Helpful Tips for Managing Graduation Anxiety

Kate Kong, MA in Digital Studies '26

Graduation is only two months away, and honestly, I’ve been kind of anxious about it. Calendar notifications hit differently. Conversations about “next steps” feel heavier. LinkedIn updates seem more frequent. I know I’m not the only one feeling this—when deadlines approach, even small uncertainties start to feel amplified. 

Here are three things helping me. First, act fast. Cold water in winter doesn’t get warmer because you hesitate—you only get colder. The longer I delay, the bigger the fear grows. When I procrastinate, I give the uncertainty more power. The faster I move, the more that power shrinks. 

Second, use UChicago resources: Career Advancement, professor office hours, and career fairs. They exist for us, but they only work if we actually show up. The Career Advancement website (careeradvancement.uchicago.edu) has advising appointments, resume reviews, and industry-specific resources that I didn’t realize were this structured until I actually clicked through it. The University’s Calendar of Events (events.uchicago.edu) is also underrated,  you can filter by “Career Development” and often find panels or workshops happening that same week. 

I’ve also learned to pay attention to UChicagoGRAD emails. They regularly share lectures, alumni panels, and professional development sessions that I probably wouldn’t have searched for myself. Sometimes one conversation, one workshop, or one unexpected event is enough to slightly adjust your direction.  

Third, shift your mindset. Anxiety isn’t an enemy; it’s a signal. It’s telling me that something matters. Instead of waiting to feel ready, I’m learning to move while feeling unsure. The sooner you move, the less power the uncertainty has over you. 

If you’re in the same season, I hope you’re taking care of yourself, too. May we all move forward steadily with a little more courage than we think we have.