We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us the best post-grad advice they've ever received. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Your major doesn't have to define who you are in life.
"As a liberal arts degree holder, the best advice I received from my dean was that my major didn't define who I had to be in life." --Es Tee Smith, Facebook
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3. Put on your big girl pants.
"My sassy grammy said, 'Alex, you just gotta put on your big girl pants, put on some lipstick, and accomplish your dreams. You got this baby girl. No one can hold you down. And if they try to, give them a swift kick in the ass.'" --alexandralmarth
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5. "You're now your own personal brand. Be sure to market wisely."
--Margaret Aprison, Facebook
6. No one really knows what they're doing!
"The last week of classes before graduation I had a meltdown, and my professor looked at me and said 'no one actually knows what they're doing. All of these adults you look up to, and admire, they're all making this shit up as they go. You're not all alone in this big scary world. I promise.'" --lailar
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8. Despite your degree, don't be above anything.
"Even though you have a degree, you're not above doing anything. Never turn down a job because you think you're too good for it." --Sarah Marie, Facebook
9. Embrace the now.
"Everything is a stepping stone taking you on to bigger and better things, so embrace the 'now' and don't get too worried that you'll be stuck in one place. Those who are stuck in the same job are only stuck because they let themselves be." --Lauren Keller, Facebook
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11. No matter what, save 20% of your income.
"An older lady on a plane told me right before graduating: 'Whatever your job, whatever your salary, save 20% of your income. It's the first step to success.' Old ladies on planes always have the best advice." --jpa46b8aa91e
12. Keep busy in between employment.
"If you're having trouble landing a job straight out of school (like 99.9% of graduates these days), keep busy with things that'll add to your resume: volunteering, internships, etc. It all helps, and it shows potential employers that you've got drive!" --Jessica Thi, Facebook
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14. Just apply.
"Apply for that job, even if you think you aren't qualified or if it requires a big move you aren't sure you want to make, etc. Just apply because you never know what might happen, but if you don't apply, you definitely won't get the job." --rachelnydeng
15. There is no such thing as failure.
"There is no such thing as failure, only learning experiences. So learn from the mistakes you make and make time for the things you love." --MelanieLocke
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17. Prove. Them. Wrong.
"Don't let anybody tell you you can't. Prove them wrong." --Justgaby3
18. Just breathe!
"The best advice I have received is to just breathe! Because when your mind is a puzzle of a million pieces going in all directions, we forget even the most simple actions." --Wally Ann Wiscovitch, Facebook
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Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.