Calling All College Seniors!

Colleges around the country officially ended their semesters this week. My alma mater, Temple University, finished classes for the spring 2013 semester on Monday. Most students are now locked in the library preparing for finals. For college seniors, this is both an exciting and terrifying time.

It feels like yesterday that I graduated from Temple University. It will be officially a year on Friday and don’t worry, there will be a reflections blog post all about that. This post is dedicated to college seniors who have graduation quickly creeping up on them. The week(s) before graduation were the best and most stressful time of my life. I wish someone would have given me a few pointers beforehand. So college seniors, here’s my advice for your final days as a student.

DON’T: 

1. Slack Off:  You will absolutely regret not studying for that last final. If you worked hard in the class all year, blowing the final will cause all that hard work to go to waste. Finish strong so you’re proud of all of your accomplishments, including the last semester.

2. Burn Bridges: While you might not like all your professors, some will be very helpful during college and beyond. Foster those relationships with professors, colleagues and other professionals during college and continue them after you graduate. Talk with these people and get their contact information so you can keep in touch. I’ve done this with multiple people from college. They have proven to be good sounding boards and helped me land my first job.

DO: 

1. Plan Ahead: You should probably start applying for jobs over spring break. If you didn’t, that’s not a problem but you should get on that. Attend professional networking events and hold informational interviews during your final semester. It is okay to graduate without a job (most of us do!) but be as proactive as possible during your senior year.

2. Enjoy it: The month and week before I graduated was the best time of my life. My friends and I

My two best friends and I made Rockstar caps for graduation. Note the “L.A.N.” at the bottom! Photo credit to Lauren.

worked hard but also remembered to enjoy our final days as undergraduates. Go to all the senior events on campus, celebrate every milestone and make your graduation about you. It’s true there are people who helped you: your parents, relatives, friends and professors. But, at the end of the day, it is about YOU and your college career. Embrace it and enjoy every single moment!

I hope these tips will guide all college seniors through their final days. It is scary but don’t forget to see the big picture. Congratulations! You made it through all four years! Now your life really begins!

Tagged: Advice, College, Final Semester, Graduation, Memories, Relationships, Rockstars, Senior Year, Temple University, Undergraduates