Whether graduation is around the corner or in your rearview mirror, you may find yourself wondering what’s next. Some students know which path they are taking before they graduate. For others, the path isn’t as clear. The good news is that there are many different paths and no wrong answer, only the path that works for you. But how do you figure out which path to take? Here are a few ways to help you decide which path makes the most sense for you.
Define Your Passion
Deciding which path to follow can take some thought. First, spend time figuring out what you are passionate about. It may be fishing or fashion, sports or medicine. Think about what makes you happy, what you enjoy doing, and what you want to continue doing. Once you understand what motivates and engages you, you’ll have a better sense of where your path should lead. Regardless of what path you choose, it will excite you, because it allows you to pursue your passion.
Understand Your Finances
While you want your path to include things you enjoy, you also need to be financially realistic. If you enjoy traveling but don’t have the funds to do so right now, then you may need to take a different path. Or, you may have been saving your money and want to use it to start your own business. Understanding your finances, what you have, how long it will last, and how it can be used, can go a long way in helping you determine which path to take.
Do Your Research
Often, we overlook paths that are different from more traditional ones because we don’t know enough about them. Don’t let a lack of knowledge keep you from pursuing a path that might be right for you. Read, follow social media, listen to podcasts, and engage with individuals who have followed different paths. These are great ways to help you learn and gain the knowledge you need to make a more informed decision about what path is right for you.
Don’t Be Afraid
The right path isn’t always the easy path. You may even find that your path is vastly different from your peers. Don’t be afraid to follow your gut. Don’t let fear keep you from pursuing a dream or passion simply because it’s different. Great risks can come with great rewards, and this could be one of those times.
Talk to People
You have a network of individuals (friends, family, mentors) who support you and want you to succeed. Talk to them and get their thoughts. They may have ideas you didn’t think of, information you need, or insight into different paths and how they might work for you. Deciding which path to take can be exhausting and stressful. Don’t deliberate in a vacuum. The decision is yours, but input from your friends and family may provide clarity that helps you make a decision you are comfortable with.
Deciding which path to take requires a lot of thought. It is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and should not be made without all the information at hand. If you don’t feel ready to make a decision, that’s OK — you may need more time. As long as you are actively working toward a path, you’ll get where you need to be. Everyone’s path is different, and that is a wonderful thing. Your journey is your own, and will be whatever you make of it.
On Topic
Avery Tilley, Cherokee Nation, is a junior at Michigan State University pursuing two BS degrees — one in fisheries and wildlife management and another in molecular genetics and genomics. He hopes to combine these focuses into a career in wildlife veterinary medicine, assisting tribes with wildlife conservation and animal health measures. Avery currently works on gray wolf health assessments with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a project funded by the AISES AASONA program. Currently, Tilley serves as the Region 6 Student Representative for AISES and enjoys connecting Indigenous college students with AISES opportunities.
What are the key factors to consider when deciding what path to take after college?
Three key factors really stand out to me when deciding what path to take after college. The first and foremost is passion. Am I excited about what my future holds if I go this route? Have I had experience in this field and know I want to spend the future working and focused in this area? Try and answer these questions for yourself to confirm that you are excited for this upcoming path.
The next factor is preparedness. How prepared am I to step out into this path? Perhaps there is another path I should follow first to help prepare me more for my end goal. Understand you still have plenty of time to forage a career; make sure you are taking the necessary steps to ensure you will be successful on your future path.
The final factor is financial. This is much more difficult to identify and discuss because it can look very different for everyone. However, it is important to consider how the path you select will impact you financially. Does this job or graduate program provide enough income for me to be able to ‘make it’ on my own? Do I feel I am being compensated fairly for my skills? Does the reputation or experience of the company or school make up for potentially lower pay?
I think about how all three of these factors contribute to a path and weigh my options carefully. Sometimes you may get an amazing path financially, but your passion is not there, or vice versa. Understand that your path is yours; think carefully about your future and decide what is best for you.
