Congratulations, first of all, to the new grads who actually kept decent grades long enough to earn a degree! That is quite an accomplishment, my friends. After officially surviving my first year after college graduation, I found myself thinking Wow, the things I've learned this year... And most of those things were learned the hard way, believe me.
So, to save you a little stress, heartache and confusion, here are some things I think you need to know.
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1. "No new friends" is now a MYTH.
You may be one of those seniors who thought seniors don't need new friends, but guess what? Post-grads do! New friends may be the only friends you have when you make it out into the real world, so never hesitate to create a friendship with someone new.
2. Other girls are no longer the enemy.
At my university, it seemed that nearly every girl was incredibly skeptical of and competitive with any other girl outside of her social circle. As if you were to make a decision on "friend material" or not in a matter of seconds. This is an awful habit to hold onto after or even during college! Ladies, we have to stick together. No matter how she's dressed at the time or what sorority she is a part of, she may be your new best friend waiting to be found for all you know. She may be the one you call to pick you up at 3 a.m. next Saturday because you can't drive yourself home from the club. In the wise words of THE Queen B, "Who run the world?" You know the answer.
3. Be social and outgoing, even when you don't want to.
Yes, I'm harping on this. Learn how to introduce yourself to men or women in an outgoing manner without feeling awkward or forward. If someone starts to small talk with you, exchange a few sentences and then just stick your hand out and say, "I'm so-and-so, by the way." A favorite follow up line I like, because I live in a new-to-me city, is, "Are you from around here?" Yes, I know. This sounds so lame, but this is the big kid world, and big kids don't have time for awkward conversations and aimless small talk.
4. Roommates (can) rock.
If you're lucky enough to know at least one other person in your post-grad city of residence, don't be afraid to talk about rooming together. This may be hell after the first few months, but I can almost guarantee you won't be living paycheck-to-paycheck and eating Ramen noodles every night of the last week before your next paycheck! Save where you can.
5. Getting the job is about who you are.
While looking for your first big kid job, remember that employers typically look at your resume to decide if you're worth bringing in for a face-to-face interview. This is because they now know you're qualified, they just need to know that you're not a book-smart ditz and aren't a completely miserable counterpart during a conversation. Yes, there are some jobs to which this does not apply but for the most part, it is true that employers hire you for who you are and sometimes who you know more so than for just what you know.
6. Getting the job is also about who you know.
Let me explain the "who you know" comment. Let's say you're a nurse, applying at the most prestigious hospital in the state. If you are just as qualified and just as personable and outgoing as the other applicants you're fighting for the position, and let's say, the CEO of that hospital is an old fraternity brother of your father's and gives you a good word, you WILL get that job. Is that fair? Not sure, but you got the job, and that's all you need to worry about! It's what you know AND who you are, but sometimes more importantly, who you know!
7. Don't be afraid to be broke.
Or to at least live like you're broke for a little while. I know you won't take my advice now, but soon you'll wish you did! SAVE as much money as possible! Set up a budget for yourself, taking into account every single teeny tiny bill you pay (yes, even Netflix and Hulu), and then also set an amount to pull out for your savings. Even $20 per paycheck is a good start! As soon as you get paid, pay all your bills due in that pay period, pull out your to-be-saved amount then assess the spending situation. You may have a large amount left over or a little depending on your expenses, but don't trick yourself by looking at your bank account and thinking Wow, I get to spend X amount of money between now and next pay day!, because you will regret it! Be frugal, because no one judges a new grad for it, but rather, they respect it!
8. Have FUN. Say YES. GO and DO!
This is a biggie. Don't be afraid to say yes to an outing, even if it doesn't seem all that fabulous. Take advantage of happy hour specials with the girls, say yes to a date with the shy guy, don't be afraid to go to nice bars by yourself and explore your city. Sooner than later you will no longer be a newbie, but a 'local' which is just really cool. Duh.
9. Get involved.
This can be difficult in some cities and situations but at least try! Find a place to volunteer that tugs on your heartstrings, or find a young professionals program to join. It's important to have obligations (big or small) besides work. Becoming an adult can be difficult when the responsibilities start to pile on, so while you still can, find something that you do for yourself to give you a greater purpose and a healthy perspective of all the blessings in life.
10. Don't lose touch with the ones who mattered before you started this new chapter.
This goes for anyone and everyone post graduation. Call your long-distance friends frequently, visit as much as you can, and never forget that they were the ones who got you to where you are now. Once you've made it on your own, it can be difficult to remember to catch up with the friends you had before. I think, because we are adults and because we know that some friendships come and go, we are not as careful to cherish those friendships as we should be. But bear in mind that the friends you make in your college years are ones that will last you a lifetime. They've most likely seen you at your best and your worst, been there for you during that hard breakup or that failed class and celebrated with you like it was your 21st birthday every year for the past four years and held your hair at the end of each of those nights. Don't forget the importance of those bonds, because a bond like that is a thing of beauty that some people would do anything to have.
