Four Tips For Success in The Later Years of College

If you're in your last year of your college program, between your exams, final assignments, and graduation, you could find yourself too busy to take a moment to ask yourself a very important question: "What now?" What does your post-graduate life look like? Do you have the skills and focus needed to land that dream job? Don't get so caught up in the academics of the situation that you lose sight of the important things you need to succeed. Here's what you should be keeping in mind.

1. It's all about life after graduation
   Never forget that the purpose of school is to prepare you for your career after graduation. Finishing your academics is important, but don't block out what happens after, and assume you'll figure it out once you're done school. It's important that you hit the ground running, and doing so includes doing this….
   
2. Start job-hunting now
   Before you're even done school, begin searching job postings online, and through your college's career centre. A common reason for not doing so is simply that you haven't graduated yet, but there's two things to keep in mind here. Firstly, large, professional jobs take time to interview and fill, so if you're looking to be employed after graduation sooner rather than later, getting the process going early is essential. Secondly, there's nothing wrong with marking yourself down as being in school with an “anticipated graduation date,” particularly if you're in your last semester. As for what you should put on your job applications….
   
3. Focus less on grades, and more on what the school has given you, and can give you
   Grades are important, and you'll need to keep them up to graduate, but you shouldn't get caught up on the difference between an 80 and a 79. Instead, focus on the learning experience itself, and what you can get out of it. The reason behind going to college is to become employable, to help you launch your careers by developing industry-relevant, practical job skills. A high GPA isn't a guarantee of a career. Remember, employers will never ask what your grades were during a job interview. So pay attention to the skills you've picked up, and spend your final years developing them, or improving on the ones you know need help.
   
4. Consider post-graduate options.
   If you've found those skills lacking, and are looking to add some specialization to your education, you may want to consider a post-graduate program. These programs only run for about a year, give you an additional certificate, and focus on the details of a specific career. They'll deepen your understanding and skills of your career, and make you far more appealing to employers. You'll build on your college foundation and gain that extra little bit of employability.