Graduation may seem like a long ways away, but May will be here sooner then you know it. In the blink of an eye, winter break will be here, and next semester is when the countdown officially begins: five months, four months, three months, two months, one month, one week, three days, and finally graduation. Anyone overwhelmed by the just the idea of graduation and what happens after? If so, then you are not alone, because for most of the graduating class this realization of entering the real world has not settled in yet. That happens around February or March.
Even though none of us really are ready to start thinking about graduating and the real world, now is a great time to start preparing for that moment. Some of you may wonder about what is there really to prepare for? You graduate, you find a job, and real life begins. Sadly, it takes a little bit more effort, especially in this economy; preparation is key. The best place to start would be to consider where you would like to end up in the future (something you should have been considering these past four years).
If your goal is to obtain a position in which you are paid for your abilities (a.k.a a JOB), start looking into perspective positions right now. Sometimes it takes months for people to contact you about a particular position. However, if you send in your resume and a cover letter before graduation, those available positions will know you are interested in employment (and aren’t we all?). The second point to be made is that this is the time to update your resumes and learn how to write cover letters and thank you notes. Take advantage of the different services on this campus (while you are still here) to perfect these documents that potential employers judge you off of. First impressions are important (just in case you missed last week’s editorial).
Senior year is also a good time to look into graduate programs, if graduate school seems to be in your future. Take this year as a time to study for the GRE’s, get some recommendations, and apply to various programs that peak your interests. If this is your plan, start early and do not procrastinate. Some graduate programs have early admissions deadlines and very specific requirements as to the application process. Give your teachers and advisors time to write you a recommendation instead of asking them a week before it is due to write you one. I don’t think they would appreciate being rushed, especially because they are essentially doing you a favor.
Lastly, senior year is also the year to make sure you are on track and will officially graduate in January or May. It is important to make sure that all of your credits are in and you aren’t missing anything important that cannot be accomplished in the upcoming two semesters. And remember class of 2012, if you are graduating in January, petition to graduate is October 15, and if you are graduating in May, petition to graduate is November 15. So please get that paper work in and signed. There is no reason to be left out on graduation day.
