Being close to finishing your program can be exciting—but it can also bring a new question: “What am I supposed to do next?”
You may have spent months or years focused on completing classes, meeting requirements, and getting through each semester. Now that graduation is getting closer, you might be thinking about finding a job, transferring to a four-year university, continuing your education, or simply figuring out what direction you want to take.
You do not have to have your entire future figured out before you finish your program. Instead, use your final semesters to explore your options, make a plan, and connect with the people at Lemoore College who can help.
Start by Checking Where You Are
Before making plans for after graduation, make sure you know exactly what you still
need to complete your current program.
Your Lemoore College Counseling & Advising Services can help you review your educational plan, understand degree or certificate requirements, and make sure your remaining courses support your goals.
If you are not sure whether you are on track to finish, schedule an appointment with a counselor. You can also ask questions about your remaining classes, graduation requirements, transfer plans, or what options are available after you complete your program.
Your first step:
→ Connect with Counseling & Advising
Think About What You Want to Do After Graduation
Once you know where you stand academically, start thinking about what you want your
next chapter to look like.
For some students, that might mean:
- Applying for jobs related to their program
- Completing an internship or gaining additional work experience
- Transferring to a four-year university
- Continuing into another degree or certificate
- Exploring a different career or educational direction
- Taking some time to work before deciding what comes next
There is no single path that every student has to follow. Your next step should connect to your goals, interests, and circumstances.
If you are unsure what direction makes sense for you,
Career Counseling through Lemoore College Counseling can help you explore career options, identify your strengths and interests, and set goals.
If You Want to Start Working, Build Your Career Plan Now
You do not have to wait until after graduation to start preparing for a career.
The WIN Center provides career preparation, internship resources, networking opportunities, job-search support, and other tools to help students prepare for the workforce.
Consider using your final semester to:
- Update your resume
- Create or improve your LinkedIn profile
- Search for jobs related to your program
- Look for internships or work experience
- Practice interviewing
- Attend career events and networking opportunities
- Talk with employers about what they look for in new graduates
Starting early can give you time to make changes before you begin applying for positions.
Ready to prepare for your career?
→ Explore WIN Center Services
If You Want to Transfer, Start Planning Before You Graduate
If your goal is a bachelor's degree, do not wait until after graduation to think about
where you want to transfer.
Lemoore College Transfer Services can help you explore four-year universities, understand transfer requirements, review application timelines, and connect your current education plan to your transfer goal.
Your Student Education Plan can help connect your major, transfer goal, and required courses so you know what you need to complete before transferring.
You can also:
- Research universities and programs related to your major
- Check which courses transfer
- Learn about transfer pathways
- Attend transfer workshops
- Meet with university representatives
- Keep track of application deadlines
- Talk with a counselor about your transfer plan
Thinking about transferring?→ Visit Lemoore College Transfer Services
Do Not Forget to Check Your Graduation Requirements
Being close to finishing does not always mean every requirement has been completed.
Before your final semester, talk with a counselor about your academic progress and confirm what remains. This can help you avoid discovering a missing requirement after you thought you were finished.
You can also review Lemoore College's student resources to find information about counseling, transcripts, academic support, transfer services, career services, and other resources.
Give Yourself More Than One Option
You do not have to choose one permanent path right now.
Maybe you want to work first and transfer later. Maybe you plan to transfer but also want to apply for jobs in your field. Maybe you are considering another program because your interests have changed.
Exploring more than one possibility can help you feel prepared instead of feeling like everything depends on one decision.
Try creating a simple next-step list:
Option 1: Work
What jobs could I apply for with my degree or certificate?
Option 2: Transfer
What schools and programs could I transfer into?
Option 3: Continue Learning
Would another certificate, degree, or training program help me reach my goals?
Then bring your questions to a counselor or career professional who can help you understand your options.
You Are Almost There—Now Start Looking Ahead
Finishing your program is a major accomplishment, but graduation does not mean you
need to have your entire future mapped out.
Start by confirming what you need to finish. Then think about whether your next step is employment, transfer, additional education, or exploration. Use Lemoore College's Counseling & Advising Services, Transfer Services, and WIN Center to help you turn your questions into a plan.
You have already made it this far. Now is a good time to start asking, “What do I want to do next?”