SERVICES
CAREER
Life After
College
Guidebook
rd
Rusk Building, 3
Floor
www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
936.468.3305 • careerservices@sfasu.edu
1. Adopt a winning attitude!
Seek out those professionals within your
organization that are successful and respected.
Observe their attitudes, interactions with others
and their work ethic. See what makes them
successful and mirror their behavior. Your winning
attitude should encompass characteristics of
humility, respect, flexibility, confidence, a strong
work ethic, the willingness to be open and
learn…and a positive outlook!
2. Adjust your expectations
The college to work transition is not an easy one
and you may find yourself a month, a week or
even a day into the job thinking “this is not what I
had in mind.” Your frustration is merely the
difference between expectations and reality. The
truth is, many college grads express frustration in
how workplace challenges are different from
what they had originally anticipated. But give it a
fair shot, be positive as you acclimate to your new
lifestyle and try your best to keep expectations
realistic. Your employer will appreciate it!
3. Learn the “rules to play by”
As the newbie, you are not automatically granted
acceptance, you must earn it from your
colleagues. This means observing and catching
on to the organization’s norm and informal rules.
The best way to become accepted by your peers
is by fitting in. You’ll have plenty of time to assert
your own style, ideas and ways of doing things,
but until you have the blessing from those around
you continue to prove your value to them.
4. Manage impressions you make
College vs. The World of Work
College
Frequent, quick, and
concrete feedback
(grades, and so forth)
Highly structured
curriculum and
programs with lots of
direction
Few significant
changes
Flexible schedule
Frequent breaks and
time off
Personal control over
time, classes, interests
Intellectual challenge
Choose your
performance level,
e.g., A, B, C.
Focus on your
development and
growth
Create and explore
knowledge
Individual effort
Right answers
Independence of
ideas and thinking
Professors
Less initiative required
Work
Infrequent and less
precise feedback
Highly unstructured
environment and tasks
with few directions
Frequent and
unexpected changes
Structured schedule
Limited time off
Directions and interests
dictated by others
Organizational and
people challenges
A-level work required all
the time
Focus on getting results
for the organization
Get results with your
knowledge
Team effort
Few right answers
Do it the employer’s
way
Bosses
Lots of initiative required
Source: NACE Jobweb
Keep in mind you have no track record, so it’s the impressions and perceptions others have of you that
matter. Even the smallest blunders are magnified in impact when you’re new. Remember, what is okay
for more experienced people to do may not be okay for you to do. Avoid doing anything that reminds
people of college-student-type behavior. Evaluate everything you do in terms of how it will look to
those who know nothing about you but who are going to put a label on you. Be safe in your first year
by playing it very conservative.
5. Build effective relationships
The best way to learn how to be successful in an organization is from the people! Take the time to build
quality working relationships with as many people as you can. Seek a mentor, someone respected and
whom you admire, listen to their advice and absorb as much information as possible.
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu  www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
6. Become a good follower
Wait…shouldn’t that say leader? Actually, no…think about it: the typical college experience generally
focuses on developing leadership skills, but you can't be a good leader until you first learn to be a
good follower. Employers don't want to see your leadership skills in the beginning—they want to see
your ability to follow. Your boss has quite a bit of power over your future with the organization. Cultivate
a positive relationship with him or her early by becoming an easy employee to manage. After all, the
boss holds the key to showcasing your talents, getting you the training that you need, shaping the
organization’s opinion of you, evaluating your performance and determining your advancement
beyond this position. Think long term!
7. Understand organization's culture
Each organization has its own unique rules, norms, values, beliefs and atmosphere. Organizations look
to hire people who fit their culture and enthusiastically embrace it when hired. Until you have a solid
track record of proven performance and have been accepted as part of the team, you best not
deviate from the culture!
8. Develop organizational savvy
Of course every organization has formal leadership, structures, systems and procedures. But, pay close
attention and take note of the informal leaders, procedures and methods that really get things done.
9. Understand your new-hire role
Everyone has been the new kid on the block at one time or another, so now it’s time to pay your “new
employee” dues. So what? You have to work your way up. How will you ever be in a position to
manage others, unless you have done the tasks yourself? Learn your niche with the team, understand
the bigger picture (you have to work your way up the ladder) and perform your tasks with a smile on
your face and to the best of your ability.
10. Master the tasks in your jobs
Acquire knowledge, skills, abilities you need to do your job, and to do it well. Don’t be afraid to ask
your supervisor for training. You are responsible for your own personal and professional development.
Seize every occasion to learn, become a master of your work and position yourself for the next
opportunity.
