Career Advice for Recent and Soon-to-Be College Graduates

One of my greatest passions is helping new graduates launch their careers quickly and in the right direction. That’s why I was excited to be interviewed for an article on career advice for recent and soon-to-be college graduates.

In the interview, we discussed graduate studies, internships, career networking, LinkedIn, useful resources, interviewing strategies, and more. Since many of my readers are graduates—or have family members who are—I’m sharing part of that conversation here.

Should You Continue Your Education
Or Start Your Career?

Question: What is the most important thing for recent or soon-to-be graduates to keep in mind when deciding whether to pursue further education or begin their careers?

Answer (Alacy):
I work with many new graduates, and my advice is this: don’t rush into further education unless your profession requires it—for example, law, medicine, or pharmacy. Most employers prefer that you gain a few years of work experience first, then decide if you want to pursue an MBA or a master’s degree.

An additional benefit is that some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, which means you can earn an advanced degree while your company pays for it.

Many graduates also enter the workforce unsure of what they want to do. Instead of taking time to figure that out, some default to graduate school. That’s not the best reason. Go to graduate school only if your chosen career demands it.

To make the right choice, consider:

• The industry you want to enter
• Your personal interests
• Your strongest skills

These factors will help you decide whether extended education or entering the workforce is the smarter step.

What If You Didn’t Get Internship Experience?

Question: What advice do you have for graduates who did not gain internship experience?

Answer (Robin):
Many students, especially during the past few years, were unable to secure internships. That doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage. You still have options.

One great path is to look for contract roles. Contract positions—usually through staffing agencies—place you in large companies where you can gain valuable experience and good pay (although typically without benefits). For many new graduates, this is often better than an internship and comes with the bonus of real-world job exposure.

When preparing your resume, here’s how to approach it without traditional work experience:

1. Start with your name, qualifications, and education.
2. Highlight relevant coursework related to the career you’re targeting.
3. Add academic experiences—projects, research papers, or presentations that demonstrate transferable skills.

Employers value practical skills and evidence of initiative, even if they were developed in the classroom. By presenting your academic achievements effectively, you can show that you’re prepared to transition into the workplace.

Final Thought

Starting your career after graduation can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can create opportunities for yourself. Whether you choose to enter the workforce immediately or pursue further education, the key is to be intentional, prepared, and focused on long-term growth.