Advice For 2023 Graduates

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe.” — Anatole France

2023 is moving along quickly, and for you spring graduates, that means a chapter of your life is coming to a close in just a few short months. This is a time of reflection and preparation. As you wrap up your last few classes, you’re simultaneously applying to jobs in your desired industry, deciding if you’ll move away or stay local, and ultimately, choosing the trajectory of your professional life. Your next steps are crucial to building your desired future. Our advice? Don’t let this stress you out! Many paths are available to you right now, and most will lead you down a great trail.

Before the month’s end, our Barkley Reserve team encourages you to execute each of the following tips. They helped us as we transitioned from student to employee, and we know they’ll be the guiding principles you need to thrive throughout this period of uncertainty.

Take Time To Reflect On Your Accomplishments

First things first, you’re months shy of achieving an amazing goal!! Graduating from college is a monumental milestone to reach, and you should be proud of yourself. While it’s important to think ahead and have a plan in place for after you walk across the stage, you need to embrace this moment and take in and appreciate every minute. Plan graduation get-togethers with your friends, reach out to professors who positively impacted your college experience, and reflect on the past four years and how you’ve grown!

Set Clear, Attainable Goals

Having set goals in place gives you something concrete to work towards. Do you want to have a full-time job by summer? Write that down along with some action items like putting together a resume and having your mentor proof it, researching companies to see which ones you vibe with, and applying to x amount of positions weekly. When you know what you want to achieve, getting there is much smoother than winging it!

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

You are about to officially enter the “real world,” but that doesn’t mean you have to know everything. Asking for help shows maturity and showcases your desire to excel. Whether you’re preparing for interviews or need first-day advice, reaching out to your advisor, professors, and mentors is okay. While your college career ends the moment you receive your diploma, your relationship with those who have supported you doesn’t.

Upcoming graduates, our Barkley Reserve team is excited for you as you ready yourselves for this new leg of your life journey. Great things await you, so don’t shy away from what tomorrow brings. Embrace where you are, pat yourself on the back for all you’ve accomplished, and confidently step into your future. You’ve spent the past four years building up to this moment. Now that you’re here, know that you are ready and have nothing to fear!

To inquire about our open positions, email hr@barkleyreserve.com.