Life After College

Senior Ianna Gilbert ’24 addresses her fellow graduating classmates during her speech at the 2024 Brandeis University undergraduate commencement ceremony

Some important life skills don’t come from a classroom. Finding a place to live, setting a budget, managing student loans, and navigating the transition after Brandeis can all feel overwhelming. You might also come across terms that are new to you, if so, take a look at our Offer Glossary.

The resources below are designed to help soon-to-be and recent graduates build the skills and confidence they need to plan for life after Brandeis.

Finances

While everyone has different financial situations, it's important to be financially literate and responsible. Whether you're on top of it all or just getting started, here are some ways to manage your money:

Job Search + Salary

You've graduated and the time has come to get a "real job." Part of adulting is being able to support yourself while growing as a professional. Though you may experience many different roles and positions throughout your career, they all start the same - with the search. For an in-depth overview of the job search process, start here.

Hiatt Career Lab: Job Offer

job offer

Before you accept, there’s more to it than just saying “yes.” Make sure the offer makes sense, you understand the benefits, and you know how to negotiate salary.

Make a smart move now, and you’ll thank yourself later.

JOB OFFER

Benefits

When you are in the middle of weighing a job offer, you will also be introduced to benefits. They can include health and dental insurance, time-off, retirement savings and other perks. Reviewing all of the items can be a bit overwhelming so you'll want to take the time to fully read and understand what is presented to you. 

Housing

You're moving off campus, out of your parents' house or you're breaking ties with your roommates - whatever your new living situation looks like, there are some important steps to consider before you sign on the dotted line of your new "home sweet home."