The spring semester is in full swing for universities and colleges. On each of these campuses, you will find an excited and nervous group of students who are preparing to graduate this spring and begin a new chapter in their lives. This time can be stressful as students continue to study, celebrate, and are making future plans. But these plans can look different for everyone. Some students have already accepted jobs, others are still searching for jobs, some students are preparing for grad school and others might be unsure of what their next step should be. As these students navigate this confusing time of life, continuing some of the extracurricular activities from undergrad can help influence the next chapter.

For students still trying to find the right job for them, an internship can be a great option. Undergrad students are often encouraged to find internships to help steer them toward a career that interests them. No one ever said that now that you have graduated, you can’t do an internship. Doing an internship the summer after graduation can lead to a potential job and allows you to continue to gain hands-on experience.

There is also the option of short-term internships or experiences. I had the opportunity to intern for the North American Livestock Exposition for a week the fall after graduation which helped me gain more connections and learn a new set of skills. If you are curious about moving to a new area and are unsure, search for farms or companies in the area that might allow you to do a ride-along or shadow for a few days. This allows you to learn about the local agriculture industry or the area in general before committing to moving for a job. Internships help you continue to learn, grow your skills, and make connections.

Perhaps you have already accepted a position following graduation and are excitedly making plans for this new step in your career. This position may take you back home or to a new town or state. A great way to settle into this new chapter of life is to find a way to engage in the community. This could be joining an organization such as Farm Bureau, a local breed association, local politics that support agriculture, and so forth. This is a great way to meet new people in the area, get involved in the local community, and make connections that could be beneficial for your new job.

Another way to engage with the community you are settling into is by finding ways to volunteer and be involved with the youth interested in agriculture within the community. You could volunteer with the local extension office or help local FFA chapters and agriculture teachers on projects. Consider the various activities you participated in growing up or during college and the people that helped make it possible for you to participate. Volunteering could make those same opportunities available to the next generation. This is a great way to continue enjoying some of the activities you participated in during undergrad and give back at the same time. I have been fortunate enough to be able to continue participating in Dairy Challenge Competitions for the region I have moved to now as a volunteer and by passing on the knowledge and skills I learned during the competitions to current students while continuing to make new connections.

The time before graduation can be exciting but also daunting and scary. However, you are more prepared than you think to navigate this next chapter of life. The experience and activities you participated in helped you make it to graduation, and the continuation of those activities can help you succeed in the beginning steps of your new career. They will also help you settle into a new schedule and pace of life. Going from a busy schedule and social life on a college campus to potentially moving to a new area and having your job now be the main part of your schedule can be a bit of a shock. Utilizing the activities you enjoy in your new community can help create more balance and allows you to enjoy more of the new life you are building. Always remember never stop learning, making connections, and getting involved.