The Covington Digital News Digital Edition May 22nd, 2015 | Page 24
Friday, May 22, 2015
GRADUATION
Advice for soon-to-be graduates
Graduation season, an oft-emotional time of great celebration and
reflection, is on the horizon. Though
soon-to-be graduates are about to
have one set of challenges firmly behind them, other important life decisions and experiences are looming in
the not-too-distant future.
Although thereÕs no magic set of
rules for post-graduation, the following advice can help recent gradates
transition from the classroom to the
ceremony and then life after school.
¥ Attend the graduation ceremony. Graduating students may debate
whether or not to attend their graduation ceremonies. Such ceremonies tend to be lengthy, and outdoor
affairs can be hot and uncomfortable. However, graduation is a milestone moment that you wonÕt get
to enjoy again. Attending graduation
allows you one last academic experience, and even if that may seem
like too meaningful right now, you
might regret skipping the ceremony
down the road.
¥ Enjoy graduation but buckle down
once the dust settles. According to
a survey by the National Association
of Colleges and Employers, the job
market for new graduates is improving marginally. But the Institute for
College Access and Success notes
that many college graduates will be
saddled with around $25,000 in debt
upon earning their degrees. Many
student loans have a six-month repayment grace period after graduation, so new grads who donÕt already have a job lined up may want
to use some of that grace period to
travel, visit distant relatives or relax
and recharge before their first payment comes due. Use the time wisely, but be prepared to buckle down
when the time comes to start repaying loans.
quaint yourself with reading for
pleasure instead of reading as part
of an assignment. You also can use
extra time to explore new skills, such
as learning certain software or applications that may help you stand out
in a competitive job market.
¥ Before you decide what you want
to do, you may have to figure out
what you donÕt like. Another way to
use free time is to volunteer or apply for internships in fields you may
want to work in. These experiences
can help you determine your career
options and find a career you find
both challenging and exciting. But
such opportunities can also help you
determine when a given line of work
isnÕt for you. Oftentimes, finding
the right career path takes some trial and error. DonÕt get too down if
an opportunity doesnÕt pan out. Instead, keep your head up and take
advantage of the next opportunity
that comes your way.
¥ Join an alumni association. Regardless of the size of your school,
chances are strong they have a local alumni association and several
chapters across the country. Take
advantage of these organizations to
connect with fellow alumni, who can
be invaluable sources of information
and provide connections that may
Graduation is a time of mixed emohelp you find a job in your field.
tions. Graduates can not only use
graduation season to make lasting
¥ Read and learn new skills. If you memories with friends but also to take
have yet to land that first job, use the first steps toward the next phase
some of your down time to reac- of their lives.
The Ultimate Bridal Shower Expo
Sunday, May 31st • 12pm-5pm
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$10 Entrance Fee Vendor Booths Available
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678-973-8002