We
all pray for the day to come when we won’t have any more exams, coursework and
assignments ever again…but when that moment actually comes we simply don’t know
what to do any more. We have gotten so used to ‘student life’, which is sort of
independent but not nearly as full of responsibilities as we will have after now.
Adapting to life after university can
be very stressful for many, but it is yet another step on the ladder of life.
Of course life after university is not necessarily going to be worse, but it’s
normal to fear the unknown… And to be fair, there is no ‘Guide for Survival in
Real Life’, no recipe for a successful future or a “happily ever after”. From
now on everything depends on us – the choices we make and on the paths we
embark on. Having said that, there are things we can do to make the transition
easier and smoother. So, fear not! Here are a few useful tips on how to adapt
to life after graduation:
Take time out to travel
For some, there is
a need to occupy yourself as much as you can as you have moved into another
phase of life! It is true that you need to be more responsible now, but who’s
to say you can’t enjoy yourself a bit? If you’re not doing your Masters program
or NYSC immediately, take some time off to travel, see new places, visit far
friends perhaps… real life can wait a bit, don’t you think?
Keep in touch with your course mates
It is a good idea
to stay in touch with as many of your former course mates as possible. After
all, you are in the same boat and can easily relate to each other. Maintaining
connections with your university community might make the transition to life
after graduation a little easier, and show you that everyone else is going
through the exact same stages as you. The friendships and professional networks
begun at university are also often likely to be some of the most important you’ll
form, often lasting for life and can really be helpful in getting a job.
Enroll in some independent study
If you simply can’t get used to the idea that you are not going
to have any more lectures and course work, and feel like you are never going to
learn anything new again… well, you are wrong! There are plenty of independent studies you can do –
just decide what interests you and seek books or you could listen to lectures
on the internet, read whatever takes your fancy… There is always so much you
can learn, as long as you want to, and now you have the freedom to actually
explore what interests you the most; don’t let your brain get lazy – keep
exercising all those independent study skills you’ve spent the last few years
acquiring.
Find an internship or a work placement
After leaving the university, It is a good idea to find
an internship or a work placement of some sort. A good diploma is
important, but real work experience is often just as valuable. Even if you can
only find an internship which is unpaid, or voluntary work, my advice is: take
it anyway, because now is the time to experiment with different positions and
build a strong CV.
Attend alumni events
Most universities have alumni events you can
attend, every few years or so. This can actually be a very good way to answer
the “what should I do with my life?!” question, because alumni events provide
the chance to meet people who are the same age as you and have attained a
similar education. Get inspired by them; share your experiences; exchange
advice and discuss ideas… at some point you will realize that you have actually
achieved a lot since leaving university; you’ve finally adapted to life after
graduation!
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