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Like many recent graduates, I envisioned my senior year going very differently. I imagined more days filled with walks around a lively campus, soaking in all the remaining moments of undergrad. However, sometimes what we imagine doesn't go as planned, and we must adjust.
What About Those Graduates?
The last time I was a student in a physical classroom was Fall of 2019. I was preparing to leave for a study abroad in Montpellier, France, and was excited to live in a new place. My focus at the time was getting my visa, classes, and learning a crash course in French. I did not think about what I would be returning to or how things would've changed.
Fast forward to March of 2020; my program got canceled. Returning home uncertain of the future, I felt stressed thinking of postgraduate life. I was thankful to have time to figure out what life would look like in our new virtual reality.
No sugar coating here; it was a challenging year. I could not naturally speak to peers over a discussion prompt or even what they did over the weekend. There were an endless sea of black screens, and I was one of them.
There were benefits to virtual learning such as no walking to a class in the snow or forgetting a notebook at home. Additionally, it was difficult managing coursework and not connecting with peers. The pandemic's most notable change to my learning was the feeling of isolation in the classroom.
From Zoom University to The Office
When I graduated, finding opportunities took a lot of work. The entry-level roles I was interested in required years of experience and I felt stuck. I met with my college advisor and cried while explaining how tough it was to enter the industry.
I went on to find the Boundaryless program. An advertising agency experience where I regained my confidence and excitement in Marketing. I was lucky to work alongside a team of incredibly smart peers and mentors. From that experience, I was fortunate to land my first job and begin my journey in the Marketing industry.
Even though I found a job, there were many challenges to navigating the transition to the workforce. While in my job search, LinkedIn was a constant reminder of how behind I felt. I would see my peers and people in their network excited about accepting a new internship or job. Yet, no one talked about the process. I wondered, “How will I know what the right job for me is?”
With time I have learned that everyone is figuring it out as they go. What might work now could change in a matter of months or even weeks. With that reality, I remembered the advice I received from my mentor Vanessa. She taught me that wherever I applied, I would be interviewing them just as much as they were interviewing me. That was the first time that I felt I had power. I was encouraged to seek a job that would help me learn and grow. And a year post-graduation, I try to share this perspective with every soon-to-be graduate.
Recently I have noticed, people are far more open about rejection they experience in their career than before. I am happy that there are increasing numbers of people who see the value of sharing their journey. I hope that sharing my experience helps even just one student transitioning out of college.
Wherever you are in your journey, you should be proud. It is easy to look at what is yet to attain or accomplish. However, this year, post-graduation, there is so much that I have learned and wish to share with soon-to-be graduates. The most important thing is to give yourself grace. It is not easy to graduate during a pandemic, and it doesn't matter if it takes you 3 years or 5.
To the Class of 2022
Network
Your classmates are a great way to start building your network. They can offer you information and perspectives that are invaluable. As you build confidence, search if your school has an alumni network. Connecting with alum from the Maroon and Gold network improved my ability to communicate my experience and goals.
Find a mentor
Find a mentor that will cheer you on, challenge you, and teach you that you are never done learning. Having a mentor was what solidified my love of brand strategy. My mentor showed a genuine interest in building me up, which created a hunger to learn everything I could.
You got this!
Wherever you are on your journey, give yourself grace as you navigate through entering the workforce. It’s not easy to graduate during a pandemic; I encourage you to try new opportunities even if they might not have been part of your original plan. And remember, even if you don’t hear back from that job or internship, that you will find your place.