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu  www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
Congratulations on that new job! Before you blow your first paycheck on the hottest Apple product, get
yourself in gear by developing a well-thought out budget. Doing this will ensure you won’t wind up eating
beans and weenies every night, or worse…deep in debt! We know, the word “budget” brings to mind
thoughts of penny-pinching, the unpleasant task of crunching numbers, and your frugal uncle Frank, but
not to fret; we’ve designed a simple budget worksheet to help you track your income and expenses so you
can rest easy at night!
Category
TAKE HOME PAY
Home
Utilities
Food
Health
Transportation
Debt payments
Entertainment
Pets
Investment/Savings
Miscellaneous
TOTAL EXPENSES
TOTAL
Mortgage/rent
Homeowners/renters insurance
Property taxes
Electricity
Water/trash
Telephone (land line, cell)
Groceries
Eating out
Medical insurance
Unreimbursed medical expenses (co pays)
Gym
Car payment (repairs)
Car insurance
Gas
Toll tag
Credit card(s)
Student loan(s)
Other loans(s)
Cable TV/internet
Hobbies
Vacations
Food
Vet
Grooming/Boarding
Emergency Savings
Investment Savings
Clothing
Toiletries/household products
Grooming (hair, make-up)
Dry cleaning
Gifts/donations
Miscellaneous expenses
Monthly Budget
Amount
Monthly Actual
Amount
$
$
$
$
Tip! For expenses incurred more or less often than monthly, convert the payment to a monthly amount
when developing your monthly budget. For example, if your car insurance is due once every six months,
convert this premium to a monthly amount by dividing by six. This money should be kept separate from your
other money so it’s available when the bill becomes due. By doing this, you will keep your spending and
saving more consistent and avoid scrambling at the last minute to pay a lofty bill.
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu  www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
Now that you’ve walked across the stage and have your diploma in hand, you may be wondering what
you need to do about your student loan(s). It may not be the answer you want to hear, but the biggest
mistake you can make is to procrastinate! Take the advice of your parents and start paying off your loan(s)
as soon as you graduate and as quickly as possible.
Get exit counseling
Many loans require that you partake in exit counseling (they may even hold your transcript until
completed), so be sure to contact the Financial Aid office or review their website for full details. Exit
counseling provides valuable advice on how to manage your student loan payments. It answers many
basic questions about student loans such as what will happen when you fail to make payments or the fact
that student loans will not be excused in a bankruptcy proceeding.
Know your grace period
Most student loans offer a grace period of six months before you must begin repayment. Hopefully, this will
allow you enough time to find your first job before you begin making those monthly payments. Important:
do not assume that you are automatically granted a grace period! Contact your loan company to confirm
this feature is available. Also, you should receive a letter from your company stating the date your first
payment is due. If you do not receive this letter within two months or so, make contact your loan company.
Communicate your new address
Let your student loan company know your new address. Doing so will help them to inform you of any
changes in your payment amount. Even if you have your payment directly debited from your bank
account, still make sure they have your current address as you should receive tax information at the end of
each year, which can save you money.
Determine if you should consolidate loans
Consider consolidating your student loans. Generally, this lowers your monthly payment, but more
importantly it locks in your current interest rate. The rate is based on the weighted average interest rates of
the loans being consolidated, rounded to the next nearest higher one-eighth of one percent, and cannot
exceed 8.25%. In most cases, this can save you money.
Who said education was priceless?
As you pay month by month, you’ll find that you really can put a price tag on your education. We know,
there are a million things you’d rather be doing with your money than repaying a loan, but in all seriousness
remember your education is indispensable and now is your time to put it to good use. It may be difficult,
but just try to grin and bear it as you make those monthly payments. The sooner you pay it off the better
and then you can begin using that money for other things, like that beautiful handbag that’s calling your
name.
Problems repaying?
If you have difficulty making your payments contact your loan company. As with most everything in life,
communication is the key. Depending on loan type, they may be able to offer temporary or hardship
deferments, which can help you avoid late fees and prevent negative marks on your credit report.
So, what is a deferment?
A student loan deferment allows you to temporarily stop making payments on your student loans. You may
be required to continue making interest payments or you may be able to choose whether or not you pay
the interest each month. The deferment will lengthen the period of time it will take you to pay off the loan
as well as causing you to pay more interest on the loan, so it is important to be sure that you really need to
put the loan on deferment.
