You’re Graduating—Now What?

It’s your last month of college and you’re tearing up with the idea of missing your friends, campus and favorite bar. But panic settles in when people ask “What are you going to do now?” Well, IIDA is here to help calm your nerves.

1. Know what you want. If you’re not sure what exactly you want to be doing figure this out first. People can’t help you until you’ve narrowed down the path you want to take.

2. Talk to everyone. Believe it or not everyone has been in your shoes and someone helped them out. Most people are willing to be that person for someone else. So don’t be afraid to ask!

3. The rule of 3. When talking to professors, friends of parents, mentors or internship coordinators ask them for 3 other contacts that would be good to talk to into the field. You never know who you could meet.

4. Informational interview. This is a great opportunity to reach people in high up positions, learn what they do and form contacts to follow up with later. They also tend to know lots of people and if they’re willing to meet with you (bonus points if they like you!) they may think of you if a position opens up or recommend you to a friend.

5. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain. Graduating college is one of the few times in your life you’ll have a moment to do whatever you want. If you want to backpack across Europe, volunteer or take a totally different career path—you can. Follow your intuition and you won’t be steered wrong.

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