You’ve Graduated! Now What?

Before spring is over, universities everywhere will hold their commencement ceremonies, celebrating their students’ years of academic achievement. By this point, these students will have had close to 16 years of structured days, each naturally flowing toward the next. After throwing their caps in the air, however, their future will become their own responsibility.

If you’re graduating this spring, the big wide world might seem like a daunting prospect. Thankfully, the planning habits that made all the difference during these school years will help you structure each stage of your future career, no matter where your path takes you.

Daily Planning

Daily planning keeps you focused on success. When you have an intentional plan for each day, you know that you won’t lose days of your life binge watching TV series on Netflix while your career search withers. So how should you spend your time? Finding a job isn’t as simple as signing up for another semester of classes.

Finding a Job

The biggest first step is getting an employer’s attention from the middle of the crowd of résumés submitted. That means having an updated résumé, for starters, one that lists your academic and professional achievements to date.

If you can’t think of academic achievements or experiences off the top of your head, you can always review your old planner pages. Your relevant notes and tasks can be a great reminder of relevant items to list when applying for an internship or a permanent position.

Use Your Planner to Help

Your planner also helps you in your career networking efforts as a great space to quickly write down contact information and other notes about the companies you research and connect with. Not only is it faster than typing a note on your phone, but it also lets you collect business cards from your career fair without losing them in your pocket or your purse, or stuffing them into a bursting wallet.

And when the pavement pounding and online applications have paid off and you’re facing your prospective employer in an interview, your planner becomes an incredible asset. Not only can you jot down notes about the company you made while doing your research, but you can also prepare responses for common interview questions (and questions you want to ask) to serve as a reminder when you’re in the hot seat. Plus, using a planner instead of a mobile device sends the right impression: that you’re an individual who can focus on the task at hand and make long-term plans for success.

So wherever your future takes you after graduation, discover a new level of success with your planner and your hard-won organizational skills. You’ll be on your way to a productive, fulfilling life!