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After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith
Practical Tools for a Faithful, Flourishing Post-College Life
"The first year out was one of the hardest years of my life." —Curt
"It's much rougher than I thought. I thought things would just play out, and they didn't. I don't have friends, I don't have a job, and I hang out with my parents every night." —Kate
The years after college can be some of the most uncertain, unstable times of life. Recent graduates grieve the loss of community, question their place in the world, and struggle to find meaningful work. It can be shocking to discover that college did not fully prepare you for the challenges you now face.
But you are not alone. Erica Young Reitz specializes in helping college seniors and recent graduates navigate the transition to postcollege life. Drawing on best practices and research on senior preparedness, she offers practical tools for a life of faithfulness and flourishing during a critical, transitional time. Revised to address the realities facing Gen Z in the 2020s, this practical guide addresses the top issues graduates face:
• Making decisions,
• Finding community,
• Managing money,
• Discerning your calling,
• And much more!
Discover how you can thrive beyond your undergraduate years. If you feel lost in transition, here are resources to help you flourish as a Christ-follower in a complex world.
"The first year out was one of the hardest years of my life." —Curt
"It's much rougher than I thought. I thought things would just play out, and they didn't. I don't have friends, I don't have a job, and I hang out with my parents every night." —Kate
The years after college can be some of the most uncertain, unstable times of life. Recent graduates grieve the loss of community, question their place in the world, and struggle to find meaningful work. It can be shocking to discover that college did not fully prepare you for the challenges you now face.
But you are not alone. Erica Young Reitz specializes in helping college seniors and recent graduates navigate the transition to postcollege life. Drawing on best practices and research on senior preparedness, she offers practical tools for a life of faithfulness and flourishing during a critical, transitional time. Revised to address the realities facing Gen Z in the 2020s, this practical guide addresses the top issues graduates face:
• Making decisions,
• Finding community,
• Managing money,
• Discerning your calling,
• And much more!
Discover how you can thrive beyond your undergraduate years. If you feel lost in transition, here are resources to help you flourish as a Christ-follower in a complex world.
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2025
69 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 13, 2022
4.5/5 I really enjoyed reading this book! This was a gift from my good friend Tara & it really helped me process some post-grad life changes that I had been pushing off :)
April 25, 2020
This book was fantastic! So well written, and very applicable to any student who is approaching graduation or even already graduated. There were so many good tips, and pieces of guidance within the pages of this book. Also provided good additional resources!
September 17, 2025
I read this one in preparation to lead a girls study this fall - I would highly recommend to anyone about to graduate or still in that weird post-grad “neutral zone.” I found myself taking a lot of points from this book even 2 1/2 years post grad!
February 11, 2018
I bought this book after a recommendation in a small group in college about leaving college. I enjoyed the group, so the book seemed like a no-brainer.
The author's strongest lens in this book is definitely connecting everything back to Christianity and using the obstacles after college to strengthen a believer's relationship with God. If you are looking to do this, this wasn't a bad read.
For my first read through it, I felt a fair portion (especially of the relationship section) was a lecture. The author claims in the introduction that the book is welcoming to non-believers, but honestly, if you don't want to read about a biblical example, figure, or verse in every single paragraph, this is not the book for you.
I'll keep it around and may refer to it again because I did take a few notes, but it definitely was not as life-changing as I had expected it to be.
The author's strongest lens in this book is definitely connecting everything back to Christianity and using the obstacles after college to strengthen a believer's relationship with God. If you are looking to do this, this wasn't a bad read.
For my first read through it, I felt a fair portion (especially of the relationship section) was a lecture. The author claims in the introduction that the book is welcoming to non-believers, but honestly, if you don't want to read about a biblical example, figure, or verse in every single paragraph, this is not the book for you.
I'll keep it around and may refer to it again because I did take a few notes, but it definitely was not as life-changing as I had expected it to be.
December 15, 2024
This book was refreshing to read after graduating college recently. There were some parts that I disagreed with, but overall it was great to hear someone else's thoughts about navigating life after college. I've never read her book prior to this so I'm not sure about the changes from this edition and the last. My favorite part of the book were the questions and Scripture references after each chapter. I highly recommend not to skip those as they were really helpful in getting my thoughts out.
