Realizing you don’t have a clear mentor anymore.
REALIZING YOU DON’T HAVE A CLEAR MENTOR ANYMORE.
Follow for more candid discussions on navigating the post-campus world.
We all knew the campus-to-career leap would be significant. What nobody truly prepared us for, though, was the weird, almost disorienting transition that follows. Inside those hallowed halls, guidance was often just an office hour away. Professors, advisors, alumni networks – a rich tapestry of mentorship designed to shepherd us towards seemingly clear paths. We had a map, and plenty of experienced navigators willing to share theirs.
Then, we step out. And suddenly, that intricate web of support unravels. The structured advice, the readily available wisdom, the clear next steps – they're not just waiting for us. This isn't just a career shift; it’s an identity crisis in disguise. Who are you when your identity isn't primarily "student at a prestigious institution" anymore? The pressure to excel, instilled from day one, now feels untethered, lacking the consistent touch points we relied on.
The most jarring realization? You might be flying solo. The concept of a "clear mentor" evaporates. You’re expected to build your own network, define your own trajectory, and sometimes, teach yourself how to even ask for help outside of a syllabus. It’s a quiet challenge, one we often don’t discuss openly because, well, we’re supposed to have it all figured out, aren’t we? But it’s real. And knowing you’re not alone in this untethered feeling is the first step towards reinventing your support system, one connection at a time.