So you’re graduating university

After graduation, you'll probably start to hear the following sayings from family and friends: “Your life begins now”, “The world is your oyster”, “You are beginning a new chapter in your book of life.” Although these sayings may seem intimidating, they also mean that some exciting times are ahead.

First things first – take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back. It took brains, time and effort to finish your program, no matter how much you did or didn't party. You're finished now. Congratulations.

Since you can remember, September has meant returning to a place where you do work and get grades. But this year, graduation means that job hunting is on the agenda. This September, if all goes well, you'll be getting a paycheque instead of a B+. It sounds simple enough, but this transition is one of the biggest you'll face in your life. It will take time to adjust, so don't be too hard on yourself.

What job should I start with?

If you're not sure what you're looking for yet, you could start at Workinfonet.ca or careerpathsonline.com (see Related Links on the right side of the page). Their career planning and assessment tools will help you discover your interests, which are key to a rewarding career match.

Where are the jobs?

The two most popular job-finding websites in Canada are Monster.ca and Workopolis.com. Both sites are tremendous resources for every aspect of finding a job. You can browse listings in your field and related fields, set up an online resumé, learn interviewing skills, read helpful articles for recent graduates (see Related Links on the right side of the page) and sign up for alerts when a job comes up that matches your skills.
Networking is another operative word in job searching. It's not as strategic as it sounds – it just means talking to people. Tell your neighbours, family friends, acquaintances and anyone else you come across that you're looking for a job. What you say depends on what you want. If you want to get into media and your uncle works at a great magazine, make a date to get together and chat. It really works. People, especially those close to you, want to help and they'll think of you when an opportunity comes up. They can also offer you valuable insights.
And don't forget the career centre at your school. They usually have job boards, resumé seminars and connections to career fairs. If you didn't use the career centre during school, start now. Most students have access to their school's resources, in person and online, for up to a year after graduation. It's free, and it was made just for you.

Don't want to start working yet?

Now, some unsung options...

If you find yourself with a little bit of freedom or are looking into alternatives to hunkering down at a job right away, there are indeed options. It will depend on your priorities, financial situation, and state of mind.

Enrol in a postgraduate program: There are college programs for university graduates that range from ten months to two years or more in almost every practical subject area you can think of. If you've just graduated with a degree and you're not sure how to apply it, a postgrad program can help you get into the workforce. Many programs include a co-op placement, which can be a mighty helpful boost.
Travel if you can: In the sixties, it was Europe. Today, anything goes; Australia, Asia, India, the Mediterranean. The post-graduate travel blitz is famous for a reason: it works. There is no better way to experience a bit of the world, and learn a lot about yourself while you're at it. Europe is still a worthy option. Some people come back from Paris ready for med school, while others never come back.
Volunteer: Volunteering is a rewarding way to find out what you enjoy doing in the working world. Volunteering Opportunities Exchange (see Related Links on the right side of the page) lists new volunteer opportunities daily. And it's not all soup kitchens and old people - there are opportunities to write, lead seminars, work with children, and many, many more. Another possibility is Katimavik (see Related Links on the right side of the page). If you're 17 to 21 years of age, want to discover Canada, learn new skills through volunteering and develop your potential, Katimavik may be for you. Try out something challenging and interesting.

Find your own priorities

Do what you feel is important to you. Now that you've finished school, your decisions can begin to reflect your own life directions. It's not easy to be carefree when you have loans, but you can always prioritize your goals.

If you need inspiration, or consolation, rent The Graduate. In the movie, Dustin Hoffman returns from college without the slightest idea what he'll do next. In his post-scholastic escapades, he ends up getting himself into way more trouble than you probably will. But he also has a lot of fun.

Good luck!

The information in this article is general only; it is not intended as specific investment, financial, accounting, legal or tax advice for any individual.