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Graduation can be a scary time for some people. Leaving college behind, moving to a new place, starting a new job, and making a new foundation for yourself are just some things that might worry you about graduation.
The good news is that people do it every semester and seem to turn out OK. Here is a guide of 10 things you need to do to prepare for graduation:
- Check in with your adviser to make sure all requirements are met. This should be the very first thing you focus on. You might be planning on graduating this semester, but not having the credit hours to do so might change your plans.
- Order your cap and gown. If you go to the bookstore, the employees are willing to help with all your graduation swag needs. Ensure you get this taken care of so that you can have it in time to parade across the stage.
- Sign up for your exit exam(s). Everyone is required to take a general exit exam that asks various questions to grasp what you have learned during your time at UT Martin. You can register for this on the Testing Centerās website. Some majors have another exam that is required, and others have projects you have to complete. Talk to your adviser if you have questions about your major’s requirements.
- Keep an open mind. You might have an exact plan of what you want to happen after graduation, which is great, but there are times when you may have to stray from that plan. Maybe you were planning on moving far away after graduation, but you end up back in your childhood home, and thatās OK. Keep an open mind with everything coming your way because it may not be what you want, but it may be what you need.
- RSVP for graduation. At some point during your senior semester, you will receive an email about your upcoming graduation; fill out this form to let them know if you plan on attending graduation and walking across the stage. If this step is not taken, your name will not be called at graduation, so make sure to let them know whether you will be there.
- Set up a LinkedIn if you donāt already have one. No matter if you are going into the workforce or furthering your education, LinkedIn is a great way to research companies, schools and people. With this network, you can connect with people you know, discover people you may not know, join groups that have similar interests, and so much more.
- Create a plan for your future. This may include applying to further your education at a different school, applying for jobs, taking a gap year, or doing anything else you want to do. This plan may not be detailed down to what you are going to eat every night, but having some sort of plan that involves your future can help you.
- Celebrate your accomplishments. You have almost gotten a college degree. This is a large achievement that not everybody gets to experience. Be proud of yourself for all of the work and effort you have put in. College isnāt easy, and you have almost completed it.
- Use your resources. UT Martinās campus has so many resources to help you succeed. If you need help with a resumĆ© or cover letter for a job application, the Career Planning and Development (CPAD) office is there to help. You can also go see them to get a headshot or to get some clothes out of Captainās Closet for business attire. Mock interviews can be scheduled on their website to help you feel more prepared for your future. Connect UT is another great source. It is a new platform specifically for UT System alumni, students, faculty and staff to connect with one another for personal or professional benefits.
- Take it all in! Graduation can seem overwhelming. You may feel stressed and scared, but you are never going to get to experience these things again. So yes, do your homework and study for that exam, but also stay up with your friends and go to that event because you will never get these days back. Donāt forget to breathe and tackle it day by day.
In order to graduate, you have to complete a bunch of little tasks, but it will all be worth it in the end because you got that degree. These steps might not be everything that you have to do, but they will set you on the right track to success.
