You are currently browsing the monthly archive for April, 2008.
Open up a newspaper, turn on the evening news, click open msn.com. It is all over the headlines. It is our current economic state, and the outlook does not look very promising. As of April 7, 2008 the U.S economy has lost 232,00 jobs and that is in just the first quarter of 2008. With the rising cost of living and the downward trend in the job market many graduates will be returning back to their parents homes in order to try and pay down some of their college loans and save money so that they at least have a chance of survival in the “real world”.
On the other hand some students will choose to remain in school in order to attain their masters degree. While there are some professions that require graduate degrees even for entry level positions ( for example: psychology) is it a good idea for other soon to be gradutes to stay in school? For example, should business majors continue and get their MBA first before getting any real job experience? Or should communication students continue and get their graduate degrees without any job experience? Or should they all stay and get their graduate degrees while they are young and independent? Are internships enough to compensate for real experience?
Coming from a student (me) who considered going to graduate school right out or undergrad, I am glad I waited. Research shows that most people who graduate higher education rarely get a job in what major they studied in college. I can attest to this statement as I studied journalism in undergrad and upon graduation went right into sports marketing. During my time spent in the sports industry I cannot say I really used any of my journalism skills I honed in my undergrad course work. Now, I always knew I wanted to go back and get my masters degree but in what changed like the wind. I looked into sports administration and then sports marketing then back to sports administration and then I even thought about getting my MBA. I am now 29 and I have left the sports industry. I am currently a full time graduate student in the journalism program here at Ball State. My advice to the graduating class of 08…go out there experiment with your job choices. Enjoy your 20s and then if you still desire the graduate degree go back. You will be much more marketable with experience (any) and a graduate degree.
Not sure how I did it, but somehow I’m only 12 days away from graduating from Ball State University! I BARELY SQUEEKED BY…not in terms of passing classes, but in terms of getting all the necessary requirements completed. At BSU, everyone is required to pass a writing competency exam before they are allowed to officially graduate. You have two chances to pass the exam but if you are unable to, you must take another English class to satisfy the requirement. Being the master procrastinator that I have evolved into, I OBVIOUSLY waited until the absolute last chance to take the exam. Mind you, you are able to take the exam as a junior so basically I have procrastinated for 2 years! Luckily, I passed, but soon after found out that you had to register for graduation. Register for graduation? Why would I have to do that? Doesn’t Ball State know that I want to graduate? I guess you were supposed to “register” back in September …so I’m only like a half a year late, no biggie!
Long story short, I’ve got all that behind me. I’ve passed the writing comp, I’m registered for graduation, and I finally bought my cap and gown. I AM READY.
It’s so cliche, but it really does seem like only yesterday that my parents moved me into Lafollette. I can remember every detail about my freshmen year. Being in a fraternity, I have always heard “it goes by fast, make every day count” whenever alumni would come back to town. Ignorantly, I would dismiss their remarks, but now I see exactly what they meant. It has gone by quickly, it seems like in a blink of an eye my college career has passed. I can’t believe its over.
Time to be a “big boy” now. It looks like I’m going to have two offers on the table by the end of the week. 401k plans? health benefits? LIFE INSURANCE? I dont even know what that stuff is! O well- here I come, watch out world!
Goodbye Ball State!
CHICAGO HERE I COME!
It’s that time of year, graduation! As seniors pick up their caps, gowns, announcements, and thank you cards, students of all grades begin to reflect on what their futures will hold. Seniors think of new job opportunities; juniors think of what it will be like when they graduate; and sophomores and freshmen think of how much they want to be seniors.
Graduation can be such a hectic time for the senior class. There is so much to do and remember. For instance, getting through finals, sending resumes, and thinking about where their lives will lead them next can make anyone go through life without stopping to take a break every now and again.
My advice is to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy being a senior and spending your last few weeks as a student. After all, this is the only time you will be an undergraduate. Speaking of enjoying yourself, seniors, have you thought about coming to the St.A.R.T. Senior Congrats Party?
The Senior Congrats “Fiesta” Party is one of the best (and last) ways to celebrate graduation here at Ball State. It is held at the Alumni Center on the Friday before Commencement. There will be the infamous Carter, Papa Johns, nachos, music, games, dancing, free t-shirts, give-a-ways, and did I mention FREE T-SHIRTS? This is one of the coolest parties on campus, everything is free, and it is just for you, senior class.
So, take my advice. Stop and smell the roses. Come out to the Senior Congrats party. Say goodbye to your friends, enjoy free stuff, and take advantage of what this great opportunity has to offer.
By: Arica T.
4.11.08
