There is a horrible feeling that often accompanies the end of a journey. Whether it is anxiousness to proceed on to the next chapter or a growing realization that the present will soon be consigned to the past, the end of anything is a miserable time. For a few of us about to graduate, the end of our college experience is fast approaching and if you are anything like me, you greet these news with an apprehension often reserved for a visit to the dentist.

It doesn’t have to be that way though. I have found that having some sort of plan in place or even sitting and thinking about what kind of plan should be in place helps lessen the nerves. The sense that you are actively participating in your own progress has served as a balm in the past and seems to be working now.

If you are looking for a place to start planning, I would definitely recommend stopping in at the Steinbright Career Development Center and scheduling an appointment to have a chat with a career counselor. Now, I know what you are thinking, and I thought much the same. Why would you want to go to the co-op people when you have more pressing things to worry about ? Like whether or not to strut down the stage when you are handed your degree in June.

What you will find out though is that the people at the SCDC do a lot more than simply help people find co-op jobs. They also offer career planning services that are targeted at helping soon-to-be graduates and alumni (a lot of the services they offer are still avalable to you up to 2 years after you graduate). Whether one is still at the self assesment stage and grappling with what one actually wants to do or one is simply tired of sending off resumes into the great application black hole and need new spam filter fighting techniques, the career services people at the SCDC are a great resource to have.

You can schedule an appointment by calling 215-895-2185 or by walking into their office on 32nd and Arch Street. Or for the more timid out there, simply open another tab next to your Facebook one and check out their website

Remember, the more time you spend planning what you would like to do next, the less time you have to panic about not knowing what comes next.