Post Citadel TransitionHow to prepare for life after The Citadel

Training Objectives• Task:

– Establish a career path following graduation

• Condition:– Given instructions from the Career Center staff

• Standard:– Students will make an educated decision about the best steps to take in order to be

successful after graduation

Life Beyond Lesesne Gates• You have the ring!

• You are ready to make your move!

• Or are you?

You have three hurdles to consider before you are ready to leave Lesesne gates:

1. Decisions2. The Job3. The Finances

Hurdle #1: Have you decided which direction to choose after graduation?

Job Graduate School

Military

Gainful employment – a job• “I will go anywhere” is not an effective job search strategy

• What is your target area?– Pick 3 geographic locations and multiple organizations within those locations– Look up alumni using LinkedIn or Citadel Alumni Association

• Do you have the correct documents to apply for jobs? – Resume, cover letter, references, business cards

• Network Apply Interview Follow up Repeat

• Over prepare for your interview

Graduate School• There are good and bad reasons for wanting to go to graduate school

Good BadYou need more education to move up in your field – law, healthcare, higher education, social services, education

You do not know what you want to do with your life

It helps your professional prospects – i.e. specialized certifications courses

Since you went to The Citadel you would like a taste of “real college life”

May help you increase your responsibility or income – i.e. MBA

You cannot find a job

You are focused on this field and know you will stay in it

You hated your major so you would like to try something else

Increase financial prospects You THINK a graduate degree is necessary

Pursue your interests more in depth – i.e. school counseling

You have always wanted to live in ______ (where graduate school is located)

Make sure you are making the right decision before committing to more school

• If you are confused about the direction you want to go do not immediately commit to graduate school

• Get experience instead! Hands-on experience could be more crucial in the long run and make you more valuable

• Grad school may not diminish feelings of uncertainty but it WILL increase debt

The Military• You will probably be in a leadership role but ask advice from military personnel,

NCO’s and fellow officers

• Leadership roles require planning, directing operations and making critical decisions

• Officer positions also include civilian careers that require advanced degrees, such as law and medicine

• As with any career path, do your research to find what your next steps are

Hurdle #2: Details of a Job Offer• Things to consider when negotiating job offers….

– Understand it is a process– Will you like the job?– Salary– Benefits– Work schedule

Will you like the job?• Do you think you will like the job?

– Why?

• Are there other offers you want to consider?– Why?

• Are you desperate?

• Do you like the work environment and/or culture?

• What does your gut feeling tell you about the job?

Salary• You may be in a position to negotiate

– Never assume salary and/or benefits are set in stone. After the 2nd or 3rd round of interviews (if salary and/or benefits have not been discussed) ask, “Would now be a good time to talk about salary and benefits?”

• Do research– Glassdoor is a great resource to research comparable salaries

• Be prepared!– Whether you bring it up or they do, be prepared with a monetary answer or range!– What do you NEED to make in order to live? Use that as a good starting point– Don’t be afraid to put it back on them by asking, “What type of salary does this position

offer?”

Benefits• What are benefits?

– Paid time off like vacation and sick days– Health/dental/vision insurance– Paid prescriptions– 401(k) retirement options– Life insurance– Long term/short term disability insurance – Professional development

Work Schedule• Will you be working 8:00 – 5:00, Monday – Friday?

• Will you have a flexible schedule as long as you get your work responsibilities done?

• Do you have the option to work remotely?

• Will you be off on weekends and holidays?

• If you do not ask it is assumed you know– “What is the weekly schedule for this position?”

If you dislike your first job:• Try to stick it out for at least a year. Think about what it is about the job you

dislike and try to resolve the issue rather than running for the door

• Speak with your supervisor to see if a solution can be reached

• Research opportunities within the organization

• It is easier to find a job when you are gainfully employed BUT do not look for a new job while you are at work

• The job search process can be lengthy so start using networking tools or ask for advice or direction about transitioning

• The grass is not always greener on the other side so be sure of your decision before leaving

Obstacle 3: The Finances• Understand your personal finances

• What is your monthly gross income?

• Now subtract the following from that number:– Housing – rent or mortgage will vary greatly– Utilities (electric, gas, water, heating & air, etc.)– Food (at home and away)– Transportation (car payment, gas)– Debt repayment (credit cards, student loan)– Insurance (car, renter, home)– Saving– Entertainment (shopping, going to the movies, etc.)

Next stop - success• "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning

from failure." – Colin Powell

• Prepare for your career path (job, graduate school, military) by exploring your options and engaging others

• Do not be afraid to ask questions

• Be diligent in finding the correct path for YOU!

Citadel Career Center• 573 Huger St. outside of Sophomore gate

• Drop in hours Monday – Thursday, 1:00 – 4:00; no appointment necessary

• Email: careercenter@citadel.edu

• Phone: 843-953-1617