Published on Oct 04, 2021

Graduating from college is an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. As an alumni, you’re adjusting to a new normal that is the beginning of the rest of your life. Prepare for this by taking the following steps for success:

1. Clean-Up Your Social Media

It’s expected for you to have had a good time in college. But, it’s important for you to take some time to clean up your online image as an alumni. Remember, employers will often look to your social media to get a better understanding of you as a person. It’s important to market yourself as a responsible young adult who can take on the tasks of the job and not someone who could potentially be a liability to the company’s image.

2. Build Your Credit

Building and maintaining your credit are equally important. Look into ways you can improve your credit score now, and make sure you aren’t putting it in jeopardy. Make all of your bill payments on time and do what you can to protect your identity. Taking care of your credit now can make things like maintaining the required credit score to buy a house easier when you’re ready. This is also important should you need to relocate for your job after graduation.

3. Prepare for Interviews

Applying to jobs is nerve wracking enough, but getting an interview brings on a whole other level of anxiety. To help you become a pro at “killing” the interview, it’s important for you to prepare as much as possible. It’s also important to reassure yourself and work to keep calm. The employer is interested in you for a reason, show them why.

4. Repay Student Loans

Perhaps the most dreaded part of becoming an alumni is having to repay your student loans. When planning for your student loan repayment, it’s important to look into all of your options and choose what will make the most sense for your situation. For some, this will be choosing an income-driven repayment plan, while for others refinancing will be best. Go over your options in-depth and consult with professional advisors.

5. Invest in Your Future

Once you are employed, inquire with your company’s HR department about what retirement benefits your company offers. As a young alumni, you might think this is too soon, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, you should start saving for retirement in your 20s. Even putting a little away now for the future, could give you a huge advantage once you are ready to retire.

Being a young alumni and entering the “real world” is an exciting, yet overwhelming transition period. Following these five steps can help set you up for a prosperous future.