Les Roches student Madison Mussio writes about the fears and concerns students have just before they graduate, and offers some handy tips on how to combat it.
In less than one year, I will be graduating from Les Roches at the age of 21. For as long as I can remember, I have always known what I wanted to do once I’d finished school. I wanted to travel. I wanted to open my business. However, once it hit me that I’d be leaving Les Roches, I realised soon I would have to make my dreams a reality, and risk potential failure. All of a sudden, for the first time in my life, I didn’t know what I wanted to do.
I know, however, that I’m not alone in this fear. It is common to feel scared, especially when graduation looms near. University allows you to keep your dreams and goals in your head, but once you graduate, there are no excuses – you have to try and do them.
If you have felt or are feeling that same stress, here are three tips on how to make your post-Les Roches decisions a little easier.
Focus on a smaller goal
Don’t feel you have to tackle your big dreams right away. I realized that I am not quite ready for the world of full-time work, and decided to tick off one of my smaller goals – studying a Master’s in entrepreneurship. Getting a Master’s degree has always been a smaller dream of mine, so it’s a perfect choice.
A friend of mine always wanted to travel across his homeland of the United States, so he set off for America after graduating. It was not his main goal in life, but it was something achievable that he could complete before starting his career.
Let a small goal or dream in your life guide where your next step will be. Follow your dream, even if it’s a small one, because this may be your only chance to do it.
Choose your priorities and preferences
If your pre-graduation stress is all about what to prioritize, try to focus on the things you care about. For example, if you’re especially close to your family, perhaps there is a family business you could work for? It may not be something you’d want to do forever, but it could help you build up the confidence and skills you need when it comes to achieving your big dreams.
If you’re someone who loves travel and prefers luxury destinations, why not travel to – or try and get a job in – Dubai?
Each of us has different priorities. Whatever your preferences are, let this help guide you.
Don’t forget about your big dreams
Overall, the best plan of action for when you panic about what to do with your life after college is to stop, relax and think about your dreams and head towards them. Just know that everyone is in the same boat as you near graduation and that it is OK to be scared of what the future may hold.
Once you have regained focus and feel relaxed, go for your big dreams. Most people need to build up their finances, skills, resume or other requirements for their big dreams, but some people can go for it as soon as they graduate. The important thing is you never know until you try.
