The Real Post Grad

We’ve been getting calls, emails, and friendly reminders about our recent lack of updates on this site, and it’s time for us to explain what’s happening with The Real Post Grad. If you’ve been reading TRPG for a while, you know that we recently made the move to Austin and are now living as apartment-mates in this amazing … Continue reading →

The first few years of post grad life are full of things to remember. Remember to budget for utilities when renting your first apartment! Don’t forget to include computer software skills on your resume! Remember your car is getting up there in mileage and you may need to budget for a new one soon! Don’t … Continue reading →

I reactivated my OkCupid profile 48 hours ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time, like most things do before the repercussions kick in. That 5th glass of wine? Definitely a good idea at the time! Hangover Schmangover. I’m new in town and am a red-blooded human being after all so I went for it, throwing caution to … Continue reading →

Contrary to popular belief, working from home does not mean that work is any easier than in an office. When I told my friends that I would be working from home after my move, most of their reactions ranged from “Awesome, so lots of pool?” to “Does that mean you get to sleep in?” No, … Continue reading →

I’ve been in Austin for a little over a month now, so I think it’s about time I write about my first impressions of the city! For those who are new here, Shikole and I both moved to Austin blindly. I’ve visited Texas before since I have relatives who live in Houston, but had absolutely … Continue reading →

We are past the lettered generations and into those named for greatest influence. We have come a long way from floppy disks and walkmans of our childhoods. Now 75% of my friends and acquaintances have jobs that can be considered “technology oriented.” Whether it be web design, managing an office, or an analyst of any kind, … Continue reading →

I recently read the article Why Every Social Media Manager Should Be Under 25 by Catherine Sloane. Catherine, a recent grad from the University of Iowa, argues that because those of us in our young twenties were in high school when social media sites like Facebook and Twitter began, we therefore understand the best and most … Continue reading →

Dear Recent Graduate of the University of I-Wish-I-Could-Go-Back, You’re FREAKING out– or maybe you’re not because you are off to some grad/law/certificate/school and if so, you’re not freaking out yet. But you’re freaking out because you don’t know what to expect. For the last 20 years of your life, since your mommy dragged your diapered baby … Continue reading →

I apologize for my recent blog absence, but I have a good excuse, I promise! I’ve been busy driving halfway across the country and settling into my new home, Austin, TX! I have so many stories to share with you about the drive down and my Austin experiences so far, so I’m going to break … Continue reading →

Summer time, for some reason, is the perfect time to undertake the projects you have been meaning to do. I personally think the warmer weather has something to do with it, who wants to be productive when it’s cold outside? Somehow, though, my summer is flying by fast so I need to get on top … Continue reading →

As I grow older, I’ve been finding it easier and easier to minimize my belongings. I’ve learned to limit the number of physical things that hold sentimental value, and now recognize when it’s time to donate or throw out older pieces of clothing, furniture, and other home goods. That being said, this move has really … Continue reading →

The last two weeks in my leased apartment of Virginia were a whirlwind of packing and having no internet or television. In theory, the lack of technological stimuli should have prevented me from getting distracted while packing. This was not the case. It really just prevented me from staying on top of this whole moving … Continue reading →

Long gone are the days of hauling manilla folders filled with newspaper clippings to job interviews. Most employers would much rather have relevant links or pdfs of your writing directly emailed to them. While it’s important that the selection of writing samples you send to employers relates directly to the position you’re applying for, I … Continue reading →

It’s been just about a month since I began my Money Diet. I have learned so much since I started and am on a great track to financial recovery, stability, and all around happy place. I’ve realized that I actually enjoy  Money Management when I am not in financial crisis. It brings me a sence of control, … Continue reading →

Fun fact: I’ve only quit two jobs since I began working at 15 years old. Though I’ve left other jobs to go back to college and have had temporary summer internships, the decision to leave every place I worked was never mine. My jobs always just had a planned end. The first job I quit … Continue reading →

So I’ve learned something very valuable this week: the importance of networking. Sure, I’ve been told plenty of times that networking is important, but I’ve really only ever thought to use it in order to gain some great references. However, this time, I decided to take the advice of a kind mentor and use the … Continue reading →

I’ve gotten mixed reactions as I tell people in my life that I’m moving to Austin. Some have said that it’s great I’m experiencing new things while I’m young and that they know I’ll succeed. Others are in disbelief. I get “you know it’s going to be really hot in Texas.. right?” a lot. I also get, … Continue reading →

