Graduating can be scary. Once you move the tassel over to the left side of your cap, you’ve officially entered the real world. Now, you have a sudden obligation to use your new degree and networking skills to find a career that best interests you and that will meet and/or exceed your financial needs to pay off your student loans. If any part of the aforementioned scenario gave you anxiety or if you’re now concerned about your quickly approaching future, then welcome to Post–Grad 101. The following tips are for you.
Senior mass communication major and photography minor Shannon Simmons shared her experience thus far with preparing to head into the real world.
“After I graduate, I plan on going straight into the field working as a journalist. I’m very passionate about journalism, and I want to pursue a career as a digital journalist. I want to create photo and video content, especially for online platforms and social media,” Simmons said.
Simmons was able to intern with SCETV last summer where she gained real world experience and applied what she had been learning in her classes.
“I was a part of their summer endowment program. I worked with the digital content team, and I loved it. I was able to cover local topics and produce video stories for their website. I also got to document the whole experience with weekly blogs I wrote. Now I’m currently interning with Search Solution Group as a PR and social media assistant. I just started this internship, but I’ve already learned a lot in my first few days. Even though this is more of a marketing position, I think it’s going to help me as a journalist. Also, I’ve been heavily involved with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ),” Simmons said.
Simmons has been taking steps to ready herself for life after graduation.
“To get ready for post–graduation, I’ve been updating my resume and my online portfolio. Also, I’ve been trying to reconnect with different professionals I’ve met over the years, and I’ve been searching and applying to as many jobs as I can,” Simmons said.
Juggling being a full time student and trying to prepare for when she leaves Winthrop has been a bit of a struggle for Simmons.
“So far my biggest issue has been trying to balance all of my responsibilities this semester. I’m still taking a full load of classes including an internship while working part-time. It’s been really hard for me to dedicate the time I need to all of these job applications and networking events. Also, it can be a little discouraging when I don’t hear back at all from a place that I’ve applied to. To deal with this problem, I’ve just been trying to keep myself motivated. I know that everything will work out on its own. On top of that, I really try and take everything one step at a time and just not overthink the process.”
Senior finance major Annabeth Harris shared how she’s preparing for post–graduation and her future career as a certified financial planner.
“I have to get more experience before I can before I can be a CFP, so I’m planning on starting out in a job related to that,” Harris said.
Harris has already secured a job for when she graduates. In the meantime, she is focusing on her classes to be certain she’s ready for her job.
“I’m currently in a financial planning internship at Burkett Financial Services here in Rock Hill. I have a job already that will start in June, so right now I’m just trying to learn all I can from my classes so I can be better prepared for my job after graduation.”
Simmons and Harris also shared some helpful tips for any underclassmen that are concerned about post graduation.
“My first tip is to join a professional organization within your field and get active. There are ao many great networking opportunities for students, but it’s all about putting yourself out there. My second tip is to truly make the most out of your school projects. Don’t do it just to get a grade. The projects we take on in class are just as relevant and important as projects done by professional companies. I would encourage every student to take all of their work seriously because that is the first thing you’ll show potential employers when you are looking for a job,” Simmons said.
“Being a part of organizations like BCM and FYE have been the best experiences during my time at Winthrop. They have really shaped who I am now, so I would tell any underclassmen preparing for graduation to be as involved as you can on campus. The skills and experiences you learn in organizations like those are what will give you leadership experience, prepare you for the real world and also give you the best memories,” Harris said.
For more help preparing for post–graduation, students can also visit Winthrop’s Career and Civic Engagement Center, located in Crawford, for resources such as mock interviews, résumé editing and assistance finding internships and jobs.
