Amy Lindgren
Are you a non-traditional student in the process of graduating? “Non-trads” (in the parlance of academia) are usually older, having perhaps stopped out after high school to begin jobs or raise kids.
They may have started a college or technical program but left before completing. Or they may be returning for a second degree later in life.
If you’re a non-trad, you know it even if you didn’t know the term. As an older graduate, you have similar concerns as your younger cohort, but you also have unique issues that come from being farther along in your life journey.
One thing you might not have is a slew of well-meaning aunties and uncles offering you unsolicited advice. If so, allow me!
Two weeks ago, I provided guidance for traditional-age graduates. Now it’s your turn: If you’re a newly-graduated non-trad from a college or training program, I have some tips for you as well.
Each category begins with steps that are universal for all ages, with the addition of ideas for older graduates.
Putzy logistical stuff
Universal steps, for all students: Review your diploma for accuracy. Confirm which online resources can still be used at your alma mater, such as email. Ask about available career resources. Figure out your student loan repayment, if applicable. Check on health insurance, if you were covered at school.
Additional steps especially for non-traditional students:
• Connect with the school’s finance department. Were you being sponsored by your employer or perhaps a workforce development program for tuition? If so, it’s smart to verify that all records are clear at the school. Ideally, you’d receive a paid-in-full receipt.
• Confirm payment with your sponsor. Likewise, it’s important to verify with your employer or case manager that the training has been or will be paid by them. Another receipt or in-writing confirmation is the ideal.
• Look into graduation ceremonies. OK, maybe you don’t want to walk in a ceremony — are you sure? It won’t hurt to find out when they’re being held. In many cases, online and/or non-trad students are given multiple options, so you may still have opportunities to consider.
Career stuff
Universal steps, for all students: Update or create your LinkedIn profile. Update your résumé. Think about what you want to do next.
Additional steps especially for non-traditional students:
• If you’re working, tell your boss you’ve graduated. In some systems, the new certificate or degree will make you eligible for an automatic pay increase or a higher title. Even if that’s not the case, it’s appropriate to go over your goals with your supervisor, and to identify how you want to put your training to use.
• Join a professional association or trade group. You’ve just achieved a new level of skills and knowledge — now is the time when you could use guidance from others in your field. If your program was a general studies degree, choose a group that is also general, or one that matches interests you want to explore.
• Move on, if needed. If your boss doesn’t or can’t provide a higher level of work for you, or if you’re currently unemployed, it’s time to find a job that fits your new skill level. Do this relatively soon, while your knowledge and credibility are the freshest.
• Consider the next degree. Crazy? Maybe not — now that you know what a return to school feels like, you’re in good position to consider more training or degrees. It might be easier to do now, while you’re already in gear, so to speak.
Life stuff
Universal steps, for all students: Decide where to live, especially if you’ve been co-housing during school. Guard your mental health, since achieving goals sometimes leads to feeling let-down. Guard your finances, even if you do get a raise.
Additional steps especially for non-traditional students:
• Buy a cake! Or hold a brunch, or go out to dinner with friends. As an older student, you may think you’ve outgrown the garage party with the “Graduate 2024!” banner, but you can still celebrate. This is a big deal, my friend, and you deserve the accolades (even if you have to arrange them yourself).
And a final word: Don’t sweat the whole career thing, but — if you’re not feeling on track within a few months of completing your program, ask for help. Sometimes all it takes is new information or fresh ideas for things to line up.
Congratulations, graduate. You’re amazing!
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Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.
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