How to Be Good By Nick Hornby This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is everything the Sunday times promised: hilarious, sophisticated and compulsive. I would not call the book a comedy, but at the same time i found myself literally laughing out loud on several occasions while reading it. … Continue reading →

We have some big news to share with you all! It’s been something that we’ve had in the works for months, but wanted to keep quiet until things were a definite. We wanted to be sure we told our jobs, our family members, and our friends first. We don’t think they would have been pleased … Continue reading →

My friends and I were talking about shopping recently and came to two realizations by the end of the conversation. 1. We sounded a lot like a bunch of middle-aged moms 2. Post grads are in an interesting predicament when it comes to hitting the mall I started off the conversation by complaining about the lack of work appropriate skirts … Continue reading →

I’ve had my car since senior year in high school. It was a graduation present from my Gramma for doing so well in school. It was used, and it leaked oil, but it was mine. And I will warn you, this post will be a bit sentimental. My car quickly became my best friend. I … Continue reading →

Some of the challenges of life after college are almost universal, like adjusting to a full time work schedule, saving money, and finding a good place to live. Other aspects are less relatable. When I say, “I miss school,” many people respond with, “Me too! I miss when all my friends lived so close! I … Continue reading →

I don’t know about you but when I was in college my routine looked a little something like this: class, eat, class, sleep, eat, homework, go out/hang out with friends. And of course my eating looked a little something like this: pizza, pasta, fast food and anything I could make in 5 minutes. I would … Continue reading →

Yesterday some friends and I went to the Frederick Wine Festival. Wine festivals are one of my favorite places to go on weekends. There are typically 6-10 local wineries that have tastings of all their products. Tickets to these events cover admission, a wine glass to use for the tastings and then take home, and … Continue reading →

Pretty much every 20-something blog I read has been obsessing over the premiere of one specific show this April: Lena Dunham’s Girls, which airs on HBO Sunday nights. Lena Dunham has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry after releasing her independent movie, Tiny Furniture in 2010. She now writes for, directs, and … Continue reading →

It’s April again, which means next month, millions of college seniors will be handed their diplomas and join us in the post grad club. Senior year of college is a tricky time. Balancing fun, school, and internships may have seem difficult in the first three years of school, but add in the whole “planning out what you actually … Continue reading →

Being a Post Grad who sits at a desk 9+ hours a day, sometimes I need to get out and actually live. Iceland was a perfect destination for an adventure vacation. We went on 5 different organized tours as well as some of our own and still there things we didn’t have time to see! Before … Continue reading →

This can be one of the toughest parts of graduating. For four years you work to make your college town a home away from home, and then all of a sudden, it’s time to move on again! When I graduated college, I was so completely clueless as to where I wanted to live. I realized that moving back to my … Continue reading →

Lately, I’ve been trying my hardest to get back into a regular running schedule. To make things interesting, I’m alternating treadmill runs with outdoor runs (thanks for the 60+ degree weather in March, Earth!). When I run on a treadmill I’m forced to pace myself, since I want to make sure I don’t fall on my … Continue reading →

I had a small soiree this weekend in celebration of my birthday. I always make sure to serve snack like foods as well as alcohol. When people’s stomachs are full they tend to get less sloppy. I try to make things that are original and not just the usual chips and dip. Last night one … Continue reading →

Once landing a job, the next thing on the agenda for many post grads is finding the perfect apartment. Since college friends often move in different directions after graduating, you may be faced with the decision to live alone in your first grad place or move in at least one random roommate. The thought of a new … Continue reading →

“So, what are your plans after college?” Seems like a standard question, right? Ideally, “looking for a job” would suffice, but judging by today’s methods of employment, “job” is often replaced by “internship”, which I have lightheartedly substituted with “internsh*t.” Personally, I don’t think the term “internship” should exist in a post grad’s vocabulary. I think internships … Continue reading →

So, you’ve secured a full-time job with health benefits, you’re living in your first apartment, and you even treat yourself to name brand products at the grocery store once in a while. Nothing can stop you now! Then, the unthinkable happens. As you’re driving home from work debating which Bravo show you’ll watch that night … Continue reading →

Now that all the W2s and 1098s have been received, it is time to get your taxes done Post Grads!   It’s ok, you can do it. They aren’t THAT hard.   However, they piss me off like none other. Now that we are no longer paying tuition, we no longer qualify for the American … Continue reading →