The 6-Point Graduation Checklist for 2021 University Grads
Congratulations, you’re approaching the end of your collegiate career! Before embarking on your next adventure, here is a quick checklist to ensure a full wrap up of all things college.
1. Student Loans
Most student loan repayment plans give you around 6 months of a grace period after graduation before you need to start making payments. Some types of loans such as private, however, start the month after you graduate so it is really important to revisit your loan agreements and see when your first bill is coming.
Make sure you know what is due when and what your options are repayment schedule. It might be helpful to address this at the same time you sit down to make your post-college monthly budget. Yes, you are into full adulating territory now. Welcome!
2. Updating Your LinkedIn Profile and Resume
Now is a great time to update your job search materials and online profiles to ensure it’s ready for you to hit the ground running when applying to jobs and networking with people in your industry as soon as you graduate.
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If you are fortunate enough to have a job lined up, great! Update your headline and company information to reflect your new job and celebrate your success publicly by posting an update.
3. Settle Your Tab
Make sure you have all your campus fees paid including library fines and parking fees. These shouldn’t stand in your way of getting your diploma! Pay those fees off way in advance to ensure there are no financial holds on your account before you graduate.
4. Sell Your books
Need some extra cash? Try to off load those old text books from freshman year you thought you were going to use, but never did. Find underclassman from your student orgs or groups and try to sell them or gift them away.
5. Saying Goodbye
Hard to believe, but this is the time to go for your last coffee with your favorite instructor or professor. Ensure you pass along a personal email address or connect on LinkedIn and get a recommendation before you leave campus.
6. Connect With Your Alumni Association
Alumni associations are a great way to give back your time and energy to the university or college. Ask to speak in classrooms or to student orgs/groups meetings. Think of ways you can give back to the school that helped you when you were a student and be willing to do that for the next generation of students!
Parting Words…
An absolute massive congratulations to all the 2021 grads! This year has not been easy but you've overcome adversity and made it to the finish line! I genuinely hope you take some time yourself this summer before heading into your next chapter. Enjoy!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
