Graduation Preparation

With the semester almost over, seniors are getting ready to move on to the next stage of their lives. This is true for high school seniors as well, so for my post this week, I went around and asked seniors if they had any advice for the incoming freshman. I got a ton of answers and then asked some freshmen which ones they thought would have been the most helpful to know at the start of the year. After all of the voting here is the top five pieces of advice:

1. Don’t wear a Lanyard. You look like a freshman.
2. Buy Books on Amazon.
3. Bring your ID everywhere.
4. Make sure you prepare for the PRT to be broke down.
5. Take advantage of drink specials or you will go broke.

This is my news feed from the last two days. As someone who finished all undergraduate classes yesterday at 5:30, I feel their joy/fear.

“I’m sitting in my last college class ever! WAH!”

“finally done :D”

“LAST UNDERGRAD DEAD WEEK IS OVER!”

“Just finished my last undergraduate class ever.”

“I just finished my last day of undergraduate classes!!!”

We are the college generation. And we are confused.

From a young age I was encouraged by my parents to pursue a higher education.  It wasn’t until I moved to Morgantown, WV that I was introduced to what higher education could mean- huge lectures, a totally different economic structure, and thousands of people in the age bracket that children want to be and adults often wish they still were.

I, like many of my peers, never questioned if I would attend a university.  I wanted to be a journalist since I was five and looking through my father’s National Geographic collection.

I was in luck, and escaped relatively debtless compared to many of my peers thanks to the PROMISE scholarship.

I have one friend who estimates she will be over $75,000 dollars in debt. And that doesn’t factor in other loans her parents have taken out.

The college debt crisis is a hot button issue right now.

But it isn’t the only issue facing those of us graduating in the coming weeks (or even months).  The economy is poor and the job market is its starving child.

We are moving back in with our parents. And it’s frightening but financially necessary.

When I complained about the 9 dollars in my checking account and my lack of shampoo (don’t worry, I’m going to walmart tonight, promise) my cousin’s response was

“That’s why all my friends who have graduated

are living with their parents,

if we didn’t we would not be eating or bathing.”

I’m moving back in with my parents. And I’m hardly alone.

How do you go from being in an independent environment where you controlled your eating habits, sleeping habits, social habits, and reverse to an environment that is unknown best and dangerously traversed at worst?

There are lots of tips out there- help with the housework. Pay any rent you can. Contribute in the kitchen. Constantly show appreciation.

But dude. My little sister has my old room. Displacement is a rough feeling to embrace along with failure. And I’m not a failure; I’ve been accepted to graduate school and I am still working freelance jobs.

But it feels like failure.  We’ve followed the path laid out for us for success.  Get good grades in high school. Go to college. Work. Get internships. Graduate.

The next step is supposed to be “Get a Job.”  But studies show that college graduates are just as likely as high school dropouts to suffer from to long term unemployment.

We are the generation of adult children. But don’t worry, it will all work out.

One of the scariest aspects of graduating college is wondering if you picked the right career path. I’m sure all of us are guilty of second guessing our choices at one time or another. In fact, I’m not completely sure I’ll end up working in the journalism field due to the fact that there are a number of other things that spark my interest. When the Oregonian’s social media coordinator, Ali Manzano came to speak to our class, I asked why she didn’t pursue the path of broadcast news. She told me that you have to be very passionate about pursuing broadcast journalism because it’s a job that requires you to start out small. After doing a great deal of research, I found out what she meant by that. For the most part, all entry level jobs are located across the country and you barely make any money starting out.

Through my own efforts and a little advice, I have found that choosing your career shouldn’t be based solely on the degree you have, but rather on your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Not too long ago, I had a much needed phone conversation with one of my good friends, Jessica McClure who is now a pharmaceutical sales representative in Vero Beach, Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2003 with a degree in music, but decided to take a different career path. “I knew I loved to sing and play music, but I didn’t realize until I was almost out of school that I couldn’t make a solid career out of it.” Since then, she has taken on many responsibilities including owning a flower shop and being a full time mom. “There are so many opportunities that await you with a four year degree. Don’t settle on a career because it’s what you studied in college. Do what you love because that’s what’s most important and you’ll know when you discover it.”

