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Tips for Transitioning from College to Your Career

Female College Student Studying with Laptop
  • 21 Mar 2019
Michele Reynolds Author Staff
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  • CORe
  • Career Development

What do you want to be when you grow up?

It starts as an innocuous enough question. But as your college days tick away and graduation is in sight, it can cause downright panic.

This may be the first time you’re facing your future without school as your go-to. That first dose of adulthood can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The choices you make in college (and after) can guide you, but don't have to dictate what you’ll do for the rest of your life.

Here are some tips to help ease your mind and get you on your way.

Tips for Launching Your Career After College

1. Focus on What You Want to Do, Not What You Want to Be

Turn the process of figuring out what you want to be on its head and pursue the things you actually want to do.

Harvard Business School Professor Ethan Bernstein, who teaches the online course Developing Yourself as a Leader, advised 2018 HBS graduating MBA students: “Choose things to do, not things to be. There are people in this world who want to be an author but don’t want to write a book; who want to be married but don’t want to care for a spouse; who want to be parents but don’t want to raise a child. Similarly, there are those who want to be leaders but don’t want to lead. Don’t be one of them. Indeed, do the opposite: Lead without being the leader. Those who choose things to do, rather than things to be, end up with more to share and less to prove.”

Once you decide what you actually want to do day-to-day, you can focus on those opportunities that will bring you the most career satisfaction.

Related: 3 Tips for College Grads Entering the Workforce

2. Learn by Doing

The best way to figure out what you want to do with your career is to try things. Pursuing internships or summer jobs in a field you're considering is the best way to rule out certain types of work. Having experience on your resume is also the best way to find a job post-college.

Even if you’re late to the game, consider an internship your first job. Your college career center is often the best source for finding such opportunities, but you can also use online resources, such as LinkedIn, to help in your hunt. If it’s unpaid, you may need to supplement with a paying job. But if you do well in an internship, it may lead to a full-time dream career. At the very least, you’ll leave with something on your resume and potential references for that next role.

3. Network Like a Boss

Everyone has heard that you should network. But in today’s job market, it’s not an option, it’s essential.

“At least 70 percent, if not 80 percent, of jobs are not published,” Matt Youngquist, president of Career Horizons, told NPR. “And yet most people are spending 70 or 80 percent of their time surfing the net versus getting out there, talking to employers, taking some chances, [and] realizing that the vast majority of hiring is friends and acquaintances hiring other trusted friends and acquaintances.”

Create a LinkedIn account and start reaching out to friends, relatives, friends’ parents, professors, and anyone you think could be helpful. Then start asking for leads and advice. Hearing stories about others’ career paths can help you chart your own way. Those conversations could also lead you to a job.

Related: 4 Tips for Growing Your Professional Network

4. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You!

Your network will become friends for life, so do as your mother always told you and be sure to say (please and) thank you. People are far more likely to help if you show gratitude for their time and attention. Nothing beats a handwritten note, but even an email expressing your appreciation will go a long way.

Get our latest business insights delivered to your inbox! Subscribe now.

Determining Your Next Steps

If you still find yourself ill-equipped for the business world, consider getting a primer online. You can learn vital business concepts at HBS Online. Or check out the many other options available on the web. It will be well worth the investment.

Are you interesting in finding out what HBS Online can do for you? Explore our online course catalog and learn how furthering your education can accelerate your career.

About the Author

Michele Reynolds handles brand marketing and PR for Harvard Business School Online. Prior to HBS Online, she led communications for TripAdvisor and Gazelle and has been widely quoted in national media outlets, including CBS News, Reuters, and The New York Times. Michele earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. Outside work, she spends time with her teenage daughter, plays tennis, and visits her enormous extended family.
 
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How are HBS Online courses delivered?

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We offer self-paced programs (with weekly deadlines) on the HBS Online course platform.

Our platform features short, highly produced videos of HBS faculty and guest business experts, interactive graphs and exercises, cold calls to keep you engaged, and opportunities to contribute to a vibrant online community.

Are HBS Online programs available in languages other than English?

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We expect to offer our courses in additional languages in the future but, at this time, HBS Online can only be provided in English.

All course content is delivered in written English. Closed captioning in English is available for all videos. There are no live interactions during the course that requires the learner to speak English. Written English proficiency should suffice.

Do I need to come to campus to participate in HBS Online programs?

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No, all of our programs are 100 percent online, and available to participants regardless of their location.

How do I enroll in a course?

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All programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly from program to program, but all ask for some personal background information. You can apply for and enroll in programs here. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before starting an application for the program of your choice.

Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

After submitting your application, you should receive an email confirmation from HBS Online. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk email folders and double-check your account to make sure the application was successfully submitted.

Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your Dashboard. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.

Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?

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No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

What are my payment options?

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We accept payments via credit card, wire transfer, Western Union, and (when available) bank loan. Some candidates may qualify for scholarships or financial aid, which will be credited against the Program Fee once eligibility is determined. Please refer to the Payment & Financial Aid page for further information.

We also allow you to split your payment across 2 separate credit card transactions or send a payment link email to another person on your behalf. If splitting your payment into 2 transactions, a minimum payment of $350 is required for the first transaction.

In all cases, net Program Fees must be paid in full (in US Dollars) to complete registration.

What are the policies for refunds and deferrals?

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After enrolling in a program, you may request a withdrawal with refund (minus a $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee) up until 24 hours after the start of your program. Please review the Program Policies page for more details on refunds and deferrals. If your employer has contracted with HBS Online for participation in a program, or if you elect to enroll in the undergraduate credit option of the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, note that policies for these options may differ.

 

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