--- title: You're Graduating... Now What? description: Congratulations to all of our upcoming JJC graduates! Not sure about what your next step should be after graduation? Check out our blog for some quick tips and ideas. image: https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/grad%20positive%20attitude.jpg --- [Joliet Junior College Home Page ![Joliet Junior College Home Page](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/RGB%20JJC%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.svg)](https://jjc.edu/) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1) - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - [Register for Courses](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/register-courses) - 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[Academic Interests](http://jjc.edu/academics) - [Crawford Honors College](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/honors-college) - [Credit for Prior Learning](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information/prior-learning) - [English as Second Language | ESL](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/english-second-language-and-citizenship) - [High School Diploma | GED](https://jjc.edu/community/department-adult-education-literacy/illinois-high-school-diplomaged-and-basic-skill) - [Search for Classes](https://selfservice.jjc.edu/Student/Courses) - [Online Learning](https://www.jjc.edu/online-learning) - [Student Resources](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources) - [Bookstore](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/bookstore) - [Career Services](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services) - [Disability Services](https://jjc.edu/disability-services) - [Mental Health & Wellness](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/mental-health-wellness) - [Library](https://library.jjc.edu/home) - [Multicultural Student Services](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/center-multicultural-access-success) - [Registrar](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/registrars-office) - [Student Advising](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/student-advising-center) - [Testing Services](https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/testing-services) - [Transfer Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/transfer-information) - [Tutoring & Learning Center](http://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center) - [Veterans Resources](https://jjc.edu/student-resources/veterans-resource-center) - [Campus Life](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life) - [Athletics](http://jjcwolves.com/) - [Cafe/Food Services](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/food-services) - [Child Care Services](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/child-care-services) - [Student Activities](http://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/student-activities) - [Student Rights](https://www.jjc.edu/campus-life/office-student-rights-responsibilities) - [Sustainability](https://jjc.edu/campus-life/sustainability) - [Community](http://www.jjc.edu/community) - [Adult Education](https://jjc.edu/community/workforce-education-adult-ed-literacy) - [Continuing Education](https://www.jjc.edu/community/continuing-education) - [Facility Rentals](http://www.jjc.edu/community/facility-rentals) - [Small Business Services](https://jjc.edu/jjc-entrepreneur-business-center-getting-started) - [Vendors](http://www.jjc.edu/community/vendors) - [Workforce Development](http://www.jjc.edu/community/workforce-development) - [About JJC](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc) - [College Leadership](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/leadership) - [Inclusive Excellence & Advocacy](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/office-inclusive-excellence-and-advocacy) - [Employment](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/human-resources/jobs-careers) - [Freedom of Information](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/freedom-information-act) - [History](http://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/history) - [Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search # JJC Blog Learn more about student life and what you can accomplish at Joliet Junior College in our blog. # You're Graduating... Now What? Posted by [Sam Sottosanto](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-sottosanto) on May 7, 2018 8:15:00 AM ![Sam Sottosanto](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![youre graduating ban](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/youre%20graduating%20ban.jpg?width=600&height=191&name=youre%20graduating%20ban.jpg) *"So... what are you going to do after you graduate?"* We're guessing you've probably heard a million versions of this question over the past few months from your family and friends. If you're unsure about what your next step should be after you graduate this year, check out our list below for some quick tips. **![career services meeting1](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/career%20services%20meeting1.jpg?width=400&height=266&name=career%20services%20meeting1.jpg) 1. Visit the Career Services Center.** Did you know that as both a student and an alum, you can make an appointment with a JJC career advisor for free? It doesn't matter if you've only just graduated or if it's ten years down the line, Career Services can help you with your resume and cover letter or with job search assistance and job interview prep. Make an appointment with a career advisor by calling (815) 280-2756 or visit [jjc.edu/careers](http://jjc.edu/student-resources/career-services).   **![reach out to prof](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/reach%20out%20to%20prof.jpg?width=400&height=267&name=reach%20out%20to%20prof.jpg) 2. Don't be afraid to reach out to your professors.** Your professors were your greatest asset in college and they can be excellent connections now that you're graduating. Don't be afraid to ask them about job opportunities. They can also be essential references for your resume.     **![prepare for transfer123](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/prepare%20for%20transfer123.jpg?width=400&height=267&name=prepare%20for%20transfer123.jpg) 3. If you're planning to transfer, make sure you're prepared for the fall.** While you should most definitely celebrate your achievements this summer, if you're transferring, it's smart to take this time to plan ahead. Make sure you have all the supplies you need for your four-year school, especially if you are staying in the dorms. Check out your new campus so you know where to go for your classes. You can even do some research on internship opportunities for next summer.    **![back of classroom shot](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/back%20of%20classroom%20shot.jpg?width=400&height=267&name=back%20of%20classroom%20shot.jpg) 4. Know that it's OK to not have everything figured out.** Just because you're a degree holder doesn't mean you should have the answers to every question. You still have a lot of years ahead of you, so take things one step at a time. We know you can do this!   **![grad positive attitude](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/grad%20positive%20attitude.jpg?width=400&height=267&name=grad%20positive%20attitude.jpg) 5. Stay positive!** Never forget that you have accomplished an impressive feat! Graduating with an associate degree or certificate is important and it took a lot of hard work. Remember to keep a positive attitude and be happy with how far you have come.    **Related Posts** [Q&A: The Bopp Family Shares Their Unique Graduation Story](https://blog.jjc.edu/the-bopp-family-shares-their-unique-graduation-story) [5 Steps to Graduate](https://blog.jjc.edu/5-steps-to-graduate)[What to Look for in a Transfer School](https://blog.jjc.edu/what-to-look-for-in-a-transfer-school-2)[How to Start Your Transfer School Search NOW](https://blog.jjc.edu/how-to-start-your-transfer-school-search-now)[5 Books to Read this Summer](https://blog.jjc.edu/5-books-to-read-this-summer) \*\*\* **Like this post? 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