Navigating Life After College: Embracing Exploration and Defining Success
Macie Gray
Marketing Intern • National Geographic Learning | Cengage
When I started college as a freshman 4 years ago, I was overwhelmed with the possibilities of my future. I had no idea what I wanted to do, and it felt like college would last an eternity; in a way, I was hoping it would. I remember having to remind myself that change can be challenging, but with change comes new opportunities. Today, I smile when I think about how nervous I was for my first day of classes and feel proud of how far I have come to find who I am.
Some of the best advice I received as I approached my graduation date, and something that I will hold close to me for years to come, is to “Be curious, fail fast, but learn from failure, and stay true to your convictions!” and know that “You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
The Power of Lifelong Learning
The most important concept for graduates to remember is to never stop learning. Dedicate time to improving your knowledge and skills and understand that continuous growth requires effort and perseverance. Embrace any challenges that come your way and be open to feedback while working towards your goals. Being a lifelong learner, whatever the area, involves a commitment to exploring new horizons and doing so with a positive mindset. Whether reading a book, enrolling in courses or certifications, or simply listening to educational podcasts. Ongoing education not only showcases a commitment to personal growth and professional development but also enables individuals to stay ahead of the “game” and open the door for new and exciting opportunities!
Be Proud of Yourself (Zoom out!)
I found that as I went through college, I often noticed that I got too caught up in the stressful environment instead of “zooming out.” What I mean by this is taking a step back and thinking about your long-term aspirations rather than the short-term speed bumps. Always keep your mental health a priority, especially in college when everything seems to be going against you. Stay resilient and know everything will work out how it’s supposed to.
Exploration and Defining Success
Success is a unique journey for everyone, and it’s essential to define your goals and the path to achieve them, but there is no blueprint for what “success” really looks like. Think about what truly matters to you. Who do you aspire to be in five years? Ten years? Remember to have faith in yourself and the process, and that success is not a destination but a personal definition that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Knowing your values—a system of principles based on what is most important to you and what is least important—is critical to understanding what you want out of life. After starting my career, I used the SMART Framework to help set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Being consistently intentional with my self-improvement has been integral to my “success” so far.
"A Sweet Ending to a New Beginning"
The post-college phase is an exciting and transformative time in your life. It’s a journey filled with new experiences, challenges, and victories. Embrace this journey with an open mind, curiosity, and resilience. Embrace exploration, define your version of success, and nurture a growth mindset that allows you to adapt and thrive in uncertainty. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and cherish the connections you make. Each step is a testament to your character and potential.
References
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/college-students-smart-goals
- https://clickup.com/blog/smart-goals-for-college-students/
- https://studentaffairs.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/Creating%20an%20Individualized%20PD%20Plan.pdf
- https://www.cengagegroup.com/news/perspectives/2023/educate-to-elevate-enabling-our-future-workforce-through-lifelong-learning/
- https://www.cengagegroup.com/news/press-releases/2021/new-cengage-report-finds-recent-college-graduates-feel-underqualified-to-enter-the-workforce/
- https://www.cengagegroup.com/news/press-releases/2023/cengage-group-employability-report/
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