Academics, Alumni, Career Center

What’s next? Navigating life after graduation

By Nick Brown | June 3, 2025

Congratulations–you’ve graduated from college! That’s already a huge accomplishment and testament to your hard work. But if your next steps feel uncertain, you’re far from alone.

Charleston Southern University’s Shallon Mims, director of the Career Center, and Denise Dawson, director of alumni engagement, shared practical advice on job searching and staying involved with your community after graduation.

The Resume 

The first thing that every graduate should do before their job hunt is to make sure that their resume is up to date.

According to Mims, you should “Treat your resume as an ever-evolving document, one that is tailored to each job you apply for. It will help your work seem more relevant to the job at hand.”

Update your skills and experience, double-check your verb tenses (present for current roles, past for former ones), and replace any lingering high school accomplishments with more recent college achievements.

“Charleston Southern alumni are still eligible to receive constructive feedback about your resume from the Career Center,” Mims adds. “We are happy to help you make your resume the best it can be.”

The Job Search

Once you have a resume you’re proud of, a great place to start is with job-search sites like LinkedInIndeed, and Monster. They offer a wide variety of listings, but if you are looking for something specific, consider applying directly through a company’s website.

Don’t sell yourself short either. Just because a job prefers experienced applicants does not mean that you cannot apply. Remember, the worst they can say is no.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, Mims recommends breaking your job search into manageable chunks. “Make a list or spreadsheet of where you have applied, and for what positions, and the date that you submitted your application,” she says.

The key is not to become discouraged. You are not behind in the job hunt. Use your network, ask for help, and keep going. Not everyone walks out the door into their dream job – but getting your foot in the door, showing up with a strong work ethic, and letting your character shine is how it starts.

The CSU Career Center is open year-round, so don’t hesitate to reach out this summer with any questions.

Staying Connected as an Alum 

Having your diploma doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your university community. From sporting events and concerts to plays and special alumni gatherings, there are still plenty of ways to stay connected.

“President Keith Faulkner has made career development a key priority,” said Dawson, “with a strong emphasis on meaningful networking opportunities. To support this initiative, we’re excited to bring CSU Comes to Youevents to various locations.

These events – held in Charleston and throughout the state – help alumni build relationships, discover opportunities, and stay connected beyond graduation.

You can find more information through the CSU Alumni Association’s Instagram or the CSU website.

Graduating: The Next Steps

As you step into the next chapter, remember that life after college is a journey shaped by daily decisions. Your path will be full of choices, and each one can shape not just your career, but your character. Lean into wisdom, stay open to guidance, and know that you are not walking this path alone.

Dawson reminds us: “The most important decision anyone can ever make is to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This choice lays the foundation for a life of purpose, hope, and eternal significance.”


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