As the fall semester begins, some students are preparing for the first classes of their college career, while others are facing their last tests, lectures and student football season as they prepare to graduate.
For some of these students, the idea of “growing up” may seem overwhelming. However, Auburn offers many avenues to graduating seniors to help ease the shock of facing the real world.
“The idea of graduating can be daunting for some students,” Phyllis Bickers, a career counselor for Auburn’s Career Services program, said. “But, students should be aware that there are so any programs their tuition pays for that, if they take advantage of, can really help them out.”
Before students begin worrying about jobs and transitions, however, they should be aware of a few things that must be completed before they can graduate.
“In general, there are three things every student must complete for graduation,” Susan Herren, an academic advisor in the College of Business, said. “Students must complete a diploma application, graduation credit check and register for graduation. All of these things can be completed through the student’s department with advisors.”
According to Herren, students should begin preparing for graduation well in advance.
“Students should see their advisors at least once a year to keep up with what is coming up,” Herren said. “Some departments require students to come in every semester. That’s not a bad idea to follow. However, at very least, students should make sure to see their advisor before their final semester to ensure they are not missing any classes and to complete all the appropriate paperwork.”
Once students are set up to graduate, they should begin to address life after graduation.
Whether a graduate will face grad-school, a new job or some time off, being as prepared as possible will make the transition easier.
“Students wanting to go to grad-school should approach it much like they did with undergrad,” Herren said. “All graduate programs I am aware of have some form of entrance exam.”
Students should take these exams at latest the summer between their junior and senior year. Also, students should begin researching their programs at least during their junior year so they can begin applying as soon as they start into senior year.”
Students opting to move straight into a career should contact Career Services as soon as they desire to begin job hunting.
“If students can begin looking for a job a full semester or two before graduation, there is a very good chance a job can be waiting for them when they graduate,” Bicker said.
“Juniors who come to the career expo held in Haley Center in the spring have a great opportunity to start networking and find out what types of positions they are interested in and what jobs and internships are available,” Bicker said.
Career Services offers all areas of professional assistance.
Whether students desire personal feedback or just a few online pointers Career Services can help.
Resume advice and guidelines, interview practice and job listings for entry level positions are all available and free to full time students.
“Career Services seems like an amazing program,” Sara Johnson, a recent summer graduate in accounting, said. “I wish I had known about all they offered earlier, then maybe I wouldn’t still be looking for a job.”
No matter what a student hopes to accomplish after graduation, the best course of action is to become prepared and informed as early as possible about the services Auburn has to offer, and what these services can do to help prepare for the future.
