NYC is the greatest city in the world. The art, the fashion, the people, the culture, the food, the everything. NYC has it all. But, sometimes being surrounded by it all can be overwhelming. This was my first visit to New York and I’m obviously in love. That’s why leaving New York with no date set to return is a little heartbreaking. 

While I’m telling this to myself, I also want to be telling it to someone else. If you’re weeks away from graduation, leaving New York, and you still don’t have a job, I want to let you know that it’s going to be okay. 

Here are some tips and tricks to keep yourself distracted from the impending graduation date and to keep propelling yourself forward: 

1. Lean on your connections. You probably met a solid list of people in NY. Reach out to them. Shoot them an email. Reach out to Flock. They’re amazing and they’re there to help you. Follow companies you want to work for and look out for their job openings. 

2. Work on your book. Your portfolio is never perfect. Ask people to tear it apart. Tear it apart yourself. 

3. Passion projects. Have you heard the words “side hustle” enough? No? Well I’m going to say it again. Side hustle. Get a hobby. Try something new. Over and over I’ve heard that when recruiters and people in the industry are looking at your book, they’re going to go straight to your play section. 

4. Breathe. Embrace the break. Maybe you don’t have a job for a reason. Maybe you really really need a break. There’s nothing wrong with taking a deep breath. 

“Don’t be frustrated. Because it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, and then all of a sudden it does.” - Deb 

Best, 

Madi Nauta