If you are about to graduate or you already have then I recommend you this book. It will help you navigate life after college.
This ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Erica Young Reitz and NetGalley for the ARC!
If you are about to graduate or you already have then I recommend you this book. It will help you navigate life after college.
This ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Erica Young Reitz and NetGalley for the ARC!
December 12, 2017
I read this because "after college" is a season that is quickly approaching in my life. I found this book to be very direct and straightforward, with some helpful information and a lot of common sense information. There were a couple chapters that I found particularly helpful and applicable to me, but overall what I got out of this book was a timely reminder that I can trust a constant, unchanging God through any dynamic, uncertain times.
August 10, 2024
A very helpful, and for me timely, book on transitioning to a new season of life well, particularly following college, or for me grad school. I was grateful to have this book as a companion during my first month in a new state, a new church and a new job. Erica Reitz deftly navigates the tensions that come with a post-college transition by being neither overly pessimistic or pump up optimistic about life after college.
Thankful to my brother for gifting me this book in 2020 to read. Glad that I finally got to be blessed by it at an alternative right time.
Thankful to my brother for gifting me this book in 2020 to read. Glad that I finally got to be blessed by it at an alternative right time.
August 20, 2024
A useful overview of things to consider when transitioning out of college. I found the middle section about post-college community the most helpful.
Thanks for letting me borrow your book, Kristine!
Thanks for letting me borrow your book, Kristine!
July 13, 2024
it’s actually like a 3.8/5 just bc helpful but it’s not that riveting- BUT it was a good message for how to process a lot of the feelings i’m feeling rn and how to stay faithful through all of it 😇
September 1, 2016
Summary: A faith-oriented guide to navigating the transition from college to early adulthood, exploring issues of faith, relationships, community, work, calling and finances.
Much has been made about the loss of faith that sometimes occurs among youth who go to college. Less attention is given to the deepening of faith of others or the spiritual awakening of some that occurs during college. Even less have there been good discussions of how believing students navigate the transition to post-collegiate early adulthood. Until now.
Erica Young Reitz, who has led the Senior EXIT program, a senior year college transition program at Penn State, has given us a kind of roadmap describing the transitions post-collegians face, and what it means to live faithfully to Christ in a new situation. In her introduction, she writes:
“Leaving the gates of university life often comes with the expectation that we’re ready for what’s on the other side. But what does readiness even mean? Some students feel ready in September of their senior year (get me out of here!) while others—who may actually be more equipped for the “real world” than they realize—dread college coming to a close. In the scurry of résumé preparations and job applications, it’s easy to reduce readiness to our emotions about entering adulthood or to a list of key items necessary for life on our own.”
The first part of the book explores what faithfulness to Christ looks like in this new situation. She explores what it is like to go, like Abraham, with God into the unknown. She considers our expectations of “normal” and whether these have room for adversity, in which we might experience taking up the cross in new ways. She explores the big question of discerning God’s will, especially when faced with a myriad of choices.
Part two then explores what faithfulness looks like in community. She honestly discusses finding new friends post-college and the challenge to become hospitable people. She talks about finding a church, with some helpful material for those who have experienced different forms of abuse in their church experience. She talks about the diversity of people we will encounter and going out of our comfort zones. She gives very practical counsel on the matter of parents and moving from dependence through independence to a healthy form of interdependence. She candidly discusses dating, sex, and marriage, post-college. I especially appreciated her practical counsel about not living together while saving up for the storybook wedding, which seems to be the narrative of many young couples.
The final part of the book concerns living out our calling faithfully in the world. She includes chapters on stewarding every area of life for the kingdom, dealing with the realities of the workplace, and our handling of finances. She offers a very practical discussion of workplace realities and what it might practically mean to “bless” our co-workers. In the area of finance, she offers helpful resources including a budget planning sheet and challenges the assumption that it is necessary to take on large car loans and consumer debt, freeing one to use more resources for kingdom aspirations.
