Get the best out of your degree

Graduation is right around the corner; are you prepared for what's next?

Whether you plan to enter the workforce or continue your studies at a graduate school, it's important to understand the state of the economy in order to get the most out of your bachelor's degree.

According to a Forbes article, there is "widespread underemployment among recent college grads." This is a startling reality -- the fact that many col­lege graduates will be getting jobs they could have gotten with just a high school diploma or GED. Not to mention the amount of debt many students accumu­late, which must be paid back in a timely manner. Despite these facts, remember that a college degree is a great invest­ment. This is why you shouldn't take it for granted. At the end of the day, hav­ing a degree is far better than not having one and it can set you apart from other employment candidates.

So, rather than sticking with that part-time retail job in the mall, why not move up to a management position? Instead of working for an already established com­pany, why not apply for a grant and start your own business? The only thing hold­ing you back is yourself.

When I graduate this May, I have a plan for the next three years -- to receive my master's degree and start up a consulting business. I love to write, so why not do what I love and get paid for it? Of course, everything is easier said than done, which is why it's important to set up deadlines for yourself even after graduating.

Decide where you would like to be one year after graduation. Do you hope to have a job in your field or travel the world volunteer­ing? Make the decision now; it's never too late to have a plan! And since I'm nice, I will even give you some great options for after you graduate.

First of all, programs like Teach for America, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps are great ways to pay off your loans in a short amount of time. Also, if you're brave enough, you can join the military as a means to pay off loans. Furthermore, it is a little known fact that students can move to certain areas to receive reductions or payment on their student loans. Places like Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Kansas offer student loan payoff programs in efforts to recruit young, edu­cated people to move into the community. And don't forget that it's never too late to find an internship. Many companies offer paid internships for college graduates, which is a great way to get experience and money as well as an almost guaran­teed position within an organization. Also, some companies offer to pay for employees to go back to school, which could be a great way to get your master's degree and/or another bachelor's degree.

These are just some of the many options available to college graduates and I hope it helps at least one of you. Remember, Sallie Mae and Co. will be busting down your door no less than six months after you haven't been in school. I've stated my point of view, which I've enjoyed impart­ing upon you all for the past semester. This is my last op-ed for The News Argus and I hope at least one of you gets some­thing out of it. Best of luck to all our graduates; let's do big things! And yes, I am still just a fly on the wall and it's time for me to tend to my own business.