Graduation Tips

Take advantage of every opportunity to network. Each one of these opportunities is a change to develop a relationship with someone who may be able to help you find your perfect job either right now, or sometime down the road.

When you graduate, make sure you have developed a good relationship with some of your professors. The better the relationship, the better the recommendation letter you will get.

Now that you are done with your education you will have to pay back all of the student loans that you took out to pay for collage. Get yourself organized and make sure you know who your lenders are, what your loan balance is, and what your repayment status is.

Make sure that your resume is up to date and looks professional. Have someone look it over to make sure that they understand what they are reading.

Take advantage of the career center at your school both before you graduate and after. The counselors are there to help you find a job. They are full of resources and suggestions.

As a graduate you are now considered an alumnus of the university, so find out everything you will need to know about your schools alumni association. This association is a great resource for finding a job, or giving back to the school financially.

As a new graduate you may find that you don’t always have the necessary skills and experience that some companies are looking for. You need to show them how the transferable skills you have learned in collage – including Time management, problem-solving, computer skills, written and verbal communication and analytical skills - make you the best possible candidate for the job.

In the business world everyone has a business card. As a new graduate job seeker you should have one as well. On this card should be your contact information (phone number and e-mail address), your career objective, and a few bullet points about you, your skills and your goals. You can give this card to people you meet at networking events. Also make sure that your family members have some to give out to people they meet as well.

Take advantage of the new way to network with the social networking sites online. However remember two things – first keep your profiles clean because business recruiters and people in the human resources offices look at them. Second while these sites are fantastic, nothing works better then meeting someone face to face.

It may sound silly, but treat yourself to a mini make-over. Get a new haircut and buy “business” clothing. It’s a great way to start this new chapter in your life as a newly graduated adult.

Before you graduate, make sure to check with your college or university to see how your name appears in their system. This is important because your name will be displayed on your diploma as it appears in the school's system and, most times, there will be a fee to change or correct the name on a diploma.

When you are ready for graduation, make sure you follow your college or university's guidlelines regarding the actual commencement ceremony (should you plan to attend). Make sure that you are in proper attire and that you fully understand how your institution wishes to have you return your cap and gown following the ceremony. Some schools will actually withhold your diploma until the cap and gown are returned!