Graduating College

Applying to Graduate

• In your last semester, meet with your advisor to ensure that you have met all of the program requirements to graduate
• Work with your advisor on the graduation process-most colleges require students to apply to graduate
• Complete graduation ceremony process-most colleges require graduates to complete paperwork to participate in the ceremony
  • Order your graduation cap and gown
  • Invite friends and family to celebrate with you
  • Take family photos in your graduation cap and gown!

Don’t forget to celebrate everything that you have accomplished as a family! Take some time to think about everyone who has helped you be successful along the way.

Graduating College

Employment

As a student and recent graduate, you can continue to get help and support from your school.

Step 1: Meet with the career services center in your last year of school to discuss:

• Potential Employment
• Paid internships
• Job fairs
• Career connections and networking events exclusively for graduates
• Support with resumes, cover letters and practice interviews
• Mentorship

Step 2: Networking

• Network! Talk to your faculty members about potential employment opportunities or connections to mentors. They might have great community connections
• Use your network of family and friends to let people know what you are interested in doing

Step 3: Finding a Great Job

• As you look for positions, consider:
  • Benefits: vacation leave, sick leave, health, vision, dental insurance.
  • Retirement benefits
  • Family-friendly culture and schedule
• Remember that you are interviewing them to find out if it will be a good fit for you and your family. Interviews go both ways!

Graduating College

Further Education

You’re about to receive your first degree or certificate! Now you know you can do it. If you think you may want another degree, credential or additional training, there are many options for you to consider. In your last semester or two, meet with your advisor or a career counselor and they will help you find a path that’s right for you and your family’s goals. Also check to see if your college has a specific transfer advisor.

Talk to your advisor or the college’s transfer advisor about transfer options from a 2-year school to a 4-year school if you are interested in a bachelor’s degree. Also look to see if your college hosts transfer fairs where you can learn about many 4-year options all in one place! Remember the NM Opportunity Scholarship pays for school all the way through your bachelor’s degree! And many colleges and universities have additional scholarships available to their students.

Many programs are online, so you do not have to move to attend a public university.

In New Mexico, all public higher education institutions use the New Mexico Common Course Numbering System (NMCCNS) to ensure that 1000- and 2000-level courses transfer between institutions at which they are offered.