[iRyan]

Three months ago, I transitioned to a full-time job in a new city a week after graduating. To say it's been a big change would be an understatement. From your experience, do you feel you were prepared for the "real world" after graduating university?

Certainly the skills I developed in school helped get me the job I now have. However, I also realized how much time I wasted in areas that were completely irrelevant to my current career path. I could have strengthened skills in a more concentrated area rather than dabbling in so many different directions, but the problem is, at that time I had very little idea about what I wanted to do. And the structure of curriculum and it's requirements certainly makes it difficult to explore that.

I loved my experience at a university and at times miss it greatly. It's a different kind of grind working full time. Nobody can truly motivate you but yourself, and that's why I've realized its so important to find a career you are truly passionate about - which I hope I am on the right path towards! But also, I have to remind myself nothing is permanent. You aren't necessarily locked into anything, ultimately it's your free will and choice what you want to do, but just be prepared for the many consequences that come with your choices.

While at times I am jealous of friends who haven't had the pressure or the necessity to start a full time job right after graduation, and get to still travel and experience total freedom, I'm extremely grateful to have found work so quickly in an industry that's hard to even get a foot in the door.

How about you guys?