What Are You Going to Do After You Graduate

No matter where you go to school, what youre majoring in, where you live, or what kind of college experience youve had, youre likely to face an all-too-common question as Graduation Day approaches: So, what are you going to do after you graduate? While this question is often coming from a well-intentioned person, being asked multiple times can become a bit disheartening—especially if your post-graduation plans arent solidified. So what can you say that offers a polite response without divulging too much about your personal life? Im Still Deciding This answer lets folks know that youre actively engaged in a decision-making process. You might have a variety of options on the table or are choosing between two different directions—like graduate school or work, for example. Additionally, it lets folks know that you are exploring the choices available to you instead of just passively waiting to see whats going to happen. Im Giving Myself Until (Upcoming Date) to Decide This can be a great deflector of peoples nosiness because it lets folks know that youre currently in the process of deciding, you have a date in mind, and you dont necessarily need advice until that point in time. Im Talking to the Career Counselors at School About My Options Lots of people like to give advice to current or recent college graduates, which can be great. However, not all of the advice you receive can be helpful or constructive. Letting people know that youre talking with administrators who are professionally trained to offer career advice can be a gentle way to let them know that youre already receiving advice from others -- and, consequently, dont necessarily need any more at this moment. Im Focusing on Making the Most of My College Experience Right Now Remember, its perfectly okay not to know what youre going to do after college. That decision can, in fact, wait until you really do graduate. College is a stressful, intense journey, and letting people know that youre focusing on being successful in that process before turning to the next phase in your life is perfectly acceptable. Im Talking With a Few People About Some Opportunities You dont have to be specific, and you dont have to name names. But letting someone know that you already have some conversations going on with other people can gently deflect a series of questioning you might not feel like answering. Im Giving Myself Some Time to Think About It Spending some time genuinely thinking about and strategically planning for your post-college plans isnt lazy; its important. And some people might want to give themselves some time to focus on such an important decision while not also trying to juggle college classes and other obligations. If you have the luxury of being able to take some time to be mindful about where you want your post-college life to go, dont be shy about admitting that. I Want to Go to Graduate School This lets people know that you have plans for graduate school and are actively working to figure out how to make those plans a reality. Additionally, it lets people know that you are already in the process of working out the details, which may mean full-time work, an internship, or time off studying for an entrance exam. Regardless of the specifics, this answer lets folks know that you already have plans in motion. Im Looking for a Job as a (Potential Career Choice) Using the What are you doing after graduation? question as a networking opportunity isnt cheating—its smart. If you want to go into a certain field or work for a certain company, get the word out. Dont be shy about telling people what youre looking for and what youre interested in. Doing so is an important form of networking, and you never know who might be able to help you get your foot in the door somewhere. Im Going to Help My Family Out for a While This can mean youre working for your familys business or that youre going home to help care for a sick family member. And while you dont need to share the details if you dont want to, mentioning that youll be supporting your family in one form or another lets people know that you already have plans in the works. Im Not Sure and Im Open to Suggestions People who ask about your post-graduation plans are likely experiencing several things: They genuinely care about you and want to know what youll be doing after college. They want to give you advice. They think they can help you in some way. Or theyre just nosy and want to know what the skinny is. No matter the details, it never hurts to hear what someone else has to say. You never know who might provide a gem of insight that sparks a personal epiphany for you or that provides a connection you werent expecting. No matter what your plans are, after all, theres no reason to shy away from an opportunity to make things more solid and secure.