How Barnard Helped me Transition to Post-grad Life

If you’re currently applying to colleges, the transition into college life is probably the one you’re focusing on the most. But I do know from working as an Admissions Representative that many applicants look farther into the future – will Barnard prepare me for the next stage of my life? Will I have this community after I graduate? As a graduate of Barnard (Class of 2024), I can say that Barnard has not only shaped me academically and personally, it has made me more independent, and provided me with the resources I needed to step off campus in May. Here are some ways Barnard has shaped me in the recent-grad life: 

Living Situation

Living in a city during college has made it feel easier to live on my own after college. Barnard’s campus is a good mix of the independence of city life and the community of campus life. You can see this in the dorms, which are apartment-style and dorm style, in the social life, academics, and physical campus, which all lie somewhere in the in between. This made me feel independent during college, and ready to live on my own in a new city after graduating. I built skills for living on my own that many don’t necessarily build in college, and I’m so grateful I did. It’s also lovely to see how many of my friends are living with fellow Barnard grads after college!

Beyond Barnard’s Resources

When I was applying to jobs, I used Beyond Barnard as a second set of eyes for my resume cover letter templates. This was incredibly helpful for my peace of mind and process as I applied to jobs in my senior spring. I plan on going back if I ever need their support in graduate school applications, because after we graduate, we have access to their resources for as long as we need. In my senior year, I also participated in a pre-professional cohort that matched students with alumnae in their field, which connected me to other students, and helped me answer questions that I had about future paths. 

Community

I moved to a different city after I graduated, where I didn’t really know anyone – but immediately, people I knew from Barnard reached out to connect me with people they knew. 

We bond over the fact that even though we didn’t know each other at Barnard, we still somehow feel like we did. The community tends to bring people together like that, even after you leave.   Of course, I’m still in touch with many of the friends I’ve made at Barnard, and I still lean on them as my biggest supporters and greatest inspirations. 

Professional Networks 

If you’re anything like me, you probably love to hear stories of Barnard graduates connecting in the professional world! I’ve been sure to stay in touch with the networks at Barnard that I really value, including from my major, and from the Athena Center (I would urge any student to get involved with them in any way you can!). I’ve found that Barnard faculty and students are so keen to give each other support, referrals, and advice. I’m keeping some advice in my back pocket from mentors I met through reunions, the Athena Center, and elsewhere on campus, that I know will help me in the future. 

I’ve also been collaborating with Barnard grads on our post-grad passion projects. My academic social media platform, @psychgradnetwork, has been partnering with my classmate Mia’s nonprofit organization, ResearchGirl. Both are aimed at empowering young women in their academic lives and early careers, feature other amazing Barnard alums, and are heavily inspired by what we have learned at Barnard. It’s been so inspiring to see what my peers have been involved in after graduating, both in their professional lives and in their personal lives. 

As I settle into my new life, I know that I always have the community I built at Barnard. As a recent alum, I’m looking forward to attending future networking events, attending reunions (and possibly helping to plan them), staffing Athena Film Festivals, and staying on the team as a Barnard Alumnae Admissions Representative. 

Of course, if by any chance it feels like I’m speaking too soon (it’s only been a few months after all), feel free to check back in with me later – I’m sure I’ll be back :)