What Happens Post-Penn State? Planning for Life After Penn State
Financial Literacy
One great place to start to look at resources regarding financial literacy for college students is here at Penn State! The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Literacy Center is particularly useful and user-friendly. Not only do they offer links to resources, but they also offer workshops and lectures each semester on financial literacy for college students/grads. Previous workshops included topics on student loans, credit card usage, and budgeting.
Other resources for student loan/credit card debt and money management are listed below.
http://studentaid.psu.edu/understand-financial-debt: The Office of Student Aid provides some basic information on student loan and credit card debt, along with links to other websites.
Reviews common mistakes regarding money management that college graduates make.
Palmer, Kimberly (2010). Generation Earn: The Young Professional’s Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back. Ten Speed Press.
Transition from student to professional
After landing that first job, a whole new world of learning begins—what to wear every day, the office environment, learning new skills, employer expectations, and daily work and routines. Expect it to take some time for this adjustment and remember that everyone else there was in your shoes at one point—starting their first professional job. Expect mistakes, but address those errors and/or ask for help. If you are not assigned a mentor at your first job, seek out a reliable person to be your go-to with questions if your immediate supervisor is not available.
What to expect in your first professional position.
TEDx video on becoming a professional after college.
Part of the transition process from student to professional will be to understand and create positive relationships with co-workers. There are currently four different generations in the American workforce, which is the first time ever this has happened! This article talks about characteristics, values, and work ethic for each generational group. Considering these things as you immerse yourself into a new environment will make you aware of these differences and likenesses.
Employment
Sociology and criminology graduating seniors were asked to share advice with students who still have some time prior to graduation. Almost all of them said to START EARLY in terms of preparing to look for a job! The good news is that there are several opportunities on campus which you can explore that will give you an edge when it comes to actively searching for a job. For example, you can work on developing a strong resume, participating in a mock interview, getting a professional alumni mentor, learning how to network, and understanding the qualities and skills you have offer to employers. Below you will find several helpful articles with regard to looking for a job, mentoring, and networking. Both Penn State’s Career Services as well as the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network have services that help students with resume building. Additionally, the Career Enrichment Network offers a LEAD program for third-year students. LEAD is a skills assessment program that helps students understand and articulate how their coursework and experience can be marketed to employers. It’s never too late to start preparing and looking; by taking advantage of these programs EARLY, you will be primed and ready for a successful job search!
Penn State Career Services Homepage
Liberal Arts has a Career Enrichment Network which offers help for job seeking in terms of resume review, cover letter, and skills assessment (LEAD program).
Career Services offers a program called “LionLink” where students can connect with alumni who serve as Career Coaches.
The Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network provides students with information about internships, enrichment funding for internships, and the LEAD program.
The College of the Liberal Arts sponsors its own alumni mentoring program. Mentors can help guide students making the transition from a student to a professional. It could also serve as a valuable networking experience.
This article talks about how to build relationships with people as a way of networking to find job leads. It offers suggestions for reaching out, communication strategies, and even managing stress while in a networking situation.
National Public Radio has a recorded story about the value of networking from the perspective of employers and those who hold full-time jobs at career centers. There is also a helpful blurb entitled ‘Working 9 To 5: Job Search Tips.’
Moving back home after graduation
Moving home after graduation can be stressful, even if you are excited about moving back in with your family.