One of the most rewarding milestones in an adult鈥檚 life is graduating from college. Years of hard work culminate into one degree, hours of dedication, passion, and personal growth born from education. However, for most graduates, once their diploma is hung on the wall, and their cap and gown put away, they ask themselves: What鈥檚 next? For some, plans have been in motion for years, and they can jump into their desired careers as soon as they find the right job. For others, the connection between what they majored in, and the professional world may not always be a straightforward path. The transition from college to career is more than just sending out resumes — it鈥檚 about bridging the gap between the academic knowledge you鈥檝e gained, and the practical skills employers seek. However, with the right mindset and strategies, anyone can turn their degree into a successful and fulfilling career.
First: Understand How Your Degree Fits the Job Market
When graduating, it鈥檚 important to begin your search for things that relate to your major and the skills you earned during your education. For example, an English major may look for jobs that have to do with writing, editing, or communications, while a biology major looks for jobs within healthcare, research, or environmental science. For ANU students, most of our programs are designed to transfer into a career 鈥� so our Pharmacy Technician students can begin work in a pharmacy, or our Medical Assistants in a clinic, or our Cybersecurity students within a business鈥檚 security department.
However, it is important for graduates to know that careers are not strictly their majors. While pharmacy technicians are typically seen in retail or hospital pharmacies, but also within research labs or within government or regulatory bodies. Medical assistants can work within clinics or hospitals, but also outpatient care centers, research centers, or insurance companies among other opportunities. And cybersecurity professionals can work within a business鈥檚 security department, government agencies, or even own their own businesses defeating cyber criminals.
Tip: Highlight your transferable skills you developed during your studies 鈥� such as critical thinking, research, communication, and problem solving. These skills are important to every career field, so emphasize them on your resume and in your interviews.
Second: Consider Additional Certifications or Training
Sure, you just earned your degree. What more could you do? For many careers, having specific qualifications or certifications can help you find a career. If a medical assistant graduate joined our Phlebotomy and ECG Training program, this could open up opportunities in a specific part of the healthcare field.聽If a cybersecurity graduate enrolled in our business diploma program, they could understand more about how security affects a business or even the steps they need to take to create their own cyber security business. If a business administration graduate took our accounting diploma program, they could better understand bookkeeping or accounts payable/receivable.
Tip: Online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and others offer specialized courses that can boost your marketability. Target courses that align with the roles you鈥檙e pursuing.
Three: Network!
Networking is one of the most important parts of finding and making a career after graduation. While ANU is an online environment, our students can still network not only with each other, but their professors and faculty, too. Alumni networks are invaluable to entering your career field so that you can find people to help you find your next move.
Tip: Attend industry events and join professional organizations. For example, ANU is part of an organization that provides 鈥渞esources and a platform for academic and professional development.鈥� This is one of many professional organizations鈥� graduates can join in order to network with people within their field.
Four: Stay Open to Entry-Level Opportunities
Entry-level may not always be the ideal goal of a career, especially after putting in years of work to earn your education.聽However, joining these roles can not only provide you with valuable experience, but pivot the direction of your career in a place you may not have thought before. If you majored in business administration, a role in sales or customer service may still offer you some beneficial information about the market of a business or what customers are wanting. If you joined a medical assistant program, working in a physician鈥檚 office can help you develop rapport with patients and enhance your phlebotomy and diagnostic skills.
Tip: Focus on your growth potential rather. Choose roles where you see opportunities to learn and grow. Even if it鈥檚 not your ideal position, experience in your industry will make you more competitive when applying for your dream role.
Five: When in Doubt, Consult Career Services
One of the benefits of ANU education is having our dedicated Career Services team to help you navigate the world after graduating. You should rely on them to help you with many things, like resume building or editing, finding job postings tailored to your field, and even prep for interviews with mock interviews. They tailor the consultation to you and your experience/needs.
Tip: Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help! Nobody gets anywhere alone.
Bridging the gap between college and a meaningful career may seem daunting, but it鈥檚 an achievable goal with the right mindset, strategies, and support. Transitioning successfully involves recognizing the value of your academic experiences, honing transferable skills, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing job market. It鈥檚 a journey, not a race, so as long as you make it to your goals, it doesn鈥檛 matter how long it takes to get there. Reflect on all you鈥檝e learned in your education, lean on those who are there to support you, and be proactive. The future is full of possibilities鈥攅mbrace it with confidence and determination.
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