Essential New Year’s Resolutions for the Class of 2023

Have you started making your resolutions? 

The New Year is all about fresh starts. If you’re graduating in 2023, your resolutions may look a little different as you begin thinking about life after Herzing. January is the perfect time to reevaluate and realign your goals to ensure you thrive in 2023 and beyond. Here are some resolutions for soon-to-be college grads to add to their list as they enter the next exciting chapter of their life.

Push Forward with Your Classes

As you approach the final stretch of your classes, it’s important to finish strong. Give your classes and work the same dedication you have given it all year so your grades don’t take a turn last minute. Your professors are well aware of how burnout can affect your work, and they want to help you finish the year on a good note. 

Create a Personal Website

You probably already have a resume (and if you don’t, you need it), but job seekers can take their professional presence to the next level by curating a personal website. Consider your website as a professional portfolio to highlight your accomplishments, experience and personal interests in a creative and organized fashion. Take advantage of the variety of free programs to help you create a website that will catch the eye of hiring managers and stand out from the competition. 

Polish Your Presence

When you start applying to jobs, recruiters and hiring managers will do their due diligence to see what kind of online presence you’re sharing publicly. It’s a good idea to clean up your profiles to be as professional as possible to prepare for any “social sleuthing” that may occur during your job search. Think about what hiring managers would see if they googled your name, and privatize any accounts if necessary. A recruiter would love to see your professional LinkedIn, but you may not want them to see your Twitter account from High School. Do a self-scan before sending out a resume to ensure your online presence is an accurate reflection of you and your values. It’s also a great idea to have a trusted friend search you out to offer a critical and unbiased perspective.

Make Connections

More than ever, networking is an essential part of the job search process. If you aren’t able to attend networking events in person, you can still connect with other professionals virtually. Send a friendly email or LinkedIn message to get the ball rolling. Focus on establishing new connections as well as strengthening existing ones as you transition from school to the professional world. Herzing’s Alumni Resources are full of tools for new and upcoming graduates to use for networking post-graduation. Almost 85% of jobs are filled through networking, so don’t be afraid to reach out - it could make a world of difference in your career trajectory.

Commit to Your Job Search

Your perfect job is out there, you just have to find it! Make job searching a part of your everyday routine — and don’t wait until you graduate to get started. Be consistent and intentional with your job search, and apply as soon as postings are made available. Utilize the variety of job search tools at your fingertips, especially your University’s Career Development Center. Stay on top of the hunt and apply to jobs daily if you can. 

Stay Positive

The road to your dream job isn’t an easy one, but it’s worth it! Keeping a positive attitude throughout your career search will be important, especially when locating the right job doesn’t happen overnight. While there are more obstacles for recent grads now than before, there are plenty of open positions to explore. Employers are projecting to hire 22.6% more 2022 graduates than they did for 2021. This will be a tumultuous process, but by staying positive and focusing on what you can control, you will set yourself up for personal and professional success. 

Herzing University offers a helpful selection of resources for upcoming and recent graduates to assist them during this monumental time. It’s never too early to start planning for your life after graduation; add these resolutions to your New Year’s list and make 2022 the year of thriving and not just surviving.