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu  www.sfasu.edu/ccs/careerservices
Money that is considered savings is often put into a low risk, interest-earning account, rather than into
higher risk investments. Although there is opportunity for larger returns with certain investments, the idea
behind savings is to allow the money to grow slowly with little or no associated risk. The advent of online
banking has increased the variety and accessibility of savings accounts and vehicles. Here are some of the
different types of accounts so you can make the most of your savings.
Savings Accounts
Savings accounts are offered by banks and credit unions. The money in a savings account is insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to specified limits. Certain restrictions may apply to
savings accounts; for example, a service fee may be charged if more than the permitted number of
monthly transactions occurs.
Money in a savings account typically cannot be accessed through check-writing or ATMs. Interest rates for
savings accounts are characteristically low; however, online banking does provide higher-yielding savings
accounts. (Even with inflation fears, saving money is still sage advice in a recovering economy.
High-Yield Bank Accounts
High-yield bank accounts are a type of savings account, complete with FDIC protection, which earns a
higher interest rate than a standard savings account. The reason that it earns more money is that it usually
requires a larger initial deposit, and the access to the account is limited. Many banks offer this account
type to valued customers who already have other accounts with the bank. Online high-yield bank
accounts are available, but you will need to set up transfers from another bank to deposit or withdraw
funds from the online bank.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Certificate of Deposits (CDs) are available through most banks and credit unions. Like savings accounts,
CDs are FDIC insured, but they generally offer a higher interest rate, especially with larger and/or longer
deposits. The catch with a CD is that you will have to keep the money in the CD for a specified amount of
time; otherwise, a penalty, such as three months' interest, will be assessed.
Popular CD maturity periods are six-month, 1-year and 5-year. Any earned interest can be added to the
CD if and when the CD matures and is renewed. A CD ladder allows you to stagger your investments and
take advantage of higher interest rates.
Money Market Funds
A money market fund is a type of mutual fund that invests only in low-risk securities. As a result, money
market funds are considered one of the lowest risk types of funds. Money market funds typically provide a
return similar to short-term interest rates. Money market funds are not FDIC insured, and are regulated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Investment Company Act of 1940.
Mutual funds, brokerage firms and many banks offer money market funds. Interest rates are not
guaranteed so a bit of research can help find a money market fund that has a history of good
performance.
Money Market Deposit Accounts
Money market deposit accounts are offered by banks, and typically require a minimum initial deposit and
balance, with a limited number of monthly transactions. Unlike money market funds, money market deposit
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu 
www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
accounts are FDIC insured. Penalties may be assessed if the required minimum balance is not maintained,
or if the maximum number of monthly transactions is surpassed. The accounts typically offer lower interest
rates than certificates of deposit, but the cash is more accessible.
Treasury Bills and Notes
U.S. government bills or notes, often referred to as treasuries, are backed by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. government, making them one of the safest investments in the world. Treasuries are exempt from state
and local taxes, and are available in different maturity lengths. Bills are sold at a discount; when the bill
matures, it will be worth its full face value. The difference between the purchase price and the face value is
the interest. For example, a $1,000 bill might be purchased for $990; at maturity, it will be worth the full
$1000.
Treasury notes, on the other hand, are issued with maturities of 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years, and earn a fixed-rate
of interest every six months. In addition to interest, if purchased at a discount, T-notes can be cashed in for
the face value at maturity. Both Treasury bills and notes are available at a minimum purchase of $100.
Bonds
A bond is a low-risk debt investment, similar to an I.O.U., which is issued by companies, municipalities, states
and governments to fund projects. When you purchase a bond, you are lending money to one of these
entities (known as the issuer). In exchange for the "loan", the bond issuer pays interest for the life of the
bond, and returns the face value of the bond at maturity. Bonds are issued for a specific period at a fixed
interest rate.
Each of these bond types involves varying degrees of risk, as well as returns and maturity periods. In
addition, penalties may be assessed for early withdrawal, commissions may be required, and depending
on the type of bond, may carry additional risk, as with corporate bonds where a company could go
bankrupt.
The Bottom Line
Savings allow individuals to squirrel away money while earning modest, low-risk returns. Due to the large
variety of savings vehicles, a little research can go a long way in determining which will work hardest for
you. And, since interest rates are constantly changing, it is important to do your homework before
committing your money to a particular savings account, helping you make the most of your savings.
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu 
www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
Hmm…the great debate, to rent or buy. What’s the best option for you? Avoid making a rash decision; this
choice must be thoughtfully made. The answer to rent vs. buy is one that hinges on your own personal
circumstances. Let us help you weigh your pros and cons by providing some food for thought which can
greatly help you in your decision-making process!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
How dependable is your current job and salary level?
How predictable are your other personal circumstances, such as health and marriage?
