I Graduated! But Now What?
Just about a month ago, I graduated from Carroll University with a B.S. in Graphic Design. That's exciting and all, but now what?
While I try to figure out my next steps, I thought it would be worthwhile to reflect on my school years and how they've shaped me into the designer—and person—I am today.
The Reality of Finishing
It was always go, go, go in school. One project after another. So when I finally submitted my thesis project for my capstone class, I don't think I realized it was my last project. I was just waiting for another assignment to come along.
I still had work and freelance photography, so there were plenty of things to keep me busy. Even on graduation day, it felt like I was crossing another task off my to-do list. It was simply something I knew I had to get done.
Of course, I was happy to graduate, but I didn't feel like I had accomplished some incredible feat. Maybe I'm just chronically busy. Maybe I was experiencing burnout and couldn't fully enjoy the moment. Either way, graduation didn't feel as dramatic as I expected it would.
In fact, I think part of the reason was that I hadn't fully processed what came next.
Identity Crisis Loading...
I've been a student in one form or another for twenty of my twenty-five years on this planet.
That's most of my life.
So what does it mean to not be a student anymore?
My life revolved around assignments, deadlines, projects, and grades. Then one day, it was just... gone.
How exactly does someone function after graduation?
I'll let you know when I figure it out because I'm still searching for the answer.
What I do know is that I'm enjoying the relief of not having multiple deadlines piled on top of each other every week. And perhaps best of all, I never have to participate in another class icebreaker again.
But in all seriousness, I think I'll always be a student. Even without a classroom, I'll continue learning new techniques, experimenting with personal projects, and seeking feedback from people I trust. The difference now is that I get to decide the projects, set the parameters, and create my own deadlines.
And while that's exciting, it's also a little intimidating. School always provided the next assignment, the next semester, and the next goal. Now it's up to me to decide what comes next.
Thankfully, school taught me a few things that might help along the way.
What School Actually Taught Me
Depending on the day, you might get a bitter response about my time in school. I might tell you it did nothing but stress me out—which, to be fair, it sometimes did.
But there are definitely things I'm grateful for, even if they weren't listed on a syllabus.
There's Only So Much You Can Control
I'll admit that when I say I'm fine with group projects, it definitely depends on the group. If everyone contributes equally and we're all on the same page, great! I love those groups.
But if there's a slacker among us? Let's just say I tend to spiral.
I usually volunteer to lead group projects because I'm a bit of a control freak. I know that if I'm steering the ship, things are getting done. So when I had a teammate who wasn't keeping up with their responsibilities, I started with friendly reminders. I didn't want to micromanage anyone, but I wanted to make sure we stayed on track.
A few days before an important client presentation, their portion still wasn't finished.
I was livid.
What was I supposed to do? It would be embarrassing to present an incomplete project to a client because one person wasn't contributing. Do I stay up late and finish their work myself? Do I risk the presentation falling apart?
Instead, I asked my professor for advice.
She told me that, as a leader, I had done everything correctly. I created a schedule, checked in with everyone, and made sure responsibilities were clearly assigned. At that point, there wasn't anything else I could do.
As a perfectionist, people-pleaser, and overachiever, that was incredibly difficult to hear.
She assured me that she had noticed the lack of contribution throughout the semester and that my teammate's effort—or lack thereof—would not reflect on me or my grade. That lifted a little weight off my shoulders.
When presentation day finally arrived, it actually went great.
Was it perfect? No. Could you tell who put in extra effort and who didn't? Absolutely.
But the client enjoyed our presentation, and that was enough for me. More importantly, I learned that sometimes doing your best is enough. Not everything is within your control, and that's okay.
Under Pressure
No matter what stage of school you're in, you'll eventually hear the same question:
"What are your plans after graduation?"
It's a valid question, but that doesn't make it any less stressful.
My plans weren't set in stone. I figured I'd see where the wind took me.
In some ways, I was lucky. I already had a full-time graphic design job, so I wasn't immediately worried about entering the job market. I'd worked there throughout my college career.
Meanwhile, I watched classmates begin the interview process. They were getting ghosted, receiving lowball offers, and stressing about whether they'd secure a position before graduation.
I couldn't help but notice the anxiety and exhaustion that came with it all.
While everyone else was scrambling, I was floating comfortably along. At least for the time being.
Now I'm officially on the hunt. I've made big plans to move, and that means that for the first time in about five years, I need to look for a new job.
Seeing how difficult the process has been for others makes me a little nervous, but I'm confident I'll find something that fits me. Even if I have to start with a smaller role, I know I have the skills to grow quickly and work toward my long-term goals.
Portfolio vs. Real Life
If you're a designer, you have a portfolio. There's really no way around it. But what exactly should a portfolio include?
The answer seems to change depending on who you ask.
In school, you get the basic checklist: include a contact page, showcase several projects, connect your LinkedIn profile, and so on.
But what kind of projects should you include? Which platform should you use? What's the "correct" way to build it?
The truth is there isn't one.
I've looked at countless portfolios for inspiration, and they're all completely different. A portfolio should reflect both your work and the audience you're trying to attract.
For me, photography is a huge part of what I do, so choosing Pixieset as my website host was an easy decision. It allows me to showcase my design work while also housing my photography in one place.
Is Pixieset the first platform people think of for graphic designers?
Probably not.
But I've made it work, and I'm genuinely happy with how everything has turned out.
The B.S. Beyond the Degree
So I've graduated.
Now what?
That's the funny part.
Graduation wasn't the finish line. It was simply the point where I stopped receiving a syllabus and started creating one for myself.
Whether I feel excited, intimidated, or pressured by what's next, I can look back at everything I've already accomplished.
Balancing school and work. Discovering concert photography. Building brands from the ground up. Completing projects I never thought I could finish.
Every challenge, every late night, every group project, and every deadline has prepared me for whatever comes next.
I may not have all the answers yet, but that's okay.
For the first time in a long time, I get to decide what comes next.
