– Sabrina Brown
***The writer is enrolled in Comm 240 News Reporting.***
Many students are right around the corner from graduating and have waited for this moment to come for years. But now, feelings may have changed. Students may be worried about what is next and asking themselves, “What should I expect after graduation?”
Cole Engel, instructor of business and entrepreneurship, gave a speech titled “What to Expect after Graduation,” hosted by Omicron Delta Kappa, on April 24. As stated on Omicron Delta Kappa’s website, the organization places emphasis upon the development of the whole person, both as a present member of his/her college community and as a prospective contributor to a better society.
Engel said that the four most important areas to focus on during life after college are hard work, accept change, honesty, and enjoying life.
“In a purposeful organization run by useful people, there is always useful work,” Engel said. “Few people work as hard as they could, and those that do stand out.” There are many others who are willing to work hard for the same job, so it is important to put forth the best effort possible and be consistent in doing so, he said.
Working hard may be easier to do when it is work that a person enjoys.
“Think about what you enjoy,” Engel said. “Do you like puzzles, outdoors, security, risk . . . ?” A graduate may find himself or herself in a different line of work than was originally planned.
Implementing change is important in life after graduation, Engel said. It is important not to have tunnel vision about future career options. Some will find that their first career choice was not for them.
“At some point you will have to confront the future,” Engel said. “It is better now than later to self-reflect, think about what you can do with your major, think about life goals, and be realistic.”
In what to expect after graduating, it is important to be true to oneself, he said. Engel said that some individuals may feel “post-graduation stress disorder,” but he offered advice to help individuals who feel these symptoms to get past them.
“You are not the only one who is graduating, you are not the only one who feels this way, and this feeling will pass,” Engel said. It is important to take responsibility for one’s actions and learn from mistakes. This reflects a strong work ethic and will lead to success, he said.
The fourth important piece of advice to remember after graduation is to enjoy life.
“Nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks,” Engel said. Taking risks can often times be frightening, but it is important to never feel discouraged and to never look back.
Often times, it is difficult to know what to expect after graduation, but one must not overwhelm oneself. One must let go of all the thoughts that do not make that individual feel empowered.
As a final piece of advice, Engel said, “Be true to who you are. Your dreams count, your voice matters, and all of you were born to make an impact.”