Since graduating from Pitzer College in December, I’ve felt like a salmon swimming upstream. Or, more often than not, floating and falling backwards in the current.
It’s easy to panic in the unavoidable waters of change post-grad. But, contrary to the title of one of the most sought-after self-help books and most popular TikTok sounds at the moment — “The Panic Years” — I’ve been learning through trial and error to find meaning in the chaos of these first few months.
The post-grad job search is the most daunting beast you will encounter after throwing your cap in the air.
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and scared while looking for the next step in your life journey. Opening a dialogue about your feelings is helpful because, as you will discover, everyone is stumbling along in an attempt to sort out our next steps. You are not alone and there are key steps you can take to reduce the all-consuming panic.
I’m definitely not a professional and am still figuring out how to lean into the discomfort of the “real world,” but have found that with these steps I have been able to move closer to my career and life goals, one step at a time.
If, like me, you haven’t lined up a job before walking across the graduation stage, the hunt begins in your months post-grad.
Take advantage of the Career Centers at the 5Cs! It’s never too late to ask for a Zoom meeting to help talk through your career goals and application plan. Meeting with someone who can help provide some direction will leave you feeling empowered and less overwhelmed.
LinkedIn has become my best friend — I’ve devoted more time to LinkedIn than all my other social media apps by far. Swapping homepage apps is easy, but gaining momentum in networking has taught me a new level of fortitude and self-preservation. A written elevator pitch and the confidence to hit send has carried me thus far and since then I’ve become more confident in my value and potential.
I’ve learned that your network is there to support you — a literal net to fall into as you stumble around as a newborn adult. Don’t be afraid to lean into it!
While at first I felt apprehensive about asking others to make time for me, I’ve come to realize that networking is mutually beneficial. By making lasting and meaningful connections with fellow Pitzer grads, I’ve learned so much about different fields, gained insight and remained in contact with people doing the actual work.
Those I’ve been fortunate to speak to thoroughly enjoyed helping out a fellow 5C graduate — a win-win!
When it comes time to start applying, biting off chewable parts of the application and job search is much more doable than jumping into the deep end and floundering.
This becomes even more of a challenge when the rigid class-homework structure is removed post-graduation. On the days that I find it most challenging to get moving, I outline each detail — when I’ll be eating breakfast, to what time I’ll take a walk outside, to how many networking emails I’ll send and when.
While it may seem a bit overzealous, having a structure to fall back on provides the backbone for your new life. After all, we are not just our jobs — but the sum of the parts of our interests and passions, as well.
I make it a point to encourage myself to keep a hold of those passions — reading, music, hiking, travel — while still applying myself in the job search. And let’s be honest, this whole adulting thing isn’t always easy, so keeping some childlike wonder in your back pocket is a must.
It is important to remember that everyone has their own schedule and timeline.
The old adage “comparison is the thief of all joy” has rung especially true in my last few months. I’ve felt unaccomplished and ashamed watching my friends secure full-time jobs and move into their first apartments while I’m still applying for roles.
But, what has helped me is acknowledging my own unique timeline.
There is no one-size fits all mold to “make it” in the post-grad world. I, for one, spent a month back home with my family before realizing that a change of pace was what I needed. Booking a one-way flight to London (on my credit card — please don’t read this, parents) was a terrifying leap in what has turned out to be the right direction.
While jumping the pond may not be what you need, something as small as finding a new hobby can feel tethering in the post-grad swirling waters.
I suggest asking those older than you — parents, grandparents, community members — about what they did in their first few months after graduating or even just what they were up to in their early 20s. In doing so, I have been regaled with stories of Woodstock, galavanting abroad, barista gigs and even working in a cement factory.
Knowing that there is no wrong direction — only forward direction — is reassuring and upholds the age-old truth that we are human beings, not human doings.
Klara M. Jacobs PZ ’23 is 111 days into her post-grad life, currently couch-surfing the UK and is still making daily to-do lists while seeking out a full-time position.
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