TRUE LIFE: I’m a Graduating Co-ed

[Sigh] lately I find myself slowly adjusting to the fact that life around the grassy knoll, aka “the Oval,” as I know it will soon come to an end. Then reality hits me and I realize that with GRE testing, grad school apps and semester internships I’ll soon feel the déjà vu of my senior year, in high school, and I don’t know where to begin to prepare for life after Spelman!!!

Grad School OR Bust

Like college after high school, grad school is often seen as the next step following life as an undergrad. But don’t base the success of your desired career choice on whether or not you decide to further your education. Take me for example, as an aspiring Journalist my success really boils down to gained experience rather than how many degrees I can accumulate.

Tests, Tests, Tests!!!

GRE, MCAT, LSAT. If you are considering graduate, medical or law school you are once again faced with testing requirements needed to enter these institutions. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, like the ACT and SAT, these tests come with study guides, sponsored courses and more to help assist you with successfully getting a high score!   

Saying Goodbye…

Throughout your college career you have come to know those you now call friends, developed professional relationships and maybe even some personal ones. As you get ready to leave one phase and embark upon the next journey of your life, look at this not as the time to say goodbye, but rather see you later.

What’s Next?

Co-eds only you can answer this question; in all honesty, I cannot fully answer this question for myself. As a graduating senior, my advice to you is to do what you find you’re truly passionate about and always be sure to follow your dreams!

Cry, laugh and celebrate these last moments and remember be happy, be healthy and always stay classy!

Preparing for the Job Search Now: Tips for the Savvy Co-Ed

It’s no secret that the economy isn’t great.  (As a recent graduate, I have first-hand knowledge of this!)  As the summer reaches the point where we’re about to get bored, there are things you can do to fill your time now, no matter what stage in your college career to adequately prepare you for getting a “big girl job.”

Here are some ideas from someone currently in the middle of her job search:

• Update your resume. Make sure your resume is up-to-date with all your academic accomplishments, campus involvement and leadership activities, and work-related and volunteer experience.  If you don’t have a lot of work-related experience, include a list of relevant skills and courses related to your intended career.  When you have a completed, updated resume, take it to your campus career center or send it to a professor or mentor to look over.  The more qualified eyes you have look it over and give you suggestions, the better!

• Read, read, read. Read everything and anything you can get your hands on about your chosen career field, current events and professionals in the field, and the job search in general so you are prepared and knowledgeable.  When you can walk into an interview prepared, you look exceptionally qualified to your future employer, and you can learn about what you will need to be successful in your future career.

• …But don’t let yourself get boring. Read for fun, too!  Asking what your favorite book is or the book you’re currently reading is an excellent interview question, and you should have something brilliant and interesting as your answer.  Check out Samantha’s Summer Reading List for some great ideas.  Additionally, stay up-to-date on current events in case it is brought up in an interview as well.  Learn everything you can about the world around you!  It makes you a more well rounded person and essentially, a more well rounded employee.

• Set up informational interviews. Informational interviews can be a great way to network and learn a lot about a career field.  Find a professional in your area and either call or email them to see if you can set up an informational interview for about a half hour.  People love to talk about themselves, so don’t be timid!  When you go in, make sure you have questions prepared for them about their job and how they got there.  This can inspire you for how to go about your future job search!  Make sure to dress professionally to make a good impression, and make sure to follow up with a thank you note.  Who knows where a simple informational interview could end up!  Informational interviews could open up many new possibilities.

• Volunteer. If you don’t have a summer job or internship, spend your time volunteering!  Find an organization in your community that you feel passionate about and find a way to contribute.  This looks great on a resume and can give you some great experience.  It’s a great way to network.  You never know who you will meet volunteering!  Additionally, if you eventually want to work for a non-profit or philanthropic organization, volunteering can give you an in that could lead to a paid position.

Taking the time now to know what you want out of your career and to solidify your goals now is so beneficial for your future!  While the job search can definitely be difficult and scary, it can also be exciting.  Getting started now and making specific goals will make entering the real world a lot less scary, believe me.  : )

Karen Woods is a recent graduate of Millikin University with a degree in Theatre and Communication and a proud member of Delta Delta Delta.  She is currently on the job hunt and wishing she had taken some of her own advice!