My time in college is quickly dwindling. It feels like just yesterday I was a nervous freshman frantically refreshing google maps in attempts to find my way around campus. Looking back, it always makes me laugh when remembering how much of a lost puppy I was. Now, I could map the campus with my eyes closed. But in a few short months, my vision of campus will only be a far off memory. 

I have a lot of fond memories here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, but I am eager to flourish in adult life. My internship experiences have given me a taste of the corporate workforce, and I have been missing it since I left. While my future is uncertain, uncertainty excites me, and so does a challenge. 

With my time at college ending shortly and my career kickstarting, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my post-grad life. So, how have I been preparing for the future? Here are the four major things I have been doing to best prepare for life after UMass Amherst.

1. Applying to Internships and Jobs

I am fortunate to have ended my summer internship search back in November. Yet, this has not stopped me from considering my future job hunt. I know that the more I become familiar with what I want out of my career, the better equipped I will be in my job search for post-graduation. However, this does not make looking for a job any less intimidating for me whatsoever. I have built a strong resume, have a great network, and used the skills I have gained here at UMass to my advantage, so I know I am as well prepared as I need to be. While I am pretty intimidated about finding a job I love after college, I know starting my search early and thinking ahead is going to help in the long run. As nervous as I may be, I am equally as excited to see where my future takes me.

2. Getting a Credit Card and Building up My Savings 

As much as it pains me to admit, I have yet to apply for a credit card. I know how important it is to build a good credit score, I have just been a little weary about having a credit card. I finally decided to apply for one over this spring break to begin to build up my credit score. While this may seem like a simple task, having a credit card is a major responsibility. It may come with its conveniences, but I know I have to adjust to using it as reasonably as possible so I can benefit from having one. 

As well as getting a credit card, I am starting to build up my savings. Post-grad life means a lot of bills and various other living expenses, so I want to be as well prepared as possible. Thankfully, I have been building up my savings over the past few years and plan to continue to do so. Saving money is not as easy as it seems, especially in college. Yet, putting aside some of my paychecks each week will set me on a great path for my life after UMass.

3. Reflecting on What I Want out of Life 

I have been asked this question so many times that I have lost count. Since I started college back in 2017, I have always been asked what I plan to do with my future. Back then, I did not know — I just wanted to enjoy college. As a junior, I want to explore the sectors of marketing and communications, preferably with a technology-based company. While I know what I want out of a career, I believe that it is equally important to reflect on what I want out of life as well. 

I want happiness, a fulfilling job, a great social life, and a thriving career. While this may be a lot to ask for, this is what I strive for in my life. At the end of the day, I simply want to be happy and fulfilled by my career. Now that my college journey is ending, I like to spend time every few months writing down my thoughts and making a goal list. I find self-reflection to be an essential part of my preparation for post-grad life. Please, take the time to think about your needs — it will help considerably.

Enjoying My Last Few Months of College 

I have less than two semesters left at UMass. I keep telling myself that I have plenty of time, but I know in actuality I do not. This semester has been flying by. Before I know it, I will be on to my final semester here at UMass. I have called this place my home for the past three years. This is the place where I experienced many firsts in my life: moving away from home, having a roommate, and living on my own. This is also where I met my amazing friend group and developed into the person I have become. I have done a lot of growing here at UMass that I am incredibly thankful for. This campus holds such valuable and impactful memories for me, and I am sad to be leaving it.

With less than a year left at UMass, I want to enjoy the rest of my time here. I want to try all the restaurants in downtown Amherst, go to as many sporting events as possible, use all my dining dollars at Argo Tea and Earthfoods Cafe, and spend as much time as possible with my friends. With so much change coming to my life, I need to soak up as much of UMass as I can. Come graduation, that may be the last time I visit the campus for a while. It is so important for me to enjoy what I have now. Soon, my college life will be a fond memory.