Plan for Life After Graduation
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Graduation is a milestone, but your career journey doesn't end at SF State. Whether you're considering graduate or professional school, preparing to enter the workforce, or still exploring your options, Career and Leadership Development (CLD) can help you prepare for what's next with clarity and confidence.
What's Your Next Step?
The time to plan for life after graduation is now. Start by considering your interests, goals, and priorities. Think about the skills and experiences you've gained at SF State, what you want to accomplish next, and who can help you along the way.
Explore the two pathways below
Find practical steps, tools, and resources to help you prepare for what's next.
Path 1: Graduate or Professional School
Thinking about graduate or professional school? Explore your options, compare programs, understand costs, and prepare a strong application at your own pace.
Graduate school may be required for some professions, helpful for others, or unnecessary for your career goals. Consider what you hope to gain from an advanced degree, whether you want to attend right after graduation or gain experience first, and the time and financial commitment involved.
Before applying, consider:
- Does my career goal require an advanced degree?
- What do I want to study, and how will it support my goals?
- Should I apply now or gain work, research, or other experience first?
- Am I ready for the time and financial commitment?
Connect Your Goals to Your Next Step
Talk with faculty, alumni, and professionals about the education and experience needed in your field. A CLD Career Counselor can also help you explore your options. There is no single right timeline for graduate school.
Finding the right program is about more than choosing a school. Consider how each program aligns with your academic interests, career goals, budget, and preferred learning environment.
Find Programs That Fit Your Goals
Explore official program websites to learn about degree requirements, areas of specialization, faculty expertise, research or field experiences, accreditation or licensure requirements, and graduate outcomes. Connect with admissions representatives, faculty, or current students to understand the program experience
Consider:
- Degree, curriculum, specialties, and research or hands-on opportunities
- Faculty, advising, accreditation, and licensure eligibility where relevant
- Location, program format, length, and student support
- Tuition, funding, graduation outcomes, and career opportunities
Visit official program websites and ask admissions representatives, current students, and faculty about program expectations and outcomes.
Explore Graduate Programs at SF State
Considering continuing your education at SF State? Explore SF State Graduate Programs, admission requirements, and available resources as part of your broader graduate school search.
Use the Graduate School Search Spreadsheet to compare programs and track admission requirements, application deadlines, costs, funding opportunities, contacts, and notes.
Graduate school costs extend beyond tuition. Consider required fees, housing, transportation, health insurance, and other living expenses when estimating the total cost of a program.
Explore Ways to Pay
Ask programs about scholarships, fellowships, teaching or research assistantships, and other available funding. Review award conditions, including whether support is renewable or tied to work requirements. Financial aid eligibility varies by program and student circumstances.
Each graduate or professional program has its own requirements. Check official admissions instructions for transcripts, application fees or waivers, personal statements, resumes or CVs, recommendation letters, writing samples, portfolios, and any required entrance exams.
Tell Your Story
A strong statement of purpose or personal statement connects your interests, relevant experiences, goals, and reasons for choosing the program. Follow the specific prompt and length requirements. Ask a faculty member, mentor, or CLD Career Counselor for feedback before submitting.
Request Letters of Recommendation
Choose professors, mentors, or supervisors who know your work and can provide specific examples of your strengths. Ask early, share your resume and goals, and provide clear deadlines and submission instructions.
Prepare for Tests and Interviews
Not all programs require standardized tests or interviews. Confirm current requirements directly with each school. If an interview is part of the process, practice describing your interests, preparation, and reasons for applying, and prepare questions about the program.
Admissions Test Resources
Start with each program’s deadline and work backward. Give yourself time to research options, prepare for any required tests, request recommendations, revise your statements, and order transcripts. Deadlines and admissions cycles vary, so avoid relying on a single senior-year calendar.
Timelines vary, so use this as a flexible checklist:
- Explore: Identify programs, review requirements, and compare funding.
- Prepare: Draft statements, request recommendations, and register for tests if needed.
- Apply: Request transcripts, proofread materials, and submit by each deadline.
- Follow up: Monitor application portals, prepare for interviews, and review financial aid information.
Keep Track of What Comes Next
Return to your Graduate School Search Spreadsheet to record deadlines, recommendation requests, submitted materials, interview dates, and follow-up tasks. Check each application portal after submitting to confirm that your file is complete.
An admission offer is an opportunity to look closely at the full picture. Compare academic fit, faculty mentorship, career outcomes, funding packages, total costs, and expectations for completing the degree. Ask questions before accepting, and pay attention to response and deposit deadlines.
Choose the Path That Fits
Use your Graduate School Search Spreadsheet to compare offers side by side. If your plans change or you are not admitted, consider whether additional experience, another program, or a different timeline could help you reach your goals.
Need Additional Support?
Meet with a CLD Career Counselor to discuss graduate school options, review application materials, or prepare for an admissions interview.
Path 2: Start Your Career and Life After SF State
Preparing for life after graduation means more than finding a job. Explore these steps to evaluate opportunities, understand new responsibilities, and continue growing in your career.
Whether you are actively searching or still exploring your options, start by identifying your goals and getting ready to connect with employers. Update your application materials, strengthen your professional network, and practice your interviewing skills. Use the CLD guides below for step-by-step support.
Career Guides
A job offer is exciting, but take time to understand the full opportunity before accepting. Look beyond starting salary to consider benefits, responsibilities, work arrangements, location, workplace culture, and opportunities to grow. Ask for the offer in writing, confirm the response deadline, and seek clarification about anything you do not understand. Depending on the position, you may also be able to negotiate aspects of the offer.
Helpful Resources
CareerOneStop Salary Finder — Compare wages by occupation and location before evaluating or negotiating an offer.
U.S. Department of Labor: Employee Benefits Security Administration — Learn about health and retirement benefits and your rights as a participant
Life after college may bring new financial decisions. Start with a realistic budget based on your expected take-home pay and regular expenses. Learn how taxes and payroll deductions affect your paycheck, review health insurance and retirement options, and understand any student loan repayment obligations. If you plan to move, account for housing, transportation, deposits, and other relocation costs.
Helpful Resources
Federal Student Aid: Repayment Calculator — Explore federal student loan repayment options and estimated payments
IRS Tax Withholding Estimator — Learn how federal tax withholding may affect your paycheck
Your first months in a new role are a time to learn, ask questions, and build relationships. Clarify expectations with your supervisor, get to know your team, and seek regular feedback. Pay attention to workplace policies and communication norms. Keep a record of the projects you contribute to, the skills you develop, and what you accomplish.
Your employer’s onboarding materials, employee handbook, and benefits information are also important sources for policies specific to your workplace.
Your first job is a starting point, not a final destination. As you gain experience, look for opportunities to develop new skills, take on responsibilities, and connect with mentors. Reflect on what you enjoy, document your accomplishments, and update your resume and LinkedIn profile as your goals evolve.
Your Career Journey Continues
Career development continues beyond graduation. As your interests and opportunities change, keep discovering, exploring, building, connecting, and planning. The skills, experiences, and connections you develop at SF State can help you take your next step with confidence.
Need Help?
Meet with a CLD Career Counselor for personalized guidance on graduate school, your first career opportunity, or planning what comes next.