When thinking about what it would be like to turn in my thesis, I always imagined It would be a complete relief and reawakening into the world outside of the Steele computer lab. While it has been in many ways, little did I know of the “thesis let down”. Don’t get me wrong – I’m very proud to have completed such a time-consuming project, but now there’s this sort of void, and a lot more free time to think (and freak out) about graduation and beyond. All of my friends agree – once you complete thesis, that part of your brain once burdened is left asking, “so…what do I do now?” To help quell those thoughts and feel more prepared for life after graduation, I’ve made… (dun dun dun) a summer reading list for myself.

I filled my list with books that will help prepare me for the job search,  decide what I want to study in grad school, and ones that offer real-life examples of what people go through after college. Here are some titles that I have found helpful these past four years, as well as ones I am currently reading (many of which I’m sure you can find at the CP&R library!).

1)   Dean’s List: Eleven Habits of Highly Successful College Students. This book goes over issues you will face as a freshman up through planning for life post-college. I highly recommend it for any stage of college, including study abroad.

2)   Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. This book teaches you how to play to your strengths, get a deeper understanding of what you want to do, and flourish in what you choose to do. I’m very interested in Positive Psych, so hopefully this book will give me a better understanding of the field.

3)   501+ Great Interview Questions For Employers and the Best Answers for Prospective Employees. (Available at CP&R)

4)   Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov). Because the Scrippsie in me loves to read a well-written biography about an inspirational woman!

Does anyone have any suggestions for helpful books and/or resources?