The book is informative without being preachy, using a number of stories while also giving very practical tips. Reitz helps people understand how this period is a kind of liminal space that may feel disorienting or painful, and how to live as a person of faith in this time. Each chapter concludes with “Going Deeper” questions that could be used individually or in a group discussing the book. There are passages for scripture study as well as a few additional relevant books suggested.
This is a great gift for graduating students. Even better, it would make a great discussion resource for a semester discussion with a group of seniors. The issues Reitz raises also raise important questions for those of us working in collegiate ministry. Are we waiting until senior years to talk about things like the will of God, community, work and calling, money and sexuality? We probably talk about sexuality before then, but what about the others? Are we simply mentoring students for our mission on campus or also for their mission in life? After College is a great resource to help students navigate this crucial transition from the former to the latter.
Much has been made about the loss of faith that sometimes occurs among youth who go to college. Less attention is given to the deepening of faith of others or the spiritual awakening of some that occurs during college. Even less have there been good discussions of how believing students navigate the transition to post-collegiate early adulthood. Until now.
Erica Young Reitz, who has led the Senior EXIT program, a senior year college transition program at Penn State, has given us a kind of roadmap describing the transitions post-collegians face, and what it means to live faithfully to Christ in a new situation. In her introduction, she writes:
“Leaving the gates of university life often comes with the expectation that we’re ready for what’s on the other side. But what does readiness even mean? Some students feel ready in September of their senior year (get me out of here!) while others—who may actually be more equipped for the “real world” than they realize—dread college coming to a close. In the scurry of résumé preparations and job applications, it’s easy to reduce readiness to our emotions about entering adulthood or to a list of key items necessary for life on our own.”
The first part of the book explores what faithfulness to Christ looks like in this new situation. She explores what it is like to go, like Abraham, with God into the unknown. She considers our expectations of “normal” and whether these have room for adversity, in which we might experience taking up the cross in new ways. She explores the big question of discerning God’s will, especially when faced with a myriad of choices.
Part two then explores what faithfulness looks like in community. She honestly discusses finding new friends post-college and the challenge to become hospitable people. She talks about finding a church, with some helpful material for those who have experienced different forms of abuse in their church experience. She talks about the diversity of people we will encounter and going out of our comfort zones. She gives very practical counsel on the matter of parents and moving from dependence through independence to a healthy form of interdependence. She candidly discusses dating, sex, and marriage, post-college. I especially appreciated her practical counsel about not living together while saving up for the storybook wedding, which seems to be the narrative of many young couples.
The final part of the book concerns living out our calling faithfully in the world. She includes chapters on stewarding every area of life for the kingdom, dealing with the realities of the workplace, and our handling of finances. She offers a very practical discussion of workplace realities and what it might practically mean to “bless” our co-workers. In the area of finance, she offers helpful resources including a budget planning sheet and challenges the assumption that it is necessary to take on large car loans and consumer debt, freeing one to use more resources for kingdom aspirations.
The book is informative without being preachy, using a number of stories while also giving very practical tips. Reitz helps people understand how this period is a kind of liminal space that may feel disorienting or painful, and how to live as a person of faith in this time. Each chapter concludes with “Going Deeper” questions that could be used individually or in a group discussing the book. There are passages for scripture study as well as a few additional relevant books suggested.
This is a great gift for graduating students. Even better, it would make a great discussion resource for a semester discussion with a group of seniors. The issues Reitz raises also raise important questions for those of us working in collegiate ministry. Are we waiting until senior years to talk about things like the will of God, community, work and calling, money and sexuality? We probably talk about sexuality before then, but what about the others? Are we simply mentoring students for our mission on campus or also for their mission in life? After College is a great resource to help students navigate this crucial transition from the former to the latter.
