After graduating from college, most young professionals believe their next step involves one of two things: going to graduate school, or joining the workforce. Although these paths can often predicate long-lasting careers, certain grads may also benefit from other options, including the always-daunting “year-off” plan.

It’s a common misconception that taking a year off after college puts individuals at a disadvantage. While there are definitely some personality types that benefit from a direct transition, others may need some time to soften the blow of no longer being in college (Sidenote: if this sounds like you, don’t feel ashamed! Trust me, entering the real world isn’t easy for anyone.). Here are a few helpful options if the concept of taking time off appeals to you:

1.Studying: It might sound mundane, but plenty of people take a year off to fully prepare themselves for the grad school’s inevitable academic overhaul. Not only that, many people also find it helpful to concentrate solely on the GRE, LSAT or MCAT after they graduate, simply because they were too focused on their undergraduate academics before. If you know grad school is in your future, taking a year off to prepare could easily benefit you both academically and emotionally.
2.Travel: As one of the most common reasons to take a year off, traveling is more of an explorative experience than anything else. Whether you choose to backpack across Europe or teach English in a developing country, taking time off to travel the world will provide you with unmatched opportunities for introspection and adventure. For individuals who genuinely have no clue what they want career-wise, traveling can be a great way to figure out where your ambitions lie.
3.Networking: While some might find this option synonymous with playing video games in your parents’ basement, taking time to build connections in your field of choice can provide multiple long-term benefits. This option is also time-subjective, and depends mostly on when you find the job opportunity that best suits you. For people who aren’t willing to settle, taking time off after college to network with your dream companies can be a great option. However, remembering to keep an open mind is always important too.

For some, taking time off after college can make a world of difference, be it academically or emotionally. But whatever you choose, keep one thing in mind – when it comes time to find your first job, your options only reach as far as your attitude. Stay positive, and good things will most certainly follow.

From the time they’re in elementary school, most middle-class American kids know the same thing: they will, someday, and in some form, go to college. As we grow older and begin receiving letter grades and taking exams, this abstract concept becomes not only more concrete, but more daunting as well. The expectations that follow this designated path form what can only be described as a double-edged sword. While it’s certainly beneficial to live life with a plan, this sense of predictability can ultimately lead college students into confusion when it comes time to choose a post-graduate path.

Although many college students share the looming fear of being that twenty-something who still lives in their parents’ basement, the pressure to make moves directly following graduation isn’t always the best option. While certain career paths necessitate a direct transition into the workforce, most don’t. This is also the case with most post-graduate programs, even medical and law school.

This week, we’re delving into the alternatives to grad-school and entry-level jobs. While it definitely seems scary, taking a year or two off in between graduation is a great decision for many students, especially those who might be on the fence about their potential career plans.

Have you ever felt pressure to make a career or academic decision before you felt ready to do so? We’d love to hear your story!

Back in high school, many of us faced stress over which sport to play, which musical to audition for,  and which club meeting to attend. Now that a few years have passed, the college-aged versions of those  decisions seem more aligned with internships and courses than extracurricular activities. While these opportunities often fall by the wayside for college students, they can actually play a key role in guiding your career path.

At many large universities, students feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of classes and majors at their disposal, which can cause already-intimidated freshman to shy away from any non-obligatory activities. This week, we’re looking at the multiple ways by which extracurricular groups can help narrow students’ aspirations with a degree of realism a classroom can’t always provide.

First off, it’s important to remember that joining a club isn’t an iron-clad commitment. Simply attending introductory meetings at the beginning of the semester can help you shop around and figure out which groups fit with your schedule and ideology. By entering each initial meeting with an open mind, you’ll be able to test the waters and hopefully find an extracurricular that’s perfect for you.

Another important aspect of extracurriculars is their connection to real-world benefits. In groups such as pre-law and pre-med societies, members have the opportunity to network with professionals whose careers may closely mirror their collegiate goals. It’s always beneficial to talk with someone in a field that interests you, but when you’re part of a group that’s intent on doing so, it makes the process more accessible overall.

