10 Things To Do After You Graduate

by Broke Grad on June 23, 2008

Last month I wrote an article about 10 things you should do before you graduate. Now that most schools are done with the whole graduation thing, it’s time for my list of 10 things you should do after you graduate.

1. Take a break

Unless you become a teacher, professor, or plan on going to grad school, the summer after you graduate college could be the last summer vacation you ever have, so take advantage of it by taking a break. Enjoy this free time by doing something that you find relaxing.

2. Travel

I’ve mentioned before that college is a great time to travel, so it should be no surprise that right after graduation is a great time to travel too. Save some of your graduation money and plan a trip to a place you’ve been wanting to go.

3. Read books (for fun)

After spending the past few years reading what your professors told you to read, you finally have the time and freedom to read whatever you want. Indulge yourself now that you’re free. Whether it’s sci-fi, slutty romance novels, or personal finance books, the point is that you’re reading it because you want to read it.

4. Stay up late/sleep in

Most college grads end up in 9 to 5 jobs and soon become boring just like the rest of the real world. Make the most of your time before entering the daily grind by showing a complete disregard for time. Stay up late and sleep until lunchtime while you still can.

5. Continue learning

Learning shouldn’t stop just because you’re not in school anymore. I’m a huge advocate of lifelong learning, because I think that we always have something to learn. Find something that really interests you and figure out ways to learn more about it.

6. Finish off your “Things To Do Before I Graduate” list

Chances are you struggled to get everything done in college with the most limited resource in the world — time. Well, it’s not too late. After graduation is the perfect time to do the things you always wanted to do during college, but never found the time to do them.

7. Make new goals

If you graduated from college, one of your goals was probably to graduate from college. The funny thing about accomplishing your goals is that you’re suddenly hit with the question, “Now what?” Now that you’ve finished another chapter in the story of your life, it’s time to move on and write the next chapter. Spend some time coming up with ideas for what you would like to accomplish in the next stage of your life.

8. Keep in touch

If you didn’t learn it in college, you will soon learn it in the real world — networking is one of the most important skills to have. Sure, you could be the best writer in the world, but if nobody knows about you, you will never get discovered. Keep in touch with the people you meet in college, because you never know when you might be able to help each other out in the future. It’s simpler than ever to stay connected now with sites like LinkedIn created exactly for this purpose.

9. Reconnect with old friends

A lot of college graduates go back home after graduation. This a great time to reconnect with old friends and see what everybody is up to. This may not be for everyone though, because I have met quite a few people who don’t keep in touch with old friends.

10. Spend some time with your parents

For many college graduates, this is the last period of your life that you’ll call your parents’ house “home”. Pretty soon, you’ll be moving into your own place and starting your own home. Spend some time with your parents before moving on, and they will really appreciate it.

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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Blair Landon June 23, 2008 at 11:33 am

When you graduate college you are left with a bunch of knowledge, memories and debt! After college you have to try to find a job in order to live and pay off your loans, you end up being just as broke as when you were in college. But this summer you can be broke and have fun like you were still in college thanks to Jack in the Box. You love those tacos from Jack in the Box, don’t deny it.—the crispy goodness with the melted cheese, hot sauce and crisp lettuce on the inside. With gas becoming more and more expensive, Jack wants to help you fill your stomach. Bring any gas receipt to Jack in the Box next Thursday, June 26th, and get TWO FREE TACOS. No gimmicks, no hidden fees, no purchase necessary—just two free tacos! Let all your friends know if they like taaaaacos

2 David Carter June 23, 2008 at 7:52 pm

Wow that is sad, is that the owner of jack in the box peddling his own site on ur blog?

Anywho, don’t most peeps get jobs right out of college? Shouldn’t you be job hunting right out of college if you haven’t already sealed one? I have yet to graduate, but I think I remember my siblings getting jobs very soon after they graduated. No summer vacation for them!

3 Tom June 25, 2008 at 4:11 pm

When you graduate, you’re left with debt and you need to pay it back. Ouch. You know what, if you guys have gas receipts lying around the house, you can use them tomorrow. Just take them down to your local Jack In The Box and get yourselves TWO FREE TACOS. They’re calling it TWO FREE TACOS DAY!! Giving something back to everypne because of the ridiculously high gas prices. Here’s the link, check it out:

http://jackinthebox.com/twofreetacosday/index.php?Campaign=MW-TFT-MB

4 Katie July 20, 2008 at 7:23 pm

Don’t worry, I have no Jack In The Box offers. I just graduated from college, and sadly, now I see from your list that I didn’t really get to do alot of those “lasts.” I hope you get to mark those off your list.

5 Robert C. October 8, 2008 at 9:35 am

Life after college is a lie. Now, I’m trying to find the truth.

6 Zigmund T Megan May 25, 2010 at 8:04 am

I think that you have the right ideas, though it is sad. We are moving from the world we always knew, the world we have lived in all our lives, and now we are going to a new one. We are turning the page of life to a new generation. Thank you for making this list. It inspired me to write this blog and smile.

7 Jeff April 22, 2011 at 4:41 am

Haha, looks like every summer at least one person comments here. I finished yesterday (my school ends early) and I woke up this morning after tossing and turning in bed last night. I thought I’d be excited to graduate, and I am – but…>tear<….it is a little sad when it happens. While I think this is a great list, I hope to do these things throughout my life. I'd like to sleep in for as long as I can, see my parents as often as I can, and keep learning.

Oh yeah, and I guess I'd like a wife and a career. But no house. Those days are over. The gravy train is over, and we better get used to living nice, modest lives :)

8 Josh April 30, 2011 at 12:49 pm

Thanks for the fun list. I’m going with #7 — and trying my hand at writing. I wasn’t an English or literature major but I think its something fun and engaging. And something that I can do and still have a “real” job too!

9 sonia August 20, 2011 at 12:54 pm

I think this list will help me but my biggest problem is that I dont know how can I do after graduation .I dont know finding a job is the best way or continuing my lesson !

10 Sanjay August 27, 2011 at 7:05 pm

Sonia, I think you should continue your studying because you not gonna have a life if you didnt get through college. Im in biggest problam rite now, idk what to do after High skool. Should i go to college or join Army, navy or something else.

11 Kareem October 13, 2011 at 6:09 am

ALL YALL NEED A JOB!!!!!!!!!lol

12 Kareem October 13, 2011 at 6:10 am

LIKE SERIOUSLY!!!BROKE COLLEGE STUDENTS

13 sidra October 27, 2011 at 2:54 am

we can do css after graduation

14 Marcus Clemming January 3, 2012 at 12:11 am

11. Go to Burger King, have it your way!

15 Mario January 23, 2012 at 2:54 pm

after you graduate the thing you need to do is make new goals.

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