Editor’s Note — This piece is written by Kate Bueler, ScholarMatch’s College Advisor & Community Engagement Manager. Kate is a lifelong educator, having held multiple roles in the field including teacher, literary instructor, researcher, school counselor, and policy maker. She has been supporting urban, low-income students on their journey to college graduation and beyond for over nine years. Here is Kate’s advice to graduating seniors in their last moments of college.

1. Check Something Off of Your Senior Year Bucket List

It is your last few months of college — enjoy it. Set intentions of things you would like to do before graduating that’s more than your career checklist. I have found that students always want to go to a special event, do something with their friends, go to a club meeting/celebration/concert on campus, etc. Whatever it is that you want to do, make it happen. You have worked really hard to get to this moment, so think about what you need to celebrate the end of your college career and honor all that hard work and effort. How do you want to end your senior year? What is something you have always wanted to do? Ask yourself what it is you want to do before leaving college, and do it! You have the time, I promise.

2. Start Your Future Planning at Your Own Pace

Set aside time to really think about summer, career, dream jobs, and new endeavors, travel, and adventures ahead. It can be exhilarating to think about your future, but it can also be overwhelming (thanks to that wonderful frontal lobe we all have).

I find that students do best when they set time each weekend or on class-free days to do some thinking, planning, soul-searching, and researching. It can also be a great study break when you’re feeling like doing something non-academic. Think about past jobs and volunteer and leadership positions: what did you really enjoy? When was the last time you lost track of time because you were so immersed in what you were doing? When did you get in the flow? I ask students at pivotal times throughout their college career,

“If you had a magic wand and could create a dream job, what would it be?”

After some laughter, students take on their own magic wand and craft and we get to the root of what they want, need, and desire. It is hard to lead with just a job listing. It’s easier to get to the core of what we want when we allow ourselves to not be held back by the constraints we put on ourselves, or by others. It doesn’t have to make any sense to anyone, but you.

3. Honor Your Hard Work (and the Hard Work of Those Before You)

You have worked very hard for that moment to walk across the stage. Honor that in finding ways to celebrate with your family and friends who have supported you throughout this journey. Honor that by saying the thank you’s to those who have helped you along the way — including yourself.

For the majority of my students, they are the first ever to graduate from school in the history of their family. This is so very special and comes with the hard work of not just the students, but of the generations of family members before them, human sacrifice for the ability to study what you want and work in the way that serves you. No matter your background, honor those who worked for you to get to this moment. You did this together.

4. Be Patient, the “Yes” is Coming

Stay patient with the job search and with your next move in terms of location, jobs, living and everything else in between. I know that sounds like the most frustrating thing to hear, but it will help you in navigating the next steps in your life. Students come to me and regularly feel frustrated that they do not get a job immediately when applying. Think back to your college application process: it took time, a lot of time. Give yourself that time when applying for jobs/fellowships/graduate schools — whatever your next steps might be.

Uncertainty can bring on anxiety. Know this. But also know it takes the average college student six months after graduation to land a job. And the Internet has exacerbated the job search. Most employers receive many more applications from candidates without the relevant experience. Know you might have to get a side gig or a part-time job while looking. Reach out to those in your network, from the advisor, intern supervisor, your long lost relative, or even that awesome history teacher from high school, to reconnect. Folks will have ideas for you and will want to share them. Know that time will get you where you need to be. Feeling rushed might lead you to a job or a decision that is not what you really want. “No” will happen, you will hear it.

But keep asking (applying), and you will eventually get to the “yes.”

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