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Recent Graduate

Upon graduation, you have access to two career resources: the University of Virginia Career Center and the UVA Alumni Association’s Alumni Career Services. Alumni Association members receive free career advising based on membership level (Lifetime Members receive free advising for life; Annual Members receive 5 free advising sessions). Alumni Career Services also offers a number of free career resources:

New graduates may continue to use the UVA Career Center and its online resources until December 31st (following May and August graduation dates) or until June 30th (following December graduation dates).

Both the UVA Career Center and Alumni Career Services can help you navigate your next steps in the job search.

1. Revisit Your Goals

Spend time reflecting on your greatest needs and how you want to spend your work and free time. Consider career, personality, and values assessments as tools to articulate what you want as you enter the real world.

2. Understand Post-Grad Options

There are many resources to help you navigate life after college.  Not all students enter into permanent full-time jobs after undergrad!

3. Embrace the Gap Year Experience

Research:

  • Volunteering / Service Programs
  • Teaching Programs
  • Internship Programs for Recent Graduates
  • Cultural exchange programs
  • Seasonal or Temporary Work

4. Formulate a Plan

  • Talk to a career counselor about how to get organized and set achievable goals for moving into your first post-graduate experience.
  • Be sure your Handshake account is updated with your newest interests and needs
  • Identify how to conduct a search about international opportunities using Going Global
  • Connect with people in your network 

Guidance by Academic Year