The “Graduation Effect”
From kindergarten to college, graduation season is in full swing. The inspiring speeches, the ceremonial walks across the stage to accept a diploma, the traditional cap and gown, and the festive celebrations – it is an exciting milestone that marks the transition from one chapter of life to another. But did you know that graduation is not just for kids? As adults, we are constantly transitioning from one phase to another – single to married to parenthood, manager to director to VP, and so on.
At ON Point, our top-performing clients are always asking “what’s next” and “how can I get to the next level or to the C-suite?” That itchy feeling people get when they have outgrown a particular place or position never leaves you. That is the “graduation effect.” That feeling when you know you have learned what you came to learn, grown as much as you could grow, and are ready for the next phase, the next challenge, and the next level. Every senior in high school and college feels it and so do so many professionals.
However, the biggest difference between graduating from college and “graduating” from one position to the next is that the college decides the graduation date for you. Graduations are designed to force people to move onto the next phase of life. Because change is so hard and stressful, many people stay in their positions well beyond their “graduation day.” Use this graduation season to ask yourself if this is the time to graduate onto a new position, a new industry, or a new phase of personal and professional growth and development.
Use the ON Point Action Plan to help plan your next graduation.
7 Ways the “Graduation Effect” Can Help Your Career
- Master the Graduate Mindset – nothing will move you faster or more successfully than a positive, open and excited mindset about the next chapter
- Change Majors – you can change your mind; just because you started out your career in sales or education doesn’t mean you have to stay there forever
- Tackle Your Transcript – just as students leave with GPAs and extracurricular activities, you should leave with your list of success metrics and accomplishments
- Update Your Yearbook – before you move on make sure you are connected with everyone and continue to build your network
- Continue Your Studies – you may be done with school but you’re never done learning; proactively pursue ongoing certifications and professional development
- Explore Internships – best way to consider new opportunities is by talking to people in those positions, volunteering, shadowing or creating a side hustle
- Toss Your Cap – quintessential display of graduation is collectively tossing caps in the air; create your own unique celebration and mark the occasion in a special way
