The Next Steps After Graduation
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Congrats on your recent college graduation! If you're like most young adults who've just finished the "school" chapter of their lives, you're probably wondering, what's next? You have a lot of choices to make, from where you're going to live to how you're going to pay your bills. Here are some tips to help you figure out your next steps.
Find a Place to Live
Once you graduate college (and unless you already have your own apartment), you'll have to pack your bags and move out of the dorms or other student housing. For many, that means finding an apartment or house, either solo or with roommates. Living with other people comes with a number of advantages, not the least of which is lower monthly expenses. However, it also comes with less privacy, different schedules, and other issues that can arise when you're dealing with roommates.
If you live near family, moving back in with them is a solid financial decision. One in four millennials lives with his or her parents. The choice is appealing for several reasons, including tackling student loan debt and saving on living expenses, according to Zillow, but be prepared to adapt back to your parent’s house rules.
Check Out the Job Prospects
For many people, graduating college means it's time to head out into the workforce. If you had an internship during the last years of college, perhaps you have some connections to help you find a position in your field. Make sure that you have a solid strategy for searching and applying for jobs to increase your chances of success.
Some careers require a graduate degree. Instead of entering the workforce right away, you might think about going to grad school. This is sometimes a good option if you're struggling to find a job with your undergraduate degree.
Work on Your Resume
Regardless of whether you're going straight into the workforce or heading off to grad school, make sure you're working on your resume in the interim. Pick up volunteer opportunities, obtain additional certifications, and sharpen your skills. Employers aren't just looking for education; real world experiences can also help your resume stand out from the rest.
Prepare for Student Loan Bills
The student loan bills will start rolling in a few months after graduation, even if you haven't found a job yet. It's a good idea to make a budget and plan for these additional monthly payments. You'll automatically be placed on a standard payment plan, which calculates payments so that the entire balance is paid off in 10 years. This might not be the best option for your life situation. Consider consolidating your loans and switching up your payment plan to work better for your budget. Additionally, if you're struggling financially, speak with the lender about a deferment or forbearance until you're able to start making regular payments.
Need money to get started right after graduation? A CreditBox loan can make it easier to cover the expenses of moving and getting on your feet during this transition. Apply today for loans up to $4,000!
Find a Place to Live
Once you graduate college (and unless you already have your own apartment), you'll have to pack your bags and move out of the dorms or other student housing. For many, that means finding an apartment or house, either solo or with roommates. Living with other people comes with a number of advantages, not the least of which is lower monthly expenses. However, it also comes with less privacy, different schedules, and other issues that can arise when you're dealing with roommates.
If you live near family, moving back in with them is a solid financial decision. One in four millennials lives with his or her parents. The choice is appealing for several reasons, including tackling student loan debt and saving on living expenses, according to Zillow, but be prepared to adapt back to your parent’s house rules.
Check Out the Job Prospects
For many people, graduating college means it's time to head out into the workforce. If you had an internship during the last years of college, perhaps you have some connections to help you find a position in your field. Make sure that you have a solid strategy for searching and applying for jobs to increase your chances of success.
Some careers require a graduate degree. Instead of entering the workforce right away, you might think about going to grad school. This is sometimes a good option if you're struggling to find a job with your undergraduate degree.
Work on Your Resume
Regardless of whether you're going straight into the workforce or heading off to grad school, make sure you're working on your resume in the interim. Pick up volunteer opportunities, obtain additional certifications, and sharpen your skills. Employers aren't just looking for education; real world experiences can also help your resume stand out from the rest.
Prepare for Student Loan Bills
The student loan bills will start rolling in a few months after graduation, even if you haven't found a job yet. It's a good idea to make a budget and plan for these additional monthly payments. You'll automatically be placed on a standard payment plan, which calculates payments so that the entire balance is paid off in 10 years. This might not be the best option for your life situation. Consider consolidating your loans and switching up your payment plan to work better for your budget. Additionally, if you're struggling financially, speak with the lender about a deferment or forbearance until you're able to start making regular payments.
Need money to get started right after graduation? A CreditBox loan can make it easier to cover the expenses of moving and getting on your feet during this transition. Apply today for loans up to $4,000!
