The Next Step book is available through

Macmillan Publishing

Reviews

“ 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

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

• The Search

• Pro Tips

Finding Purpose and Passion

Communicative Professionalism

• Phone Etiquette

• Text Etiquette

• Email Etiquette

• Email Etiquette: Messaging

• Virtual Meeting Etiquette

Discrimination and Harassment

• Actionable Steps

The First Six Months

• Time Management

• Goal Setting

• Creating Community

• Home/Life Balance

• Continuing Education

• Confidence

• Job Search

• Workplace Behaviors

Time Management and Goal Setting

Exploring Entrepreneurship

• Grants

• Leveraging Other Finances

Interviewing

• Interview Preparation

• Interview Day

• Post Interview

International Work and Travel

• Passport Information

• Work Visas

• Work Culture

Leading Virtual Meetings

Working Remotely

• Workspaces

• Prepare for the Day

• Plan the Work

Social Well-Being

• Online Presence

• Facebook

• X

• Final Thoughts

Personal Branding

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn Review

Becoming and Connecting as an Alumni

Financial Well-Being

Retirement and Investing

Personal Finance and Budgeting

• Credit Knowledge

• Budgeting

• Mortgages and Loans

Tax Basics

• Contract Work

• Regular Employee

• Filing Taxes

• Income Tax

• Important Terms

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 Offers

Physical Well-Being

Employee Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Dental/Vision Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Paid Leave

• Tuition Reimbursement/Continuing Education

• Flexible Work Schedule

• Relocation

• Perks

Community Well-Being

Independence and Relocation

• Relocation

• The Long-Distance Job Search

• The Offer

• Moving Process

• Connecting

• Developing Independence

Working and Engaging in Nonprofit Work

• Self-Care

• Burnout

Engaging in Philanthropy

Civics

Recommended Reading

• Communication

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Justice

• Finance/Budgeting

• Leadership

• Personal Growth

• Work Ethics/Behaviors

• Nonprofit/Philanthropy Work