Graduates: Where do you go now?

As graduation nears, many of you are eager to become independent. These days, however, getting a job and an apartment may not be as easy as it once was. But, rest assured you are not alone. The concerns are very common, so we have some suggestions on how best to transition into the "real world".

One possibility is to head back home. If you are moving home, here are a few tactics to make the most of your time back home:

• Pay rent: Even if it's just a little, paying rent to your parents will not only demonstrate your appreciation of their helping you out while you get set to live on your own, it also gets you in the habit of paying rent. It's good to have a part time job while you perform your job search, just so you can save a little and have cash on hand for things you need. And if you want to kick in for utilities, food or cable, feel free to do that as well.
• Get ready to compromise: You can't expect to be totally free to do whatever you want to do when moving back in with your parents, even if it's only for a short time. Respect their rules and understand that you'll be giving up some of your independence while at home-it may serve as extra motivation to find that job, start that business and get out on your own.
• Be an adult: It's tempting for some parents to want to take care of their children who move in after graduation-doing their laundry, cooking their meals, etc. Don't let them! Take care of these things yourself even while living under their roof, because it's good preparation for when you're living on your own. Plus letting parents baby you can become a hard habit to break and remove the motivation to get your own place.
• Set a date to leave: This isn't to say that you'll wear out your welcome at home, but it always helps to motivate you to find a job and a place of your own if you have a date in mind that you'd like to achieve these goals. That said, you don't need to publicize this date to friends and family. Keeping it to yourself could allow you the opportunity to move it should things not work out as hoped.

If you have not yet found a job, do not fret. There is still time. Savvy Student thinks you should...

• Look for internships: They're a great way to get experience in your field-or even a foot in the door at a company you'd like to work for. Check with Hiatt for any internship programs they have set up with companies-but don't be afraid to find one online through a reputable site.
• Search entry-level job sites:There are a host of job sites and boards online that specialize in entry level positions across many industries. Check them out, register your profile and check back often, because you never know who might be looking to fill a position next.
• Network, network, network: You may not realize it, but you have a valuable network of people who can help. Your professors, your parents, and your friends at Brandeis can all play a big role in finding employment. Check around and see who can help you find the job you're looking for-you never know until you ask.

Good Luck and Congratulations- You did it!
Savvy Student