By Taylor Green
Contributer
When it comes to preparing to graduate, communication disorders and Spanish major Allison Rodriguez-Brown, a senior said she feels prepared, but also sometimes not prepared at all.
“It’s like a rollercoaster,” Rodriguez-Brown said.
Communications disorders and Spanish major, Allison Rodriguez-Brown, a senior.
With Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 graduation right around the corner for senior Owls at the university, they must prepare to leave undergraduate life behind and take the plunge into post-graduation endeavors.
“As students approach the end of their undergraduate studies,” Rabia Hos, the dean of the school of graduate and professional studies said, “it’s essential to stay focused on continuing to solidify their academic goals and personal growth.”
Hos said senior students should ensure that they are on track for graduation and get the necessary support needed in “resume writing, networking, interviewing and exploring their options on the job market” through the Office of Career and Professional Development.
The fourth Student Voice survey from 2023, conducted by Inside Higher Ed in collaboration with College Pulse, surveyed 3,000 college students across 144 institutions about life after college.
They found that 24% of students surveyed were definitely decided on a career post-college, and 5% did not have any potential career in mind.
With the help of services at the university such as the Office of Career and Professional Development, finding careers and building resumes to assist in carving the future path of students is easier with their guidance.
If students are unsure with what they want for their future career, or struggle in opportunities, they have support systems backing them to help guide their way to success.
Hos said students should not wait for opportunities to come but actively pursue them.
Rodriguez-Brown said she is excited to graduate; she is one of many other Owls graduating in Spring 2025.
“I love Southern,” Rodriguez-Brown said. “I’m gonna come back, but I love being an undergraduate.”
As for her post-graduation plans, she wants to get married and then attend the university once more to further her knowledge of communication disorders in graduate school.
“I’m applying to graduate school now,” Rodriguez-Brown said. “Hopefully I get in.”
Although she said she plans on deferring a year to make and save money, she is looking forward to beginning her future communication disorders graduate program, which is one of over 100 graduate school programs that the university offers.
Computer science major Mitchell DeCesare, a senior, is also planning to achieve further education after finishing up and graduating in Fall 2024.
“After I find a full time role that would pay for further education,” DeCesare said, “I will go back to college for my master’s degree.”
DeCesare said he is almost prepared to graduate this semester. Although, he said with his part-time job, five classes, and capstone project, it is overwhelming.
English major Lydia Sekscenski, a senior, is also graduating alongside DeCesare after the Fall 2024 semester ends.
“I feel pretty good about my prospects for after graduation,” Sekscenski said. “I think it’s just a matter of finishing strong and then seeing what’s out there.”
Sekscenski spent two and a half years at the university, and with graduation approaching rapidly, she said she is excited to have some spare time to enjoy herself.
“Winter going into spring, I’m gonna have a little bit more time to get out there and meet with people I love,” Sekscenski said. “All the while, I’m gonna be looking for work.”
While Sekscenski searches for employment post-graduation, she said she will enjoy spending time with her family, and even brushing up her Jeopardy skills with her newly free time.
According to Hos, not all undergraduate student degrees will lead to further education in graduate school.
With the help of School of Graduate and Professional Studies staff, they will help guide students on the right track to “make informed decisions and achieve any and all academic and professional goals.”
With support from faculty, senior students like Rodriguez-Brown, DeCesare and Sekscenski can finish their final semesters off strong in preparation for graduation and their future endeavors as alumni.
“I am very excited to graduate,” DeCesare said. “It would be nice to finally be done with school for now.”
