8 Recent Grads on What They Did After College (from Grad School to Moving Abroad!)

Graduating college not only marks the end of a huge chapter, but also a new beginning — and deciding what to do after college can feel justifiably overwhelming. Some grads jump straight into their careers, others take time to explore, and many are still figuring things out — and all of that’s completely normal. 

Your journey’s your own, and it can include working, traveling, or taking a break. Here’s how seven recent grads — some I know personally, and others I follow on social media — approached what to do after college. Their decisions prove that there are so many ways to start your next stage of life. 

After years of school, sometimes the best move is to hit pause. A bit of time off can be a great way to reset before jumping into the workforce. Many graduates opt for a vacation or even a gap year to travel. Whether it’s exploring a new country, road tripping across the United States, or simply enjoying downtime with family, this period of rest can give you the clarity and energy you need for the next big step.

Got a passion you want to turn into a business? Life after college can be the perfect time to go all-in on entrepreneurship! Duverge wasted no time in launching her own crochet fashion brand. If you have the drive, it’s never too soon to put your plan into action and create your own opportunity. 

Starting a business can be risky, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Using platforms like Shopify, Instagram, and TikTok to market products, seek mentorship, and network with other entrepreneurs can help turn a side hustle into a full-time career.

Getting a job right after undergrad can be a great move for those looking to gain real-world experience, build a resume, and start saving for the future. Some companies even provide professional development resources that help employees learn new skills or pivot into other roles. 

And if you’re interested in getting your master’s degree down the line, some employers offer tuition assistance for grad school — and getting some on-the-job experience under your belt first can give you a clearer idea of what advanced degree will benefit you the most.  

That said, if you’re having trouble landing your first job out of college, you’re in good company. Many college grads find that while their education provides a solid foundation, navigating their chosen industry can be super tricky. Attending industry networking events, using LinkedIn, and asking professors or mentors for recommendations can be game-changers in a competitive job market.

Often, your first job isn’t your dream job — but it can be a stepping stone to something better. Many recent college grads find themselves in positions that might not align with their long-term goals but still offer valuable experience. Whether it’s customer service, an entry-level role, or a field unrelated to your major, each job can help you build transferable skills. The key is to keep an eye on growth opportunities, talk to people you work with who do what you’d like to do, network within the industry, and continue to learn in order to move toward a more fulfilling career.

If you already know that you need a master’s degree to do what you want, your next move after undergrad may be clear. Grad school can be essential for career advancement in fields like healthcare, law, and academia. Preparing in advance — taking prerequisite courses, studying for exams like the GRE or GMAT, and researching financial aid options — can set you up for a strong application and more seamless transition into this next stage of college life. 

After years of nonstop school, slowing down to rediscover hobbies and personal interests can be a really fulfilling choice when figuring out what to do after college. Life after graduation is a great time to reconnect with old passions or find new ones — anything from painting to working on your fitness to learning a new skill. Who knows, this exploration might just open unexpected career opportunities — or simply provide a much-needed break before settling into a full-time job.

For those who dream of living abroad, there are so many internships, volunteer programs, and teaching opportunities that can help make the move easier. Working internationally offers a chance to experience different cultures, expand professional skills, and build a global network. Programs like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), Fulbright, and international internships can provide pathways to long-term opportunities abroad.

Gaining work experience before grad school can help you find some financial stability and clarify your career goals. Working first can also help fund graduate education by reducing any student debt. You might find that getting some professional experience before returning to school makes coursework more relevant and valuable.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for what to do after college! Whether you jump into a job, travel, go back to school, or take a beat to figure things out, the choice is yours and there’s no way to do it wrong. Whatever you opt for, just don’t forget to take a moment to be proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished so far.