine the person you want to be.
This is also a good time to incorporate new things, such as a hobby, fitness, or a passion project. But if you’re stressed because you couldn’t find an internship while you were an undergrad. Many places take new graduates. This is a good way to put your degree to work, and with these internships, you can land a permanent position with that company. It is good to follow @cunyalumni on Instagram as they post job and internship opportunities for graduates. They are constantly posting new opportunities.
“I was so close to finishing my degree I felt a lot of pressure to pass all my classes. Especially since I took longer than the expected four years to complete my bachelor’s, I felt there was no room to fall behind. I’m surprised I graduated.” Patricia Calpo is a Hunter alum who graduated in the fall of 2023. “Do not feel like you need to jump straight into a career. Make sure you’re making progress. However, you define that for yourself.”
Don’t be afraid to put your work out into the world, and don’t be scared to take risks because you are capable, and don’t compare yourself to others. Everything will fall into place after graduation; just stay focused, be consistent, and try your best.