I found her advice very important because the spot for a place in this world has been a huge weight on my shoulders lately. It’s hard to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. I’ve been applying to some local radio stations because I enjoy it and it’s in the realm of my field, but I haven’t forgotten about my interest in possibly going into real estate. If you’re having the same thoughts and just want a little guidance, take a self assessment test. It helped me generate a list of professions I might want to consider. However, this isn’t the only option you have. Speak to a career counselor at the career services department. They can assist you with career counseling, career fair tips, letter writing, the interview process, and what alternatives you can take on with your degree.

If you’re graduating within the next couple of weeks, here is a look at what a journalism degree might have in store for you.

We all strive to stand out in some way to professional employers, but how can you do that with someone you’ve never met?

I’ll give you a good example. Both of my parent’s suggested I start building a relationship with their neighbor, Jennifer Waugh who is the evening anchor for the Jacksonville News Station. Before I was ever introduced to Jen, I had to build up the courage to call her and schedule a time to meet with her in person. This wasn’t easy, but I gained a lot of insight by taking time out of my day to meet with her. I realized how important it is to build a relationship rather than just build a contact. Having a diverse family of colleagues gives you confidence and lets other people know their career advice is meaningful to you. If someone is willing to share, be willing to listen. I truly benefited from the experience because she took the time to stay in touch after we met. She gave me suggestions on ways to beef up my resume tape and what markets I may want to apply to after graduation. Receiving guidance from someone who has been in the business over twenty years was an opportunity that I’m grateful for.

So now you ask.. How do you maintain professional conversations with someone who may not live within driving distance? (I was on Christmas break when this happened).

Whether you write someone a letter or an email, it’s important to keep in touch. Don’t just pop up when you need something but look for ways to assist people. This gives you a chance to show them your character rather than just your skills. Reciprocity is the key to any sustainable network.

Join LinkedIn so you can keep tabs on your inner circle of contacts. This will allow you to receive automatic updates on a company or individual. It’s also a way for potential employers to contact you and view your resume without having to ask for it.

There’s nothing wrong with establishing a connection with someone over Facebook or Twitter. In fact, it led me to an interview. My only advice is to be relaxed about it. Try to remember that these people were once in your shoes.

Arrange a meeting to convene with virtual colleagues so they can put a name to a face. Yes, you may have your picture where they can see, but nothing is as telling or effective as seeing the other person and being able to hear their voice. (My brother recently had an interview over skype!)

One last thing to remember! Be polite. I’m not just talking about saying thank you. When you’re exchanging words over the internet, ask people about themselves rather than telling them about you. If you show a general interest in people, it will make you appear more professional because you appreciate what others have to say. If you find something you have in common, that’s potential leverage you have over someone else.

Some of us have been a little stressed lately about Job Hunting and our Futures (read:I’ve been stressed).

Stress is ridiculous in college.  Not that it isn’t for everyone else.  But studies show that college students tend to get less sleep than is recommended and to have high rates of suicide and depression.

There are places at most universities, including our own, that aim to help students cope with the stress of college through counseling.

But there are some things you can do on your own.  After asking a few of my fellow graduating seniors their best coping mechanisms we came up with this list.

• We eat. Now, I’m not suggesting you constantly stress eat like I do (hellllooo bikini season, my old nemesis).  But indulging in that Hersey Sundae Pie on the way to class isn’t going to kill you. That Home-style Mac and Cheese isn’t going to destroy your figure. Yet.  Food makes us feel better.  Just listen to Roseanne.

• Laugh a little. Watch a funny video on youtube.  Watch your favorite comedian.  Watch a romantic comedy. Something that takes your mind off the stress for a second and makes you giggle is never a bad choice.
• Take an hour and enjoy a hobby. If you are a stress baker, bake.  If you are a outdoors person, go for a hike.  If you are a book worm, read something outside of required reading.  If you are a lazy bum like me, nap in the sun.  That hour can give you perspective and clear your head for the rest of the day’s stress.
• Go for a Run. Though I’m amazingly out of shape, even I will agree that at times physical activity is the best way to overcome stress. There is scientific proof that exercise makes you feel better.  And lets be honest, no one ever said “I really regret that run I just took.”
• Call Someone. Call your mom to chat about home. Call your best friend to vent about your stress. Call someone who will talk about completely unrelated things. Social interaction can help you work through your stress and reevaluate.

