“As of Wednesday I have accepted my first full time position as a UX Developer.

I was super excited when I was presented with an offer and right away I knew I needed a quick refresher on the do’s and don’ts of navigating an offer. What better place to look than YOUR book. I felt it important I share just how helpful Next Step was for me.”

— Student

“What an absolute gem!!  The content is completely on-point for what graduating students need to know. 

So much of it I would not have thought to share with my kids, so I am so happy to have this guide for when they get to that point.  Thank you for writing this invaluable resource!  It is great!”

— Parent

The Next Step book is available through

Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Overview

Health insurance, relocating, navigating new workspaces, potential discrimination, managing time - there is so much that comes with graduating from higher education. You have built the skills and knowledge to engage in the work, but may be feeling overwhelmed for all of the other "stuff" of life. You know, the adulting stuff. Adulting may not be fun, but it is necessary. This text provides a guide to navigate adulting in a readable, actionable way. From engaging in the job search process, understanding taxes, to staying engaged as an alumni, you will find everything you need to ease your anxieties and feel more prepared for the Next Step of your life.

Table of Contents

Career Well-Being

Navigating the Search

  • Preparing to Search

  • The Search

  • Pro Tips

Finding Purpose & Passion

  • Discovering Your Why

  • Utilizing University Resources

Discrimination & Harassment

  • Actionable Steps

Communicative Professionalism

  • Phone Etiquette

  • Text Etiquette

  • Email Etiquette

  • Email Etiquette: Messaging

  • Virtual Meeting Etiquette

The First Six Months

Time Management & Goal Setting

Exploring Entrepreneurship

  • Grants

  • Leveraging Finances

Interviewing

  • Interview Preparation

  • Interview Day

  • Post Interview

International Work & Travel: Career Well-Being

  • Passport Information

  • Work Visas

  • Work Culture

Leading Virtual Meetings

Working Remotely

  • Work Spaces

  • Prepare for the Day

  • Plan the Work

Financial Well-Being

Retirement & Investing

Personal Finance & Budgeting

Tax Basics

Social Well-Being

Online Presence

  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Final Thoughts

Personal Branding

  • LinkedIn

  • LinkedIn Review

Navigating Offers

  • Salary

  • Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision)

  • Life Insurance

  • Disability Insurance

  • Retirement

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Cell Phone

  • Health/Wellness

  • Vehicle

  • Spending Account

  • Relocation

  • Clothing Allowance

  • Continuing Education

  • Parking/Transportation

Negotiating an Offer

Physical Well-Being

Employee Benefits

  • Health Insurance

  • Dental/Vision Insurance

  • Disability Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Paid Leave

  • Tuition Reimbursement/Continuing Education

  • Flexible Work Schedule

  • Relocation

  • Employee Perks

Community Well-Being

Independence & Relocation

  • Relocation

  • The Long Distance Job Search

  • The Offer

  • Moving Process

  • Connecting in Your New Community

  • Developing Independence

Working and Engaging in Non-Profit Work

  • Self-Care

  • Burnout

Engaging in Philanthropy

Social Well-Being

Becoming and Connecting as an Alumni

Recommended Reading 

  • Communication

  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice

  • Finance/Budgeting

  • Leadership

  • Personal Growth

  • Work Ethics/Behaviors

  • Non-Profit/Philanthropy Work