The cap and gown is slowly making it's way to the back of the closet, the out of town guests have returned home and the haze of the last semester plus the euphoria of the graduation ceremony could now be slowly wearing off. Having spent the last eight years in college career center operations, I know that many college grads, despite what you hear, have not confirmed next steps. What is a new grad to do? As you consider your options, and there are many, here are some possibilities that have borne positive results for new grads with whom I have worked over the years.

Travel with a Purpose - If you spent breaks and vacations in college, living la vida loca at exotic tropical locations like Acapulco , Jamaica or South Beach - you might want to consider this the time to travel with a purpose. Each year the number of students who choose to spend their breaks in service to our local or global communities, increases. Nonprofits like Break Away , specialize in helping college students identify alternative ways to spend their breaks during school. If you have not yet had this opportunity, now could be the time. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The US Peace Corps are always open to new college grads who are willing to explore citizen service. Click here to read more.

Article by, Marcia Robinson and courtesy of BullsEyeResumes College Blogs. Robinson has been coaching, training, and writing on career, workplace, employment and education issues for students and career professionals for 10 years.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.