23 May Life After the Cap and Gown: Facing the Post-Grad Transition
- ASI professional staff share their professional journeys and advice to help recent graduates navigate the post-graduation transition.
- CSUF Career Center offers students resources such as workshops and resume building tips to prepare for the future.
Graduating with a bachelor’s or master’s degree is a major life milestone, one that marks the end of years of hard work and the beginning of new opportunities. But once the celebrations fade, many graduates find themselves facing unexpected emotional challenges. While post-graduation depression is not an official diagnosis, many young adults feel the pressure of job-searching, and uncertainty leaving college life behind.
Why Does Post-Grad Life Take a Toll?
A sudden loss of community and resources, particularly due to abrupt structural changes, can leave graduates feeling inadequate and stressed. In June 2024, about 40.5 percent of recent college graduates were underemployed in the United States, heightening feelings of incompetence and disconnection amid intense job market competition.
Associated Students Inc. professional staff have lived through this transitional phase and share their own journeys and professional advice to help the recent graduating generation of Titans thrive.
From Uncertainty to Clarity: ASI Staff Share Their Stories
Casey Ysaguirre (ASI Student Academic Advisor) / Credit: Marketing, Communications & Design
With 10 years of experience in student affairs, ASI Student Academic Advisor Casey Ysaguirre shares her career journey. She began as a student development coordinator in community college districts while completing a three-year master’s program in counseling. When her job and studies began to conflict, she took a leap of faith and transitioned into a new role that demonstrates the kind of courage many students need to forge their own paths.
For Ysaguirre, balancing graduate school, a daily two-hour commute and her role in supporting students created a recipe for poor work-life balance.
“Pace yourself on applying to jobs, give yourself deadlines for mini goals meanwhile, and if you are thinking about a gap year, lean into that,” Ysaguirre said. “Don’t try and shape yourself because life is going to do that for you regardless.”
Ysaguirre posing for a picture with her college mascot. / Credit: Casey Ysaguirre
Ysaguirre also advises students to read the job descriptions, not just titles, and stay open to opportunities with titles outside of their usual job search. She believes a rigid mindset and only applying to specific job titles may prevent students from exploring roles that align more closely with their passions and strengths.
“If a job’s tasks match your skills, don’t count yourself out because adjacent positions can be valuable steppingstones toward a dream career,” said Ysaguirre.
Embracing Steppingstones to Career Fulfillment
Mike Greenlee (ASI Design and Production Manager) / Credit: Marketing, Communications & Design
If there is one person who understands the importance of utilizing steppingstones, it’s ASI’s Design and Production Manager Mike Greenlee. As a former Cal State Fullerton baseball player on the verge of going pro, Greenlee was set on a future in sports. However, a life-changing injury derailed his plans, forcing him to quickly pivot. Though he had a spark for animation and graphic design, he never imagined it would become his career.
Early in his career with the Titan Athletics media relations department, Greenlee began making his mark by creating one of his most significant legacies: the official Titans athletic logo. This logo now adorns uniforms, basketball courts, social media graphics and murals around CSUF.
Greenlee on the mound pitching during his CSUF college years. / Credit: Mike Greenlee
“I’m not a very ambitious person, and I didn’t have any goals before,” Greenlee said. “I just found these open holes and paths and took them as they came, and it led me to the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had.”
By taking jobs that weren’t his dream roles, Greenlee fostered relationships and built a strong work ethic that eventually led him to his current position at ASI.
“Once you graduate, I think you should take a short break and decompress,” Greenlee advised. “Then after, keep trying and don’t be afraid to take a job just to take a job.”
Greenlee’s journey highlights the importance of an open mind and flexibility during the job search. Placeholder jobs, though not the end goal, serve a purpose and can lead to unexpected career opportunities.
Advice from the Other Side: Practical Tips from the Pros
Feeling nervous as you near your own academic finish line? ASI staff share their personal insights and strategies that helped them stay motivated and power through.
“The most important key to success is communication, but it’s also the most challenging thing to do. Advocate for yourself, be confident and communicate.”- Susan Collins, Assistant Director of Corporate Affairs
“Put your head down, grind and follow the 7 Ps of Planning: Pre Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” – Aaron Tapper, Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives
“Utilize your career center at your alma mater. Always prep for your interviews. Do not beat yourself up over all the highlights of other people’s lives across social media. Do not try to go through life post-graduation alone.”-Leilani Castillo, Titan Recreation Member Service & Outreach Coordinator
“Growth always happens outside your comfort zone so go for the positions, the opportunities that maybe you’re scared of. If you don’t have a job lined up, go for your passion projects meanwhile.” – Ingrid Mata, Student Government Coordinator
“Take your life a day at a time and cherish the moments you have right now. Though it may be hard, all of this is temporary. Find what you love, do it well and foster relationships along the way.” – Monique Tudon, Communications Specialist
“Graduation isn’t a deadline, it’s a beginning. Explore. Be curious. Find mentors. Just be willing to take that first step and the rest will unfold with time, courage and faith in yourself.” – Ashley Zazueta, Special Projects Coordinator
Even if you set out with a clear vision for your career now, remember that it’s OK to change your mind and pivot… There’s no one ‘right’ path. Remember that every colleague, boss and supervisor you have will teach you something.”- Lauren Williams, Associate Director of Talent Development, Training & Retention
“Graduates, as you move onto the next adventure in your life take with you all the lessons learned… What you did acquire was experience, which will serve you well as you become leaders in your perspective careers. Leadership is an art form that with time gets better…. ‘We serve so that others may thrive’.” – Angel Ramos Gonzalez, Outdoor Adventures Coordinator
“Post-grad life could bring a swirl of emotions and feelings, and it’s important to be kind to yourself. Enjoy life and your next chapter will write itself. A new day comes every day! You got this!” – Camille LaFrontiere, Events and Programs Supervisor
“Embrace challenges, always stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Success isn’t always a straight path, but every experience will teach you something valuable. Be resilient and flexible. Keep pushing forward, and trust yourself.”- Erika Perret-Martinez, Corporate Affairs Senior Coordinator
Finding Your Pace: Encouragement for Recent Grads
The different paths that many professionals had to take were all necessary and vital to understand the bigger picture. The pieces of advice shared reinforce the importance of fostering relationships and staying in community to make the transition easier and healthier.
Utilizing the CSUF Career Center can provide free services such as mock interviews, resume reviewing and career exploration.
There are workshops and information sessions hosted by the Career Center this summer, catered to recently graduated students.
The CSUF Alumni Association website offers a variety of services and provides information on how to join the association, ensuring continued support long after graduation.