Life After College: Work and School

Life after high school can be a whirlwind of experiences. For college students, these years see on-campus coursework, assessments, and new friendships. Students experience the exciting hustle and bustle of campus life. Yet, after graduation, young people face the challenge of navigating the real world. With a bachelor's degree in hand, many are ready to explore diverse career paths. Whether in New York, Washington, D.C., or anywhere else in the United States, there's a lot to know about what's next for college graduates.

Once you graduate from college, you may still have some lingering student loan issues for years to come. You can also decide to enter graduate school or take on an unpaid internship to get your foot in the door. Even after you've tossed your graduation cap in the air, you may need help navigating life after college and planning your next steps.

The Life After College segment of FindLaw's Higher Education section covers these and other issues. Also, this section includes an article on legal tips for job interviews on or off campus or during your tenure as a student.

Student Loans: Loan Forbearance, Deferment, and Grace Periods

Navigating the world of student loans can be complex. This is especially true after earning your high school diploma and embarking on the journey to further your education. Understanding your student loans is paramount. For many recent grads, dealing with student debt is a pressing concern. If you struggle to make payments right away, several initiatives are in place to help.

One such initiative is loan forbearance. This allows you to reduce or halt payments temporarily. Deferment is another option. With this option, you can postpone payments, especially if you're returning to school. After you graduate, many student loans come with a grace period within the first year. This is often a six-month window where you're not required to make payments. This gives you some breathing room as you transition into the job market or further studies.

Venturing into the world of loans and repayments is daunting. This is where the value of mentors shines. Seek guidance from those who've been through the process or those in partnerships with financial institutions. If you're entering fields like healthcare or launching a startup, the financial dynamics can differ. Insights from mentors can be invaluable.

Are You Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?

If you work for a government agency or not-for-profit organization, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness. This program is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. The type of work you perform isn't important when making this determination. It is mainly based on the kind of employer. For instance, if you do accounting work for a not-for-profit charity organization, you may be eligible. Those working at labor unions, political organizations, for-profit corporations, or non-profit organizations that are not tax-exempt are not eligible.

Generally, the federal government will forgive the remaining balance on your direct loans. This happens after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working for a qualifying employer. This means a qualifying individual may see loan relief in 10 years at the earliest. Student loan debt typically cannot be discharged or forgiven. To qualify for this program, ensure you meet the requirements. These requirements include working a full-time job in the public sector and making timely payments until the government forgives your loans.

The Rules on Unpaid Internships

Jumping into the job market, many recent graduates look for internships to gain work experience. There are specific rules surrounding unpaid internships. These rules ensure young people get treated fairly and receive valuable professional development. Before accepting any position, research and ensure the organization respects your rights.

Interns rarely report violations of these rules because they understandably fear it could jeopardize their young careers. Still, it's essential to know your rights and responsibilities as an unpaid intern. There may be state laws at play, too, but the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires the following six criteria for any unpaid internships:

1. The internship is like the training that may occur in an educational environment
2. The experience is primarily for the benefit of the intern
3. Intern does not replace paid staff but works under close supervision of existing employees
4. Employer providing the training may not derive any immediate advantage from the work or activities of the intern
5. There is no job guarantee at the end of the internship
6. Both parties clearly understand that the intern won't earn wages

If the employer doesn't meet all six criteria, then it must pay a fair wage to the intern.

Applying to Graduate School

For many students, graduation is a stepping stone to graduate school. Graduate schools can provide students with more employment opportunities upon graduation. Some students choose to attend medical school, law school, or another graduate program.

The application process typically involves a written essay and records of your test scores and undergraduate performance. You might need to submit your rankings for certain schools. Schools might also need other assessments, like the GMAT, GRE, or LSAT. The type of test depends on the field of study you apply for. To attend the University of California Law School, you must submit your LSAT score as a prospective law student.

Schools might also look at any grades or reports from other schools you attended. For example, if you attended a community college and then transferred, they will want your community college records, too. Schools will also want to know of any fellowships you participated in.

Applying for Jobs and Starting Your Career

As grads enter the job market, it's essential to know your rights as a job applicant. Be truthful on your resume because lying can lead to severe penalties. When you get job opportunities, whether part-time or full-time, prepare to negotiate your salary or wages. Remember, every bit of work experience counts.

Life after college has many opportunities and challenges. With the right tools and hard work, success is on the horizon. And if you ever believe someone has violated your rights, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.