In general, extracurriculars are a great way to meet people who share your interests, speak with professionals and ultimately, figure out what you want to do with your life. Have you ever been part of a club in college? How did it help you confirm or expand your career goals?

As we grow older and begin applying to graduate programs and jobs, we begin to realize that getting what you want is never a guarantee. Though it may sound bleak, learning to deal with rejection is a major part of becoming an adult, and moreover, a career-minded individual.

This week, we’ll be shedding some light on these seemingly depressing scenarios, like not getting the job you wanted or being denied from the law school of your dreams. No matter the circumstance, it’s sometimes necessary to deal with rejection before you catch a break in the career world. Perseverance is a must for all young professionals, and we know that with some effort and a positive attitude, everyone can reach their ambitions.

We’d love to hear what you think about this touchy subject. Can you think of a time you’ve been rejected by a college, employer, or other institution? How did you cope?

After discussing the growing trend of Skype interviews, we figured it was due time for another series of technology-driven posts. This week, we’ll be exploring the importance of owning a smart phone in the business world. With new models of BlackBerry, iPhone and new forerunners like the Droid being released multiple times each year, it’s become almost a requirement for young professionals to own one of these multi-faceted devices.

This week, we’ll be looking into the pros and cons of the smart phone revolution, from the University of Missouri’s requirement that all incoming students own an iPhone or iTouch to the overall cultural integration of feeling constantly connected. We’re intrigued by the heightened pressure owning a smart phone places on young professionals, who are now expected to respond to e-mails within a matter of minutes.

Now it’s time for your opinion. Do you think smart phones are a necessary part of modern-day society?

With the popularity of video chatting software on the rise, many employers are turning to the convenience of Skype interviewing to achieve their hiring goals. On the flip-side of this technological transition are us, the prospective hirees. As young professionals, it’s our job to adapt to this new form of interviewing and hopefully make the best of its advantages and low-points alike.

Skype interviews have become most popular in situations that previously would’ve required the candidate to travel a lengthy distance. In most cases, this isn’t the first step in the interview process, and employers generally invite their most desired candidates to meet them via Skype. While the process may seem simple on the outside, there’s much more to acing a Skype interview than you might think. We’re going to cover the most basic tips right now, and hopefully you’ll learn a few things about this exciting process:

1. Location, location, location: When you arrive at a face-to-face interview, you probably don’t have control over your surroundings. However, when you’re interviewing over Skype, it’s important to choose a backdrop that fits the job you’re vying for. Always make sure you’re in a professional, office-like setting that’s free from any alcoholic drinks, vulgar or immature posters and anything else that runs the risk of seeming unprofessional.
2. Pay attention to the mechanics: Before your interview begins, make sure you’re on a computer that has full battery life and clear internet access. It’ll seem unprepared and un-savvy if your connection fails during the middle of an interview question, regardless of whether it’s your fault or the computer’s. If there’s any doubt about your connection or battery, simply choose a different computer or have the interview somewhere more secure.
3. Listen to your mom’s advice: It may sound cheesy, but seriously, just be yourself. With only two of the five senses active during a Skype interview, investing yourself in a genuine conversation can get difficult. If you’re feeling nervous, practice possible interview topics, questions, and answers with a friend or family member, and above all else, relax.

What are your thoughts about Skype interviewing?

Whether you’re still in college or recently graduated, landing an internship can be a necessary step for jump-starting your career. While professional experience is a requirement in most industries, the “unpaid” label that frequents many of these temporary positions can present a major setback. This week, we’re examining the value of unpaid internships, weighed against the inevitable financial woes they entail.

Five years ago, most young professionals believed the word internship to be synonymous with coffee-fetching, menial assistant work, and while some positions still entail some amount of busy work, the term has gained undoubtable legitimacy in light of the recent economic downturn. Now, many college students, graduates, and even professionals in their late 20s, are accepting internships to gain invaluable experience with hopes of getting hired. There’s no doubt internships open the door to unmatched career opportunities – it’s the balancing part that’s tricky.

