By Alexa Slenders
It is hard to stay focused this late in the semester as a senior; the weather is getting colder and finals are just around the corner. There are so many things running through my mind, I have to study, create a portfolio, apply for jobs, and try to get this all finished before I go home to answer my family’s dreaded questions of “So what are your plans after graduating?”
The truth is, I don’t know yet and that’s okay. My friend in the business school seem like they have it all figured out and I’m trying to catch up. It’s hard not to think about all of the stress that is ahead: finding new jobs, sending out an application, interviewing, and all while trying to enjoy my last year of college before it’s too late.
Here’s my advice, take a breath. Don’t be worried about what your friends are doing when it comes to the job hunt because you need to take it at your own pace and not compare your journey to theirs. Also, don’t forget about all of the amazing resources we have here on campus to find a career. The SMU Hegi center helps you find a job that fits your career goals as well as helps with cover letters, resumes, and trains you for interviews too.
If you set up mini goals for yourself every month then you will find your transition into the real world less challenging and stressful. Find a job that is right for you and not one that you think your friends or family will be most impressed with because truth is, at the end of the school year you are the only one who will wake up every morning and report to work so choose something that you will enjoy and take pride in.
When I think about graduation it’s hard to believe it will be here so soon. It feels like just last month I was moving into my dorm room in Boaz, getting ready with my friends for my first ever boulevard, and preparing for sorority rush. When I look back at my time spent in college it makes me happy to know I made the most out of my time here and created memories that I will think about until I’m well into my 60s. I’m anxious but excited to see what is next for me and I feel that SMU has prepared me well for the real world.
