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sky is the limit graudation hat viewed within a crowd of graduates

LIFE AFTER THE CAP AND GOWN: THOUGHTS FROM A WORKING MILLENNIAL

The Sky is the Limit!

This is part two in a series.

Senior year of college is a bittersweet time. No more spring or summer breaks, professors constantly reminding us to complete a project, or seeing our friends daily. College isn’t real life; it’s a playground where we can try and fail at being real adults. For many postgrads, growing pains arise with the new challenges we face like paying bills, working a 9-to-5 job, and having some semblance of a social life. No doubt that some of the hardest workers I’ve known have been my college friends, but they also luxuriate in their laziness. Wearing pajamas to class and watching Netflix for the rest of the day after a morning final are acceptable behaviors of college students. The working world doesn’t tolerate any of that. Tattered pajama pants aren’t an acceptable uniform in an investment bank. Senior year should be the time for students to become aware and prepare to adjust to this new reality.

There’s no “one size fits all” solution to burst this college bubble. At the very least, students must be aware of the privilege of their education and the impractical expectations it may set. Talking to college grads and getting off campus can help. Personal development is vital during this period of life. Figuring out what is important to you, what expectations you have for your first job, and, most important, what expectations you have for yourself are all important aspects to consider. Writing down these things every week for the last semester can be a great way to visualize your upcoming entry into adulthood. It forces your mind to prepare for the future, which can limit hiccups and unrealistic expectations. The transition into true adulthood doesn’t have to be bumpy—as long as prior preparation is done effectively.

 

Written by Madeline Pursell, Sourcer at Vector Talent Resources. For more information about how Vector can help you, contact Madeleine at madeline@vectortalent.com or call us at 703.639.2160.

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