Where Next? Five Steps for After You Graduate from CUNY

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Graduating from the City University of New York is sure to be a significant milestone. However, as you step into the world beyond academia, planning your next move can be daunting.

So, here are five important steps to take to help you in your post-graduation journey.

1. Identify Your Career Goals

The first thing you should ask yourself after earning your degree is: “What’s next for my career?”

This step is not about jumping into job applications straightaway. Instead, you should start by figuring out what success means to you in the context of a career.

For example, you may want a high-profile job at a prestigious company. Alternatively, you may value work-life balance above everything else. Either way, identifying your own personal and professional goals will guide your path forward and make the whole process easier.

2. Create a Strategy

Once you have clarity about what you want from your professional life, it is time to strategize how to get there.

That might include anything from searching for opportunities online to networking with professionals in your desired field.

Another great strategy could be opting for internships as they offer practical insights into real working scenarios.

Seeing as there are a vast number of resources available today, making use of them makes a lot of sense.

You could also gain guidance from professors that specialize in your discipline or contact CUNY’s Career Services department to help you to forge your career strategy.

3. Decide Where You Want to Live

Determining where you plan to live after graduation will also significantly impact your lifestyle and career trajectory.

The decision extends beyond choosing a city abundant in job opportunities related to your field of study. It may also be influenced by factors such as your lifestyle preferences, closeness to family and friends, or even the desire for new experiences.

For instance, you might want to chase a lucrative career in finance in New York City, or perhaps you crave the technological innovation of Silicon Valley. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal values and long-term goals.

Once you have zeroed in on the location that feels right for your next chapter, it is crucial to consider how you are going to get there, as moving across state lines can be a daunting task. One viable solution could be hiring a national moving company.

Choosing a reliable company will simplify your transition significantly. To get started, take a look at these national movers’ top picks for removal companies. Also, reading online reviews and customer testimonials will help to give you insights into which companies are the most reputable and reliable.

4. Find a Job

The next step is to transform all the research and preparation into landing an actual job position that aligns with your career goals.

Applying for jobs can be a time-consuming process, so it’s crucial to stay organized. To optimize your efforts, consider creating a spreadsheet to track the jobs you’ve applied for. And make sure you create a killer resume that shines and will stand out against the competition.

Learning how to present yourself at interviews can also help you to land the position you want.

Also, remember that getting your first job is not just about earning but also about learning. Therefore, even if a job offer is not exactly what you envisioned, you should assess its potential for increasing your knowledge and experience in the field.

5. Keep Learning

Finally, after graduating from CUNY, remember that learning does not stop with your degree. It continues throughout your professional life.

You can upgrade your skills or acquire new ones relevant to your chosen industry and strengthen your prospects over time so that you can climb the career ladder.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from university to the professional world can feel overwhelming. But by following the above steps, you can turn this challenging phase of your life into an exciting journey toward building your dream career.

Each step will bring you closer to the success you envision for yourself in your postgraduate life.