Now What?

“Never give up. Sometimes you need to work a little harder to get where you want to be. Find your passion. Remember to just be happy.”

You did it!

You went to your classes, studied for countless hours, participated in lectures and joined some campus organizations. Although the years went by too quickly, your time at San Diego State University came to an end when you crossed the Commencement stage.

So ... now what?

The "real world" is a scary place, and the end of the college era can be intimidating. But fear not! You're not the only person going through the post-graduation existential crisis.

We asked alumni to share their insights through Facebook and Twitter. Here is the advice they offered:

Jenna Heath: Follow your passion, don't follow the money.

Leslie Harden: Stay connected! Become a part of the strength and success of SDSU. Give back.

R.A. Mendoza: Be flexible with your career. I was ready to work for a Fortune 500 company right after college and stick with the same company until I retired, but corporate layoffs and downsizing didn't make that a reality. Breathe and realize that being happy with family and friends is just as important as a successful career. You may set goals for what your life can and will become, but don't ever forget to smell the roses and be appreciative of what you have in your life right now since life is an adventurous journey.

Rene Edward Lee Jr.: When looking for a job, remember: If they keep telling you that you are to young for a job, always tell them, "Then help me gain experience by working in your company." Never let your age get in the way of getting a job. Good luck!

Carmen Cooley-Graham: Start the job hunt early, have strong determination and follow up.

Lisa Yunt: Don't just let them interview you to see if you fit the company, interview them to see if they fit you.

Kyle Covey: Don't be afraid to negotiate salary. Normally the first offer is lower than what they are willing to give you and are willing to negotiate. Know your worth and be confident.

Alex Livingston: If someone helped you with your tuition, thank them. Thank them a lot, offer to spend a day with them around campus and show them the gift they gave you. Also, reach out to professors you've had a few times and maybe ask one or two for a letter of recommendation. Don't let your first job define who you are, even if you start in a mailroom it doesn't mean that you can't run that company one day.

Barbara Fink: Don't be afraid of failure, go try, try hard, take risks, many risks, and one of them will be a huge success.

Renee Morales: Learn how to budget, learn how to dress appropriately for a job starting with the interview and don't be afraid to do what makes you happy. The years go by too fast.

Debbie Moseley Chute: Work hard, have integrity, be respectful. You will be noticed.

Lenny Castaneda: Nobody owes you anything. You get what you put in. No risk, no reward. Follow your passions, not money. You don't know anything so be quiet and listen. Never stop learning.

Edward Hill: Be honest in everything you do. No deception. Keep your promises. Be present. Be forgiving. Forgive yourself.

Mike O'Connor: The "Real World" is only scary if you want it to be. Know your place as a "newcomer" in the professional world. Know and remind yourself of your own worth, your own power and your talents.

Kamaren Williams: Network!! Have an open mind! Have a plan B, C and if you can, D. Even though you may plan your whole life things may definitely change. Life can be very unpredictable, no matter what don't give up. Always be open to learning new things. Most importantly, stay true to who you are and who you want to be. As long as you know who you want to be, things will fall into place. 

Sarah Naomi Olivarria: Life will not come easy. You will definitely have some moments in your career that will make you think why did I pick this path. Not everyone gets a job before graduation and that's OK! But do not get stuck at a job you are not happy to be at. Stay motivated and don't be afraid to ask for help. There is another world beyond SDSU...and it's awesome when you branch out and start networking!

Mike Hickerson: Be open to anything; the pace of change means you don't stop learning just because you graduate. Be aware that for the most part college is viewed as a gauntlet, that on the job learning is more important.

Do you have advice for recent graduates? Share it on the Facebook thread.