Preparing to Graduate Timeline
Preparing for Post-Graduation
The "Real World”
May to August
(Summer between Junior and Senior Year)
As you are approaching your last year of college, there are some things you should do to prepare you for a very busy year. Always remember, things that are done earlier will lighten the stress of fall semester!
· Set a timeline for the year
- Note on important test dates, career fairs, etc.
- Set timelines for yourself
· Decide on whether you want to take standardized tests for graduate school (ie: GRE, LSAT, etc.)
- Register for the required standardized test or those that you wish to take
- Sign up for preparatory classes
- Start preparing by polishing your weaknesses and taking practice tests
· Update your résumé
- Create several versions that can be used for various job positions
- It is strongly suggested that you have your resume critiqued. This service is offered by the career center
- Contact people for possible recommendations for both your job and graduate school
August – September
· Meet with your faculty advisor and/or career counselor to discuss career options
- Take note of various career fairs that may be going on
- Attend workshops in your area of weakness, such as interviewing, networking, and/or negotiation
· Schedule a “mock interview”
- This can be done at the career center, with a professional in your field of interest, or even your current employer
· Start looking into job openings in areas you wish to reside in after graduation
- Have a general idea of where you would like to be, whether that is home, another city, or your college town
· If you’re applying for graduate school:
- Continue to prepare for your standardized tests
- Gather application materials, including recommendations, transcripts, and writing samples
- Register, prepare and take the standardized tests necessary
October- December
· Continue to sign up for interviews with on-campus recruiters
- Remember to follow up your interviews with a thank-you note to the recruiters
· Look into other job search websites not related to your university.
- Employers are aware that college seniors are using this time to start their job search
· Continue to check out career fairs around your area
- Bring plenty of resumes, and copies of the different versions you have
- Keep all the business cards you receive
- write thank you card to recruiters that you are very interested in
· If you’re planning on going to grad school:
- Take the standardized test you have signed up for
- Compile and mail applications to the graduate schools you wish to apply
- Gather financial records and materials for FAFSA
- Schedule necessary interviews for admissions
January – February
· Continue networking and interviewing with on-campus and off-campus recruiters
- Contact any alumni that may be able to help you. This information can usually be found through the alumni network organization of the university
- Attend as many interviews as you can, the more you do it, the better you’ll be
· Research post-graduation opportunities other than full time employment or grad school
- Possible options include: teaching abroad, joining the peace corps, working for volunteer organizations, joining the military
· If you are going to grad school:
- Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1
- Look into scholarship for private organizations
March – May
· Review your job offers
- Make sure you are looking at the whole package- benefits, opportunities for advancement, location, corporate culture, etc.
· Research student loan repayment options
· Research insurance options that are not included in your benefits package, as well as real estate market of the place you will be after graduation
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