Graphic by: Maya Palavali
At some point in our lives, we’ve all been asked, “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?” The answer we most often hear is graduating college and then getting a sufficient job. But is that the only answer there is? Most certainly not!
Believe it or not, there are many nontraditional paths that an individual can choose to take after they graduate college. It’s possible that the typical path to the workforce is not for everyone. And that is absolutely okay!
Whether you graduate college this year or not, let’s explore and take a look at the many possible paths you can walk after you have completed college and attained your degree.
Taking Time To Travel
For a lot of people, traveling is a liberating experience with the potential for an individual to learn so much about the world and about themselves.
A lot of people choose to do this after graduating high school but by the time a person graduates college, they’re much older and feel that they are finally ready and capable enough to travel around the world.
While college may be a rewarding experience, it can also be very exhausting and emotionally draining. Taking some time off and traveling the world can therefore be an ideal way to rejuvenate and relax before a person feels mentally prepared to start a full-time job or whatever else it may be that they choose to do.
Starting Your Own Business
Who says that you need to study entrepreneurship to become an entrepreneur? Another nontraditional path that people may choose to take after graduating college is to start their own business.
By the time a person is out of university, they have vast knowledge and expertise about their field which is also accompanied by a lot of other creative ideas and pursuits. This may propel a person to use all their knowledge and start their own business.
Today’s generation is more ready to take risks and may view starting their own business as a challenge they want to overcome. Whether it be launching a tech startup, opening a cozy cafe or developing a useful product, the sky’s the limit when it comes to being your own boss and the captain of your own ship.
Getting Another Degree
A lot of people may choose to go to college… even if they have recently just graduated from college. This may be because someone wants to pursue a post-bachelor degree.
When people are passionate about what they’re studying, they may be eager to learn more about it. And so, they may choose to continue their education and add another feather to their cap by acquiring a higher level of education. It could be for various reasons, probably because of one’s passion for their subject, or the belief that the more educated a person is, the better job prospects they would have in the future.
For whatever reason it may be, going back to college after coming out of college may be a path people may choose for themselves.
Freelancing
For many people, the traditional nine-to-five job may seem daunting! Not everyone feels prepared to do so after being a fresh graduate. An alternative path for such people can be freelancing and being part of the “gig” economy.
Freelancing is a much more flexible way for people to get a job at their own convenience while having the liberty to gain experience in many different industries and build a diverse portfolio. Freelancing may also help individuals gain more confidence in their abilities before they commit to a full-time job, which is why it is becoming a very popular alternative nowadays.
Volunteering At A Non-profit
To add to the list of nontraditional paths, volunteering at a non-profit organization can always be up for consideration. Many times, people end up being engrossed with their college degree which leaves them with considerably less time to dedicate to other domains such as volunteering.
A lot of people also support certain causes that are close to their hearts and wish to be the person who can make a difference, no matter how small. This can cause people to volunteer at a non-profit that supports their cause before they decide what’s next for them in life.
Whether it be to support animal rescue, environmental causes, hunger and poverty, access to equitable education or certain health issues, there are many causes that people may choose to volunteer for.
Joining The Military
For some people, joining the military may be a path to pursue after graduating college. By the time one graduates from college, they also meet the age requirements to join the military which is typically between 17-35.
Joining the military can be an opportunity for someone to grow both personally or professionally, become more disciplined and feel a sense of duty by serving their nation. Being a part of the military may also open up more job opportunities for people later on in life which is why it may be a path someone chooses for themselves after graduating college.
No matter which path it is you take, traditional or nontraditional, the most important thing to consider is what makes you happy. It is your life after all and who would know what’s good for you if not your own self?
Though making a choice as substantial as what to do after college can be a bit scary, the good thing is that there are so many routes you can choose to take. Having a wide array of options is always helpful and with the right people by your side, making tough decisions becomes a little easier.
No matter what it is that you do, do it with a smile on your face and hope in your heart. Happy exploring! Congratulations to the Class of 2024, we can’t wait to see our Coogs doing big and amazing things in the future!
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