In an age where twenty-somethings are battling it out for unpaid, temporary jobs, financial management can be difficult. But in reality, taking an internship is anything but a death sentence. It’s important to remind yourself that while you could have easily accepted a paying job, working as a full-time barista will do virtually nothing to advance a career in communications, business, or any other professional field aside from, well, the overpriced beverage industry. To cut back, many unpaid interns live at home and commute downtown, take a part-time job with flexible hours and decent pay, and make attempts at being frugal in other ways.

Overall, it’s pretty clear the long-term benefits of an unpaid internship outweigh the temporary financial setbacks. How do you feel about balancing an internship with another job, living at home, or cutting back in other ways?

With summer upon us, many college students and recent grads are turning to unpaid internships to gain valuable work experience. While the idea of not earning a paycheck can be a daunting one, internships can be the deciding factor for young professionals looking to get their foot in the door of cut-throat industries like business and communications.

This week, we’re taking a closer look at the benefits and setbacks of unpaid internships, as well as the different types of work available for twenty-somethings looking to break into the professional world. From art history to wealth management, the job possibilities for young adults are truly endless.

Though internships are necessary for many recent grads in getting a full-time job, not getting paid often presents a major setback. While individuals have the option to get another paying job simultaneously, the time commitment can prove unrealistic. In Wednesday’s post, we’ll be offering a few key tactics to help you secure an unpaid internship while still budgeting your time and funds.

What concerns do you have about unpaid internships?

Although finding a summer job may seem tedious, it’s a great way to gain valuable work experience without worrying about the added stress of the academic year. If you’re still looking for a summer job that fits your schedule and your needs, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind.

A deciding factor for all job opportunities is location. If you’re in a big city for the summer, your prospects will differ in terms of hiring practices, hours, and commute. If you’re spending the summer in a city like Chicago, most internship opportunities will be diverse and expansive, while finding work in a college town or smaller city may be more competitive sheerly due to a lack of industry.

Regardless of where you’re living this summer, finding some form of work should never be a problem. If you’re having difficulty scoring the internship of your dreams, don’t get down. Explore freelance options, and if you interview for positions in retail, food, or customer service, make sure to tell your prospective employers about your future aspirations – you might be able to help them out in resume-enhancing ways!

While moving to a new place after college requires a number of lifestyle changes, finding a welcoming social environment can be just as crucial. Whether you’re settling in a Manhattan-esque metropolis or somewhere rural, developing new friendships can provide you with people to talk to, places to go and exciting opportunities you may have missed otherwise. Here are a few simple ways to connect with friends, old and new:

1. Exploring the work scene – One of the most convenient ways to make new friends is by connecting with co-workers. If you’ve landed a full-time job, chances are you’ll take multiple breaks throughout the day. Lunch and coffee breaks, as well as after-work happy hours, are prime social periods for young professionals, and finding a group of people to grab a bite with could help you build a solid group of in-office pals.

2. Make new friends, but keep the old – This one applies especially to those recent grads moving to a big city. If you’re somewhere like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you’re likely to know a few people from high school or college who live nearby. Whether you prefer social networking sites like Facebook, or a simple phone call, getting back in touch with old friends is easier now than ever.

3. Checking out the nightlife – Nearly all cities, large and small, have some sort of nightlife geared toward young people. Once you make a few friends (or reconnect with some old ones), going out to restaurants, bars and other evening hotspots should be no problem at all. If you enjoyed going out during college, chances are you’ll love it afterwards as well. And if you’re more of a homebody, don’t worry! Most cities have tons of classes, groups and activities for people who prefer a low-key atmosphere.

Now that we’ve covered budgets, transportation and socializing, we’re nearly finished discussing the big post-graduation move. Let us know which aspects of big-city or small-town life you’re still curious about, and we’ll definitely include them in our final installment this Wednesday!