On May 13, hundreds of students at the University of Idaho will walk across the stage at the Kibbie Dome, shake President Chuck Staben’s hand and receive their long-awaited diploma.
For many, the experience signifies the bittersweet end of an arduous and rewarding four-year journey. But for others, the ceremony can bring feelings of dread and uncertainty about the future.
Family and friends routinely pepper soon-to-be graduates with a barrage of questions concerning topics that range from prospective job offers to the realistic application of their degree choice. This can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who have yet to determine their life plans. In addition, this scenario can often bring about detrimental emotions such as panic and self-doubt, further hindering the career search.
Although many seniors have already met with potential employers, it’s important to remember to not judge someone as lazy or indolent because they have yet to line up a job.
Oftentimes, a student will accept the first occupational offer that comes his or her way, even if it has little to do with their passions or degree.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, it can sometimes be beneficial for students to wait until they can find a profession that aligns more with their interests. By doing this, graduates will be able to ensure a position at a company they will genuinely enjoy working for.
This approach also allows a graduate an opportunity to rest and recharge following a tedious academic career. Although many Vandals will look back at their time in Moscow with fondness, there’s little doubt that even the best of students can find themselves feeling burnt out following a wide assortment of exams and capstone projects.
On the flip side, students should also remain realistic about potential career opportunities. If several months have passed, it might be worthwhile to secure a short-term job in order to make ends meet, even if it is in a completely unrelated field.
No matter the plans after graduation, seniors should take a moment to recognize that speed in landing a job doesn’t always equal success in the workforce. Graduation is simply the beginning of a new journey in life and people should take one step at a time.
Josh Grissom can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @GoshJrissom