Senior year began like every other year. I attended my classes, got organized, bought my textbooks, and even started my readings. Everything about college was going off without a hitch and I finally felt like I mastered the “back-to-school” routine. However, what I was not prepared for was Business Horizons. What I was not prepared for was thinking beyond college and considering a career.
The career fair snuck up on me this year. I was caught off guard by the early date and resume drop deadlines on Hokies4Hire. Suddenly, I was being forced to really think beyond my coursework school assignments and instead how my coursework applies directly to the “real world.” I began to ask myself, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Because asking this question allowed me to narrow down the companies to visit at Business Horizons and also gave me a better idea of what lies ahead post-graduation. I had to begin to consider my future options, the important stakeholders of my decisions, possible opportunities, as well as my own needs/desires following graduation. None of these factors are easy to identify and match-up with one decision!
Even though, I am a highly planned and future-oriented person, I am still reeling with considering life after college. I have been doing a slew of interviews (5 in one week!) and have been fortunate to receive call backs and invitations to company on-site visits and interviews. However, I am still feeling uncertain of my own path, what I really want to be “doing” with my life. Originally, I planned to take a year off after college to teach English in Japan, but the way the economy has tanked recently has made me truly consider putting off such plans. I’ve seemed to have traded-in my dreams of fun and travel for that of a dark suit and office space, literally overnight.
But, it all depends on your outlook. Getting a job after graduation is not a bad decision, many of my colleagues are doing just that and are eager to do so. I was too until my internship this summer gave me a heaping dose and glimpse of the next 40-50 years of my life working! Now, I’m struggling to decide what is best for me. I would recommend to anyone else grappling with the same situation to do your homework. I am still pursuing both avenues post-graduation: teaching English in Japan or working full-time. I am researching top-ranked companies that fit my requirements and desires as well as attending company info sessions and interviews. I am keeping my options open and not narrowing down my path just yet. I’m hoping one day soon, the right company or decision will become apparent with how the future unfolds, but only time will tell.
Melissa