What are your best stress relievers? What have you used to cope throughout college and in recent weeks as we inch towards graduation?

For the last 4 years, Natalie Burton has called Morgantown home. She is packed up here stuff 4 years ago and left here home country of Australia to come to WVU and play basketball. Now with only a couple weeks remaining, I caught up with the senior Mountaineer to talk about her plans for the future.

Whats your plan for after graduation?

I plan on finding a job in the states and working full time here for at least 2 years.

What was the transition like coming from Australia to West Virginia?

It was a culture shock at first. Everything is so different; the people, the food, the schoolwork. It took me about 5 months to feel comfortable over here.

Why did you come to WVU?

Mostly for basketball. The opportunities to develop as a player back home are very limited. Basketball is a lot bigger over here so there are so many opportunities. I also wanted to get my education at the same time. I had always wanted to travel too.

Do you think its was easier or harder being an athlete?

In some aspects it was easier. We have so many resources available to us, like tutors and academic advisers. But at the same time basketball took up so much of my time, its so hard to juggle school work, basketball and have a social life.

How has WVU prepared you for after graduation?    

I will be coming away with a degree from a recognizable and distinguished institution. The wide ranges of classes that have been available has given me a broad knowledge base which will be very useful in my career. The strong alumni following that WVU has will also help me with developing my career.

What advise would you give to your fellow seniors about getting ready for the big day?

Enjoy the last few weeks of college while you can!

The choice of furthering your education can leave many students indecisive due to the fact that many are ready to close their books and move on. In fact, I’m in that poll. However, attending graduate school for some students is crucial for where they ultimately see themselves down the road. Having a purpose as to why you want to go to graduate school is so much better than going because you have no other plans. I know many of you are stuck on the bench about what to do, so I’ve interviewed WVU graduate assistant, Corey Preece about his experiences since being accepted into graduate school and how he plans to apply it to his career path. So before filling out your application, be sure to read over these questions because they may better prepare you or even change your mind.

What are the demands of graduate school?

“The demands of graduate school vary on what your responsibilities include. I’m a graduate assistant here at the journalism school and while I have my degree covered by the university, I also work 20 hours a week for the school.”

Is it what you expected it to be and would you recommend it to other students?

“The course work is very different from undergrad classes. For one the focus is on research, reading, and writing. So instead of taking a variety of different classes with varied subjects, the courses help you learn how to research topics, write your thesis, and ultimately (and hopefully) publish your findings. I think students who are good in the classroom, have a solid work ethic, and genuinely want learn more and strengthen their resume without hitting the job market just yet should definitely look into graduate school.”

What has it taught you and how do you plan to apply it?

“It’s taught me to be disciplined in my studies and my time. Gone are the days of lounging after school or work, I have to carve out time to work on my thesis and actually create time for research and writing, instead procrastinating about it. Time management is hugely important and I believe I can use that in any line of employment I find myself in.”

Is the atmosphere highly competitive?
“I wouldn’t necessarily say highly competitive. You aren’t exactly competing against one another as much as you are challenging yourself. When you have a 90-page paper to write that has to include some intense research and substantial and verifiable findings to be considered acceptable, it can be challenging.”

What are the advantages of attending graduate school? Disadvantages?

“I think the advantages of grad school are that you get to have hands-on experience in research and in some circumstances teaching and administrative work. But the biggest advantage is putting your experience and degree on your resume. Experience and extra education in the job market right now and any opportunity you have to separate yourself from your competitors is always a good thing. Some disadvantages are you aren’t really able to focus on your career and be in graduate school at the same time. For older students in the program they kind of have to balance life and school but for younger students it is a lot easier.”

Lastly, do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about graduate school?

“If you are thinking about graduate school you should really look at different schools that offer the program you want to gain your master’s degree in. Some schools have a better reputation for some areas of education and others maybe not so much. But it’s a great way to boost your resume, gain invaluable experience in developing a strong work ethic, and it’s another two years of college. And that can’t be a bad thing.”