Post Graduate Stress

Common Stressors before Graduation Deciding on post-graduate plans Standardized tests Preparing applications Finances Preparing your resume Interviews

Stressors after Graduation Adjusting to new surroundings Leaving friends and family Meeting new people Finding a new place to live Coping with your decision

Postgraduate Statistics 3 out of 5 UF seniors have solid plans after graduation 36% have a definite job 22% have been accepted and plan to attend graduate school or professional degree program

Continuing Education Stats 51% of UF students indicate they will seek a master’s degree 15% of UF students plan to obtain a Ph.D 15% of UF students plan to obtain a professional degree 3% of UF students plan to receive some type of advanced degree

Stressed-out Sally So, I thought senior year was going to be fun and enjoyable… as far as I know, that is the exact opposite of what I am feeling. Being stressed out is an understatement, I mean, I can’t seem to get things done. I am feeling unorganized, rushed, indecisive, and most of all confused. I am taking to many credits because I feel pressured to graduate. I am working to many hours at my part time job because I am trying to pay for application fees for Graduate School, not to mention the entrance exam fees and my rent, utilities, cable and cell phone. On top of that I am volunteering weekly to help make my resume look better. Furthermore, my friends are getting angry with me since I continue to blow them off because I am so busy and they are not the only ones hassling me. My own parents won’t leave me alone about my postgraduate plans. One of them wants me to go straight to graduate school, while the other wants me to find a job close to home. I don’t even know what I want to do. Part of me wants to go to Law school and another part wants to go to med school, then of course there is a part of me that wants to find a job, but being close to home is not what I had in mind. At this rate who knows if I will make it through senior year, let alone graduate. I need help, but where can I get it? How can I relieve some of this stress and anxiety? Am I the only one that feels this way? Gosh, what should I do?

Stress Management Techniques Become organized and manage appointments, classes, work and deadlines by using an agenda Take part in regular exercise (yoga, kickboxing, cycling, running…etc.) Take advantage of the university’s Career Counselors (Career Resource Center) Prepare yourself for entrance exams with Test Prep Courses (ex.Kaplen) Indulge in relaxation by treating yourself to a massage, facial, or other spa treatment

Job Resources UF Career Resource Center - Job Fairs, Resume Help, Interview Techniques - http://www.crc.ufl.edu/ - Located on the 1st Floor of J.W. Reitz Union Internet Websites and Resume Databases - http://www.monster.com/ - www.careerbuilder.com/ Workshops Online - Help with writing a Resume: http://owl.english.purdue.edu

Graduate School Resources Entrance Exams - Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions: http://www.kaplan.com/ - The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/ - Testmasters: http://www.testmasters180.com/ Choosing the Right School - Directory of Graduate Schools: http://www.gradschools.com/ - Program Rankings & Advice: http://www.montana.edu

Graduate School Resources (cont’.) Organizations - The Coalition of Graduate Employee Union (CGEU): http://www.cgeu.org/ - The National Association of Graduate-Professional Students: http://www.nagps2.org/ Finances - Free resources for students financing Graduate School: www.kiplinger.com www.bankrate.com www.cbsmarketwatch.com

Additional Resources www.health.ufl.edu/shcc/smhs www.ets.org www.peacecorps.gov www.salary.com www.americorps.org

UF Career Resource Center Making postgraduate plans is made simpler with the help from the CRC, it’s just a click away… http://www.crc.ufl.edu/

Pros&Cons: Question #1 After graduation, should one get a job or continue their education?

Job vs. Education Job Education Pros - Making an income - Being Independent - Getting Experience Cons - Lower starting salary - Bad Job Market - Less Freedom - Relocation Education Pros - Getting a higher Education - Making a higher salary Cons - Tuition Cost - Debt (no income)

Pros&Cons: Question #2 Should one take a higher paying job or a more enjoyable lower paying job?

High Paying Job vs. Enjoyable Job Pros - Money Cons - Expected to work more hours - Stress - Location/Travel Time - May regret later Enjoyable Pros - You like it - Less stress - flexible and willing to work with you - more family time Cons - poor pay - lack of promotion