When you just want everyone to stop asking you…“So, what are your plans for next year?”

Listen…just because your best friend has multiple job offers and your roommate got into their top-choice law school doesn’t mean you need to know exactly what you’ll be doing after graduation. While it’s natural to compare yourself to others, especially when family and friends keep asking about your plans, it’s important to take the time to pursue a path that works best for you.  

Too often, we accept a job or opportunity because it’s the only one in front of us instead of stepping back and thinking about what we really want. Whether you’re still identifying your interests, considering graduate school or just starting the job search process, that’s okay. You might even decide to wait until after graduation to think about what’s next — and that’s okay, too. You don’t need to have it all figured out now. Instead, ask yourself these questions to help get started:

• How do I envision spending my time once I graduate?
• What type of activities make me feel happy and fulfilled?
• What type of work environment do I prefer?
• Do I want to pursue a full-time job or casual work?
• Am I interested in traveling before settling into a job?
• Am I curious about living and working in a new environment or another country? 
• Am I willing to relocate for my next adventure, or would I prefer to stay closer to home?
• Do I have an interest in entrepreneurship?

Now is the time to take risks, explore different paths and give yourself permission to try something new. You don’t need to know exactly where you’ll land — just take the first step and go for it.

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