As many seniors prepare themselves for graduation and what lies beyond, it is interesting to know what prompted some to come to this Historically Black College/University (HBCU)?for their educations.
Having passed several famous alumni – from former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden and NBA player Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, to Louise Smith (she helped form the first kindergarten program in North Carolina) and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan – WSSU is an institution to inspire people in multiple arenas.
So now, the question must be asked: What is the next step for these soon-to-be WSSU graduates?
There are some instances in which a person graduates without knowing what he or she is going to do next. The main thing is to not panic or stress yourself out.
“I think it’s great when students graduate knowing what they want to do,” said Marilyn Roseboro, WSSU internship coordinator. “But if you’re not there yet, don’t despair; look for some opportunities and internships.”
Some students plan to attend graduate school, to continue their educations in a given field of study.
“I plan on going directly to graduate school to get my master’s in Law and International Relations,” said WSSU senior and political science/economic major Merid Fetahi.
Still, as many students and faculty will attest, just having a college degree is not enough to get a job.
“A lot of students come out of school with a college degree thinking that jobs will just be thrown at them,” Fetahi commented. “All it shows is that you graduated college. It doesn’t prove that you’re qualified for that particular job.”
“You have to put yourself out there and show your marketable skills,” Fetahi said. “Don’t ask what the employer can do for you, but what you can do for the employer.”
Above all else, graduates should search for jobs they truly enjoy and have a passion for.
“Go with your heart,” Roseboro said. “If you love what you do, it will pay you well. It’s not worth getting a big paycheck if you spend half of it on medication and doctor’s visits due to stress.”
Regardless of which path a graduate chooses to walk after college, she has a piece of advice for them all:
“Learning doesn’t end at college…it’s just the beginning of the professional phase of it.”