End-of-Degree Graduation Checklists

There are many reasons you chose UC Online to complete your college degree. Whether for the flexibility of our online programs, the lower cost for the same on-campus degree, or the variety of degree offerings, probably the most important reason was because you knew a degree would advance your career.

And now, finally, after all your hard work and dedication, your graduation day looms closer and closer with every class login. As you reach the home stretch of your degree program, you should take a step back and ask yourself what else you need to do before graduating college to make sure you’re on track to transition into the career path you’ve been working toward.

3 Graduation Checklists

Whether your plans are to advance at your current place of employment, change careers entirely, or look for a new position in your same field, there are tasks you should complete before graduation to make sure you will be well-situated to achieve your goals.

If you’re not sure how to transition from college life to work life, consider using one of these checklists to prepare you for graduation.

To Advance at Your Current Employer

If, for example, you are earning your Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership so that you can advance from teacher into principal or special education leadership, then there are some steps you should take to ensure that your goal is attainable at your current place of employment.

Some to do’s you should add to your checklist include:

  • Meet with your student success coordinator to make sure you’re on track to graduate on time.
  • Write down your goals for graduation.
  • Set up a meeting with your manager several months prior to graduation to discuss your goals.
  • If possible, get the action plan you discussed with your manager in writing and put it in a safe place for easy referral.

To Change Careers

Many UC Online students take classes in order to change careers entirely. You may have some overall ideas but need more specifics as what to do with your Associate’s Degree in Health Information Systems, for example.

These ideas can help you get on the right track before graduation:

  • Prepare or learn how to update your resume.
  • Meet with your student success coordinator to discuss your career options.
  • Apply for jobs that you will soon be credentialed for upon graduation.
  • Go on mock interviews, read up on, or watch informational videos on how to prepare for an interview.
  • Learn what to do after an interview, including sending a thank-you message and how and when to best follow up with the interviewee.
  • Attend networking events in your degree area as well as networking with your professors and advisors

Look for a New Job in the Same Field

Let’s say you have your Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering but are wondering what to do with your Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering that you will soon obtain? How can you ensure that you can change jobs for the better in the same industry?

Add this checklist to the top of your priorities before graduation:

  • Write down your long-term plan to keep you on the right track.
  • Schedule a meeting with your student success coordinator to discuss your plans.
  • Do some research into the job you want, and how you can use your new degree to get it.
  • Make sure your resume is up-to-date.
  • Seek out references that you can call upon should a future employer request them.
  • Network with individuals at a company you would like to work for, or with individuals in a different department if you hope to advance in your current workplace.

Achieve success with UC Online

No matter which path you choose, rest assured that UCO has your back. We pride ourselves in admitting highly qualified students and our goal is always to get 100% of students to graduate, so long as they put in the work required to earn their degree.

To learn more about our Career Development Resources, navigate to our website.

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