November 5, 2023
This book was a gift from my undergraduate Christian fellowship and I wanted to read it ASAP after graduating undergrad to be able to get the most out of it. It definitely made me cognizant of the transition from student to adult life, which will help me be more intentional about having a good transition. I also really appreciate that it is rooted in scripture. Some chapters I did not relate to and felt like they were more subjective advice from the author’s lived and heard experiences rather than applicable to all Christians — mostly Ch. 5 Finding Friends and Ch. 12 Financial Faithfulness. Chapters 10 and 11 about work were a good reminder of Every Good Endeavor, but I think that book was far more impactful on my understanding of connecting faith and work than these few chapters were (obviously). Overall this was a solid post-grad read and has actionable tips I would like to remember and implement into my life. Those include
- the importance of finishing something well
- have faith that God will provide anew everything He asks you to give up
- character in the face of adversity and small things at work like being on time and not gossiping are impactful ways to be a good witness to colleagues
- actively look for ways to bless other people
- build relationships with people you respect, admire, and trust
- the importance of finishing something well
- have faith that God will provide anew everything He asks you to give up
- character in the face of adversity and small things at work like being on time and not gossiping are impactful ways to be a good witness to colleagues
- actively look for ways to bless other people
- build relationships with people you respect, admire, and trust
February 6, 2021
Whether you're a Christian or not, if you're a recent Post-Grad I 100% recommend this book for navigating such a hefty transition.
After I graduated college I felt like I entered this weird phase of life that no one really talked about. I was prepared, but at the same time I wasn't? New jobs, new friends, and new cities aside--the first year out of college presents unique challenges to any young adult.
This book was wonderful for addressing those challenges head-on. I found it to be incredibly practical and encouraging, yet also realistic. After College was given to me as a gift when I graduated, and I'm sure I'll be buying it for my younger friends as they prepare to graduate as well.
After I graduated college I felt like I entered this weird phase of life that no one really talked about. I was prepared, but at the same time I wasn't? New jobs, new friends, and new cities aside--the first year out of college presents unique challenges to any young adult.
This book was wonderful for addressing those challenges head-on. I found it to be incredibly practical and encouraging, yet also realistic. After College was given to me as a gift when I graduated, and I'm sure I'll be buying it for my younger friends as they prepare to graduate as well.
July 18, 2018
As a campus missionary, I'm passionate about helping college students transition into "real life" after college. This book asks all the same questions every grad is asking, offers brutally honest perspective and truth, and is packed with God's Word and application questions for further study. There are many other books out there that could be helpful in this transition to adulthood, but After College is uniquely catered to this season of life and addresses everything I hoped it would, and more. I am so glad I found this gem, and I will be recommending it to every college grad I know.
January 21, 2022
First, I think that there are a lot of valid points to consider and adopt. If you have not considered what life could be like after school I would highly recommend it.
Honestly I think this is a book you should read your freshman year so that you will be prepared when you leave. That way it would be equipping and not just a heads up.
Lastly, why I gave it a 4. I think the author could have gotten more across without the stories. With that being said the questions were good but I wish they tied in with the reading more.
Thats just my opinion.
Honestly I think this is a book you should read your freshman year so that you will be prepared when you leave. That way it would be equipping and not just a heads up.
Lastly, why I gave it a 4. I think the author could have gotten more across without the stories. With that being said the questions were good but I wish they tied in with the reading more.
Thats just my opinion.
April 19, 2022
I cannot say enough good things about this book. As someone who had a really hard transition from college to “the real world” I wish I would’ve known about this book sooner.
There are so many wonderful practical tips for real life things that nobody tells you about, and even more wonderful tips on everyone’s journey being so different and that it’s OKAY.
Comparison is the thief of joy!!!! Just because you’re not on the same path, or in the same stage as your friends and those around you does NOT mean that you’ve “missed out.”
There are so many wonderful practical tips for real life things that nobody tells you about, and even more wonderful tips on everyone’s journey being so different and that it’s OKAY.
Comparison is the thief of joy!!!! Just because you’re not on the same path, or in the same stage as your friends and those around you does NOT mean that you’ve “missed out.”
June 20, 2017
As a recent college grad, and even as I approached my final weeks of college, this book proved itself to be invaluable to my transition into the next phase of life. Through sharing honest stories and grounded, biblical truths, After College brings a fresh sense of hope, peace, and excitement for what is to come. Its practical wisdom is something I know I will refer back to again and again. I cannot recommend this book enough!
