Dude, where's my money? What to expect when first starting your career.

SUBSTITUTE BLOGGER: Alex Wells

Hello, and welcome. Before James returns from a much deserved break, I'll be chiming in on this subject. Having graduated in 2002, I'm not that far out of the game. The 'game' being, just starting out in the REAL WORLD. In all honesty, the first few years out of college, although fun, will be financially exhausting. It is for the majority of graduates. School loans, Car loans, and that lingering, salty taste of Ramen noodles. The good thing is that you're taking care of yourself for maybe the first time in your life. Your wages may be meager, but you've got health insurance (granted you've got a full time job) and hopefully a 401k plan that will add towards your retirement one day in the distant future.

Expect this to be certain: Hard work will get you the promotions, raises and money you desire. Not luck, in fact it is well known that Good Luck is actually just Hard Work in action. Put in the effort now, don't burn any bridges no matter how bad it gets, your early push in your career will help to strongly build your reputation and references for your career in the near future. Expect to work longer hours and make the sacrifices necessary to display an extreme worth, that you are an asset to any company or prospect.

Expect this is well to be certain: Build your credit. Seriously, this is mega-super-important. No house, no car, no nothing unless you have credit history. Build it any way you can. Go see USC Credit Union before or after you graduate, they will give anyone that is part of the USC family the attention they deserve and answer all questions regarding this. You must have a credit card to help with your expenses in these early career years and it will actually help to be in a bit of debt. And believe me, that Debt will NOT last for long.

The future is bright and as a USC Graduate, you've got a good head start!