If you are about to graduate, or you are simply interested in what life is all about for a graduate, then these truths should prepare you.
Often times, we are so focused on surviving the four walls
of the University that we fail to prepare for what is waiting out there. We are
excited to graduate and be free from school stress that we do not really
consider what comes next.
If you are about to
graduate, or you are simply interested in what life is all about for a
graduate, then these truths should prepare you.
1. You won't land your dream job: The university
is all about hoping for and dreaming of the future. But most people will not
end up living that dream immediately after graduation. The cold hard truth of
working hard and paying your dues will manifest at this time. You will, very
likely begin in a less-than-appealing position and work your way to what you
want.
2. You won't get your dream salary: This is
usually the first surprise most people get after spending time, money and
energy to become a graduate. You already have a number in you head that you
consider reasonable, but as soon as you go for your first couple of interviews,
your will find that your number is way too ambitious. The thing is, no
one will make a commitment of hiring you and paying a humongous sum unless they
know what you are bringing to the table and the only way to prove this is
through experience.
3. You will feel inexperienced: No matter how
long you have been in school and how hard you have worked, you will feel like a
baby once you enter the labour market. You will be disappointed that no one
wants to hire a start-up and it will feel like you are having to start school
all over again.
4. You will still need your parents: This is
something most people do not expect, especially if you spent the last few years
living on your own for school. You might have to move back to your parents and
begin your hustle.
5. The real world is harsh: As you graduate, you
will be competing with thousands of others who are graduating too, not to
mention those who graduated before you. Be prepared to fight for what you want
because it won't land on your laps. In school, you do not really have to
compete with your peers, all you have to do is focus on your studies, but once
you graduate, you are competing with thousands. Some of whom might result to
drastic ways to take you out of the race. Expect friendships and relationships
to be tested.
6. Dating might not be that easy: Things get a lot
more challenging in the real world. You might be used to seeing prospective
partners everywhere within your campus. You see someone and you feel safe
approaching them because you already know they are students like you. The real
world is a little different. You do not just approach someone without an idea
of where you stand, or you risk looking like a fool.
7. Life won't happen fast enough: There is a schedule in school. You know when you began, how long you had before you graduate, when your exams will take place, etc. But there is no such timetable in life, so, you will find yourself worrying that your time is being wasted. You will feel stuck and worried that you ought to be doing something more with your life and degree.