Diplomas in Hand, Dreams in Mind: Navigating the Real World
You're finally free from the shackles of undergrad—congratulations! If no one has told you already, I'm proud of you. Graduating college, whether it took four years or six, is no small feat, so don’t let anyone diminish your accomplishment.
I still vividly remember my own graduation weekend two years ago: the final moments on campus with friends, hearing my name called as I walked across the stage, celebrating with family, and packing up my college apartment. Graduating marks the end of an era. Whether you're heading to graduate school or jumping straight into the workforce, your undergrad years are irreplaceable.
Leaving that chapter behind can be nerve-wracking—I know it was for me. I moved from England to the U.S. for college, and during my time at Syracuse University, I built a life here. Graduating feels like the start of your real life, filled with plans and goals as a “proper adult.” It’s an exciting time, but navigating the uncertainty of the world right now can make the transition challenging.
To the Class of 2024, congratulations once again! I’ve gathered some incredible people who have shared their words of advice and encouragement for you as you step into this next chapter of your life.
Daslin Pena, Syracuse University, Class of 2023
Give yourself time to process what you just accomplished. For the past four years, you were on overdrive to meet deadlines, acquire academic honors, land internships, travel, make new friendships, and find your voice in an academic space. Give yourself grace as you ease into post-grad life, and remember that everything you accomplished is for you and those who came before and are to come after you. Entering your field of study is exciting, and you should give yourself grace as you navigate that while also reminding yourself that you accomplished something you once dreamt of.
Syracuse University alumna, Class of 2022
Don’t feel chained to the degree you took or to the course of life you thought you had planned :) Follow the things that interest you, try something new if it doesn’t feel right, and continue to be flexible and curious! Also, while working life can be especially demanding in the beginning, always do your best to make time to prioritise your health and take care of your personal life as well.
Taylor Krzeminski, Syracuse University, U’20 G’21
Your degree doesn't equal how qualified you are for a job. Highlight the transferrable skills and work experience you have that transcend your degree and education, whether it's an internship or a class. There are a lot of jobs out there you might never know about until you start going through LinkedIn or other job postings, so be open-minded beyond the typical industries and sectors associated with your degree and formal education.
Sandy Cao, Syracuse University, Class of 2022
Be patient with yourself and be smart with your money—how you spend it as well as how you get it. My first job out of college, I got lowballed really badly, and being a first-gen, I didn’t know I could negotiate a salary—ALWAYS NEGOTIATE! Also, your first job is not forever; be patient and plan your next steps; you will get more clarity and better results that way. Life is only beginning, and statistically, it will only get better!
Emily Frenkel, SUNY New Paltz, Class of 2019
Network as much as possible with anyone and everyone who is on a career journey you're interested in.
Gabby Kelly, Syracuse University, Class of 2023
Be Patient!!!
Alistair Coate, UC Davis, Class of 2022
I am graduating with my master’s this June. I would say what I have learned throughout my education and the beginning of my professional career is to schedule your time efficiently and narrow down what you want to finish into manageable parts. With your goals and ambitions, not just career ambitions—any seemingly difficult goals you want to pursue that appear overwhelming—minimizing necessary responsibilities into smaller scopes is the way to remain confident. I would also say, as a fellow 20-something, that now is the best time to pursue your goals, getting out there in the world, and being proactive.
Photo by olia danilevich
Prince Sanda, Pepperdine University, Class of 2024
Mindset is everything. Throughout my first two years of college, I was extremely negative about anything that had to do with school. So much so that my negativity began manifesting in other areas of my life, which really tainted my willpower. In my junior year, I decided enough was enough and tried to adopt more of a positive perspective. Unbeknownst to me, everything changed drastically for the better. This just goes to show the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards anything we lay our minds to in order to lead toward a successful trajectory.
Danielle Sanchez, Lafayette College, Class of 2022
Life after college is not a “one size fits all.” Even though you, your friends, and peers are all graduating at the same time, you are all at different points in your lives, careers, etc. If you don’t move out immediately, that’s fine! If you pack up and ship off across the country, that’s fine too! Whatever fits your lifestyle, your needs, and your vision of your future is perfect. Don’t let the lives of those around you make you feel like you “need” to be doing something different. Do what you need to do for yourself.
Adia Gist, Syracuse University, Class of 2021
Please enjoy your time off. Whether that’s sitting on the couch, binging your favorite show, or traveling the country, you did four years of hard work and deserve a well-needed break. Once you join the workforce, there’s no turning back, so savor the moment.
Loyola Marymount University alumna, Class of 2021
Put others first, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Photo by RUT MIIT on Unsplash
Tiarni Jackson, Sheffield Hallam University, Class of 2021
Follow your heart! If you’re following your heart, you are most likely making the right decision. Don’t look across into anyone else’s lane; you are right where you are meant to be.
Jonah Sierra, Syracuse University, Class of 2022
Remember that while money is important, it shouldn't dictate your happiness. Stay true to your passions and dreams, and the rest will fall into place.
Kahshanna Evans
No one knows your genius lane like you do, graduates! Even if you decide to take a corporate career path, learn the basics of entrepreneurialism. Hidden in the process are invaluable leadership, patience, and decision-making skills. Commit to creating a healthy process for your blocks, flaws, and limitations in the workplace that directly conflict with your goals—those are chock full of wisdom for a deeply personal journey of discovery, healing, and growth. It's ok to get over, but for self-care in this demanding world often dominated by dominant caste supremacy culture, get through instead.
Cameron Gray, Syracuse University, Class of 2022
As the stressors of finding a job, building your career, and trying to “make it” build after graduation, PLEASE please remember the passion and spark inside of you that got you started on your dreams… back when you had no idea what a roadmap even was!
UC Davis alumna, Class of 2020
Don’t stress about your future. Everything will come in due time. Put your best foot forward in everything you do, and I’m sure you’ll be just fine, and you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.
