After College: Navigating Transitions, Relationships, and Faith

by Erica Young Reitz

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514011195
Publisher:	IVP
Publication date:	02/18/2025
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256

About the Author

Erica Young Reitz is the founder of After College Transition, an organization that helps practitioners (higher education professionals, church leaders, and college ministers) equip students to thrive after college. Her experience working with college students includes teaching advanced writing at The Pennsylvania State University and campus ministry with the CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach), directing Senior EXIT. She holds an MA in higher education from Geneva College with a research focus on the senior year transition, and her writing has appeared in publications including Christianity Today and Relevant. Erica serves as a leadership development specialist for Bartell and Bartell, helping individuals and teams uplevel their leadership and unleash their organizational potential. Erica lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Craig, and their two children.

Erica Young Reitz is the founder of After College Transition, an organization that helps practitioners (higher education professionals, church leaders, and college ministers) equip students to thrive after college. Her experience working with college students includes teaching advanced writing at The Pennsylvania State University and campus ministry with the CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach), directing Senior EXIT. She holds an MA in higher education from Geneva College with a research focus on the senior year transition, and her writing has appeared in publications including Christianity Today and Relevant. Erica serves as a leadership development specialist for Bartell and Bartell, helping individuals and teams uplevel their leadership and unleash their organizational potential. Erica lives in central Pennsylvania with her husband, Craig, and their two children.

Table of Contents

Author's Note
Why This Book?
Part I: Real Faith: Faithful to Christ
1. "Go to an Unknown Land": Trusting a Familiar God for Unfamiliar Times
2. In Transition: Embracing Change
3. Stronger Than You Think: Facing Life's Trials
4. From Fear and Indecision to Freedom: Making God-Honoring Choices
Part II: Real Life: Faithful to Community
5. Beyond the Quad: Finding Friends
6. No Perfect Church: Choosing Community
7. The Discipleship of Diversity: Welcoming the Other
8. Family Matters: Relating to Parents and Guardians
9. Twentysomething Relationships: Navigating Sex, Dating, Singleness, and Marriage
Part III: Real World: Faithful to Our Calling
10. On Purpose: Stewarding Every Area of Our Lives for Kingdom Good
11. A Faith that Works: Adjusting to Our Jobs, Connecting Them to Christ
12. Financial Faithfulness: Stewarding Money with Wisdom and Generosity
Conclusion: "The Land Is Good": Trusting a Constant God for Dynamic Times
Acknowledgments
Notes