9 Factors to Consider Before You Graduate

All your hard work finally pays off when you graduate. Graduation day is one of the best moments of your time at university. However, before you graduate, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure you’re prepared for life after school.

1. Your Contact Information

Make sure your university has the right address and phone number on file for you. This will allow your school to contact you after you graduate, which includes sending your credential to the right address.

2. Loan Repayments

You may need to start paying back loans as soon as you graduate. For help figuring out a repayment plan, talk to the financial aid office at your university.

3. Your Resume

You need to be ready to start applying for jobs as soon as you graduate (if not before). This means updating your resume to reflect all the skills and experience you’ve gained over the last few years. As well as adding the credential you’ll be earning upon graduating, make sure you include other certifications, volunteering experience, internships, and other relevant information.

4. Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is like a digital resume. Employers often check candidates’ LinkedIn accounts before they even decide who to interview. Plus, the platform is a great place to find jobs. Make sure you have a professional headshot as your profile picture, you’ve filled all the fields (including a detailed summary), and you’ve added plenty of contacts, such as other students taking the same classes as you.

5. Interview Technique

Your university likely offers workshops and other types of support to teach you how to stand out in an interview. You may even be able to have a one-on-one session with a career advisor, who can prepare you to talk about your specific skills and achievements.

6. Recommendations from Professors

If you have no experience in the field you want to enter, your professors are a top choice for letters of recommendation. Make sure you have your professors’ contact information to be able to reach out to them when you need a reference.

7. Staying in Touch with Your University

By the time you graduate, you’ll likely feel a strong connection to your university — even to the point that it’s difficult to say goodbye. You can stay in touch in several ways, including by following your alma mater on social media to keep up to date with what’s going on and by joining an alumni newsletter.

8. Alumni Groups

You may also find it useful to become part of an alumni group. This will give you access to a network of graduates who share job opportunities and offer support. You’ll likely also receive invitations to social and professional events to meet up with other alumni.

9. How You’ll Celebrate

The above are important, but don’t forget what graduating is all about: celebrating your big achievement! Think about how you’ll celebrate, including whether you want to have a party with family and friends.

You still have time before you graduate to find better housing. You’ll be able to focus better on your studies and do well on your finals if you move into off-campus student residence. Waterloo students can find a new home at MyRez. You’ll have access to blazing-fast WiFi, study spaces, a fitness centre , and more. Apply for your spot now.