February 15, 2018
I liked this book because Erica wrote some practical and wise things. She wrote from a position of understanding common post-grad struggles without being cliche. I thought a lot of the things she wrote were fresh and ideas or ways of putting it that I’ve never heard before. I’m really glad I discovered this book. Also, I read it about four months after moving to a new place and starting my first job, so reading it later is totally okay and still useful. :)
June 21, 2023
*4.5 stars*
This book is an excellent guide for recent college graduates who want to navigate every area of their life in a Christ honoring way during this transitional period. Even though my recent experience transitioning out of college has been quite smooth, I still found this book to be helpful. It is clear that Reitz has a lot of experience in the area, and it shows in her clear and succinct advice.
This book is an excellent guide for recent college graduates who want to navigate every area of their life in a Christ honoring way during this transitional period. Even though my recent experience transitioning out of college has been quite smooth, I still found this book to be helpful. It is clear that Reitz has a lot of experience in the area, and it shows in her clear and succinct advice.
July 16, 2023
This book is a great guide for those who have recently graduated or are preparing to do so. It briefly touches on numerous key topics for the recent graduate such as work, relationships, money, etc. While each of these topics could easily be its own book, the author concisely addresses each one through a Biblical lens and also recommends additional resources on each topic. Overall a quick and helpful read!
May 14, 2025
Good read. Very organized, thorough, and evidenced. You can tell the author actually consulted real 20 something’s and understands issues facing college graduates. The questionable part was in the chapter on relationships where she’s like “just get married out of convenience even if you’re not ready, it’s okay!!” Other than that, very sound advice. Would recommend to any graduate or 20 something year old.
November 28, 2025
This book was unlike most books I read. This was more for learning and not for fun, like I am used to. It helped to further teach on many important changing and upcoming things and to have a deeper understanding of the different changes and challenges of this transition. It has played a part in helping redirect my off and unsure thoughts about my future and where I am at. I am exactly where I need to be and I have this job for a reason.
December 12, 2025
This book had so much wonderful advice, especially as someone who is in the thick of life after college. I appreciated reading emotions or life stages everyone goes through after assuming I was the only one that felt like this. I didn’t agree with all things she said and suggested but when you know yourself well enough to sort out what you don’t agree with and what you don’t want to hear but need to, it’s a great read
June 21, 2020
Loved some, had problems with some. This is a timely book full of practical advice and encouragement that id recommend to those stepping out of college or recent graduates a few years into the real world. Problem statement: recommended a mentor or counselor but said you “didn’t have to see a therapist” for feeling lots of things. Go see a therapist. That’s holy work too.
August 9, 2021
As this relates to you, please please read this. The comfort and assurance I felt about my transition after reading this book is great. It won't give you the answers but really puts things in perspective and also gives you actual Christian advice on how to navigate the college-adult life transition.
July 19, 2022
the book I didn’t know I needed. biblically-based insights and thought-provoking, reflective questions on how to transition well after college, from family to church, to friendships to work, to finance to relationships. ending propels to me to go out into the world with excitement. would recommend to all graduating seniors!
June 10, 2025
This book offers words of comfort and wisdom on how navigate life after post-grad in many aspects. One quote stuck with me: “Be gentle with yourself; it’s hard to be human… It won’t be easy, but it’s going to be okay” God is still in control. Jesus Christ is still my Savior. And I am His, in his loving arms.
August 15, 2018
This was a simple book that explained the truth and transition from college to full-time employee in a Christian manner. Since I've recently graduated, this book has helped me set my expectations for what joining the workforce will be like.
August 24, 2018
Great practical anecdotes and stories for navigating the rocky transition post college! Great read for someone really prepared who is entering their senior year but still relevant to a few years post-college to get insight into how to course correct if you've had a rough season!
February 1, 2020
For me, this book helped so much with my after college transition. It let me know that I’m not alone in the weirdness of between college and before work. Especially since no one really discusses how difficult this transition is this book face light to those topics which was such a blessing to me!
May 21, 2021
After College offers helpful and practical advice for those soon to be or recently graduated from college. Reitz includes real-life examples along with statistics and biblical support on topics ranging from relationships to money to finding a church.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews