As the year winds to a close, many students are beginning to stress over finals and end of the year projects. While underclassmen get ready for summer, seniors are getting ready to face the real world.
Preparations are being made for seniors to bid adieu to Capital’s campus and move on to graduate school or into new jobs.
While some already have the next step of their life planned, there are others who have no clue what the future holds for them.
Nema Saleem, a senior and member of Pi Phi Epsilon, explained her plans for the next year and what she’s hoping to achieve after meeting her short term goals.
“My plans for next year are currently on hold. I am in the process of applying to Ursuline for Grad School for my Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling,” Saleem said. “If I don’t get in right away, that’s alright because I will try again. I’m very passionate about my goals.”
Like Saleem, many students are looking at the route of graduate school for their future plans. Kristen Foss, senior and employee in the Career Development office, gave her input on why graduate school is a good choice for some graduating seniors.
“Grad school offers you the opportunity to go into a job that requires further education. Not all jobs do but some today require a masters degree which will put you ahead of the pack,” Foss said.
If graduate school is not the route one is looking for, there are other options available to graduating students.
“It may not sound like the most glamorous, but students can choose to go back home to live with mom and dad,” Foss said.
“Before you scoff at me, think about it. You’re living rent-free and not paying for groceries. You can get a small job doing something else until you find the job for you. Plus you’ll save most of what you make.”
Finding a job is the other common path that students take when looking at plans after college.
Senior Brent Bowers is a Financial Economics and Marketing major who took the steps towards solidifying his post-college plans by searching for employment.
Bowers took advantage of the contacts he’s made the past four years of his college career and used his networking to find job openings that he could apply for.
After the search, he applied and was offered jobs with three different companies, but ultimately chose a position with Limited Brands as a Financial Analyst.
“For students that are approaching their senior year I suggest starting the job search early. Start making contact with companies as early as September, even if they aren’t looking to hire undergraduates till the spring,” Bowers said. “It is never a bad thing to be on a recruiters radar and show interest in advance of a job posting or the hiring process taking place.”
Many may be wondering where to begin looking for a job. Foss explains many different outlets in which students can search for employment opportunities.
“The big one on campus Crusader Careers. Easy Columbus also has some good postings,” Foss said.
“Whatever outlet you look through, try to make yourself stand out. Submit a cover letter and resume for EVERY job and make it personal for each one. Every little thing makes a difference.”
Graduating from college is an adventure, but a scary one. Stepping out into the real world takes a lot of preparation and confidence.
Saleem offered her last words of advice to upcoming seniors.
“Growing up is scary, no one necessarily wants to do it but so is life. Take others opinions but ultimately choose what you feel is best regarding your future!”