How likely is it that you will want or be able to stay in the house for the next 5 years?
How much travel does your job entail? If you travel frequently, will your spouse, friend or roommate
be available to handle housing emergencies?
How heavy is your current debt load? How well are you managing it?
Do you have enough money in savings to cover a down payment and some to spare?
Are you comfortable with the responsibility that comes along with owning a home?
Advantages of Buying
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mortgage interest and property taxes can be deducted from your annual tax return
You build equity in your home through monthly principal payments and the property’s appreciation
The profits on the sale of your home will likely not be taxed under the home ownership exclusion
You won’t have to suffer rent increases (although you’ll likely pay increases in property tax, insurance
and maintenance/repair costs)
You will likely get more square footage living space for the money when you buy a home
You can refinance whenever interest rates go down, or tap into your home equity with a loan,
should you find yourself in need of money
Advantages of Renting
•
•
•
•
•
You can pay down any debt or invest money wisely instead of forking over a large down payment
You have no long-term commitment to this living arrangement
You don’t have to oversee or pay for repairs or maintenance
You have no obligation to find a new tenant when you are ready to leave
You have no risk if housing prices in the area fall
How much should I budget towards housing?
Typical budgets suggest allocating between 25-35% of your income for housing expenses; this means all
expenses associated with your home or apartment (not just the rent or house payment), it includes property
taxes, home/renter’s insurance, homeowner’s dues, etc). For your convenience, use the table below to see
what an acceptable budgeted amount would be based on your total gross income.
Gross Annual Income
$26,000
$28,000
$30,000
$32,000
$34,000
$36,000
$38,000
$40,000
$42,000
Housing cost per month
25%
$542
$583
$625
$667
$706
$750
$792
$833
$875
30%
$650
$700
$750
$800
$850
$900
$950
$1000
$1050
35%
$758
$817
$875
$933
$992
$1050
$1108
$1167
$1225
Gross Annual Income
$44,000
$46,000
$48,000
$50,000
$52,000
$54,000
$56,000
$58,000
$60,000
Housing cost per month
25%
$917
$958
$1000
$1042
$1083
$1125
$1167
$1208
$1250
30%
$1100
$1150
$1200
$1250
$1300
$1350
$1400
$1450
$1500
35%
$1283
$1342
$1400
$1458
$1517
$1575
$1633
$1692
$1750
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu  www.sfasu.edu/careerservices
As you may or may not know, part of your duties as an American citizen includes forking over
approximately 30-40% of your hard earned paycheck to Uncle Sam. Ouch! All new employees are required
to fill out the W-4 form when beginning a new job; how you complete this form determines the amount of
federal income tax to have withheld from your paycheck.
Withholding
You may want to review your withholding every year, especially after finishing your tax return. You can
have more, or less, income tax withheld from your paycheck.
What's a Withholding Allowance? It represents your total tax deductions divided by the personal exemption
rate. The withholding allowance is related to, but not the same as, the number of dependents you can
claim on your tax return.
How to fill out the W-4
1.
Download Form W-4 from the IRS website. This form is in a PDF format, and you can type your
information on your computer before printing it out.
2. Provide your name, address, and Social Security Number.
3. Check the box for married or single, depending on your marital status.
4. Calculate how many withholding allowances to claim. For most people, this is the same as the
number of personal exemptions they claim on their tax return (see Line 6d on your 1040A or 1040).
5. If you have more than one job, if your spouse works, or if you itemize your deductions, use the
worksheet on Form W-4 page 2. Use this worksheet to calculate the number of allowances to claim
instead of relying on your personal exemptions.
6. You can also use the IRS Withholding Calculator to calculate your withholding allowances more
exactly.
7. If you have more than one job, make sure you claim zero allowances at your second job. Claiming
"exempt" is NOT the same as claiming zero. If you claim zero, the highest amount of tax will be
withheld.
8. If you claim more than 9 allowances, your employer may be required to send your W-4 to the IRS
for review. Don't be alarmed. People with incomes over $100,000 and with substantial itemized
deductions may need to claim over nine allowances.
9. You are exempt from income tax withholding only if your income for the year will be less than $800.
If you are exempt, skip lines 5 and 6, and write "EXEMPT" on line 7.
10. Print, sign, and date the form.
11. Give the W-4 to your employer. They will fill out lines 8, 9, and 10.
Resource: http://taxes.about.com/od/preparingyourtaxes/ht/W4.htm
Rusk Building, 3rd Floor  936.468.3305  careerservices@sfasu.edu  www.sfasu.edu/careerservices