January is for setting goals and starting new habits. February is for sustaining them beyond the 30-day challenge.

New Year’s resolutions have never looked more fashionable than when rising college graduates set them. As a senior communication student approaching graduation, what’s on my mind is drinking my green juice every day and finding a job. I spent most of December and some of January with my family and hometown friends, and I was asked what my plans were after May, probably four to five times a week. After the third time, I thought about tattooing “I Don’t Know” on my forehead. 

When I thought about how to spend 2025, I realized this is a perfect time for goal setting and thinking about what my goals are beyond working out and drinking green juice. Yes, getting a job is at the forefront of my mind, but I also have other short-term goals that are helping me achieve my “reach for the stars” goals.  

My first goal is research: researching jobs I want to apply to; my second short-term goal is to apply to 20 post-graduation jobs by the end of February. While researching and applying, I’m also using this time to set additional short-term goals like using this time to network, asking questions, and scheduling as many informational interviews as possible. What I keep hearing is the more you can connect to people in jobs or industries you’re interested in, ask for advice, and learn about opportunities, the more likely you are to open additional opportunities for yourself. Before you know it, your informational interview may land you a job offer.  

So, while I learn about my industry and meet people along the way, I’m also creating a master Excel spreadsheet to track the jobs I’m applying for and the ones I get interviews for. Because even if I don’t get a job offer from the 20 jobs I apply to, I know that I will continue to meet people who can give me insider knowledge about the industry I want to enter, help me form a connection with someone I may help one day, or meet someone who may help me. 

The mindset I am trying to embrace is that goal setting, both long-term and short-term, is important, not just for the job search, but for overall growth and possibility of future connections and success. Now, when I see my family and friends, the tattoo on my forehead will be “I don’t know, but I have a plan.”. 

Until Next Time,
Emilia Feltner  

B.A. Communication, May 2025
Peer Career Advisor, CofC Career Center

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