There are questions in life that can bring about awkward moments in human interaction. You know, the one that can be potentially offensive or result in a dreadful few seconds for the person to respond. Like asking an elder how old they are or a woman when her baby is due even though she’s not actually pregnant. Over the past year, I’ve had too much experience with another absolutely dreadful, never ask me again, are you really doing this to me right now, kind of question: What are you going to do after you graduate? As a third year, I’ve been strolling along through my collegiate bubble, changing my mind twice a day and continually putting off making the ultimate decision. But with the class of 2012’s graduation right around the corner, reality has kicked into overdrive. But how, how have all my fourth year peers chosen paths for the career of their dreams when it seems so impossible to choose mine? So I went right to the source and asked the advice of soon to be graduate women who were in my shoes just one year ago.
Explore your interests
On orientation day when clueless little first years are forced to choose classes for the first time, they toil with the question of, “What interests you?” Don’t be afraid to search high and low for classes and potential majors to gauge your interest about the future. But most importantly, don’t feel like you’re stuck to the dream major you picked when you entered college as a first year. From a peer who abandoned her pre-med track and will be attending John Hopkin’s graduate school in the fall, “Looking back on my first year to where I am now, I am so glad that I allowed myself the freedom to explore my academic interests outside of my Biology major…Since I have changed directions, I have not once regretted my decision.” Don’t be afraid to make changes in your life to avoid sticking with something that doesn’t energize you and make you excited about the future, even if that means filling out 6 different declaration forms to figure it out.
Get involved and do your research
You really don’t have to tell a UVa student to get involved because chances are, they’ve already got more things on their plate than you can count. But figuring out what you want to do with your life requires the same amount of effort and attention as your classes and extra curriculars. Once she decided hospital administration was the path for her, this fourth year claims “I actively began seeking opportunities to clarify my broad interest in health care. I took on a bioethics minor, I spoke with professors, read literature, sought out internships, and joined GlobeMed. Through all of these avenues, I have found my true passion.” Be on the lookout for experiences that can shape your outlook and help confirm your decision. Just remember, although an internship is always a great opportunity, it is not the only way to find out what really interests you.
Use your resources
My mother, like most other mothers, is like a broken record on encouraging me to utilize my resources. And although no daughter ever wants to agree with her mother, on this one she is absolutely right. There are a wide range of resources here at UVa through the University Career Services, and there is endless information on the internet. But don’t forget about those people that give you your grades, yeah your professors. They’ve been in your shoes once before and with that PhD of theirs, they know a little something about your field interest. A fourth year who has secured a job in clinical research after graduation claims, “I credit a large portion of my decision to the professors I talked to throughout the years. Once you’ve declared a major and start taking classes from professors who study or complete research in a field that interests you, set up a time to talk to them! Ask them questions about their career path, what recommendations they have if you were to follow in the same steps, and other options you could pursue in that particular field.” It can often be intimidating to knock on a professor’s door just to chat, but the secret is most professors actually love to talk about themselves and although it may be surprising, they love it even more when students talk to them about themselves.
Network, network, network
I am convinced that no other students in the world love their university as much as we do. There is such a strong sense of community and pride at UVa that helps foster an environment filled with passionate leaders who work hard and love what they do. And I guarantee any alum that you run into will feel the exact same way. This summer I was at the pharmacy filling a prescription in Long Island, NY when I noticed the girl in front of me wearing a Days on the Lawn shirt from a few years prior. Long story short, she was a recent graduate just about to start a new job. We chatted for an hour and at the end she gave me her contact information along with a ton of advice. A soon to be graduate moving to NY in the fall to start a job in the banking industry claims her best piece of advice is, “Don’t be afraid to reach out to alum.” Alums love UVa and just like your professors, they’ve been what you’ve been through. And guess what, they’ve also got connections. Not only can they be a great resource to help you decide if a field is right for you, but they can also help open the door for opportunities as well.
The gap year
Many collegiettes thinking about graduate or professional school toy with the taboo of taking a gap year. But in reality, taking a gap year or two or three is becoming a more and more popular and suggested avenue for collegiettes. A graduate taking two gap years to make herself a better candidate for graduate school states, “Many people jump into graduate school because they fear a gap year will result in a lack of motivation to further their education. As one of my professors said, “If one year off from school deters you from any particular graduate program, then you didn’t ever want it badly enough anyway.” A gap year can not only help you build your resume, help you “find yourself” by traveling Europe, or simply gain a mental break from school, but it also allows you to determine if the program you’ve tentatively chosen is in fact the right one for you in the long run.” Taking a gap year is a personal decision that varies from student to student. But be upfront with yourself and weigh the pros and cons. People go back and change careers at the age of forty to fulfill their dreams, so don’t let the fear of an extra year deter you from making the best decision for yourself.
The jobs we get after graduation, and the fields we choose to pursue are not final. In fact, studies say Americans change their job on average of seven to twelve times over the course of their lifetime. Choosing a path for the future should not be a stressful one, but instead an exciting one! One soon to be grad ended her interview with this advice: “The anxiety that comes with graduating and finalizing plans can be extreme, but regardless of what you decide to do with your post-grad time, everything will fall into place eventually!” So to the younger classmen, take the advice from those that have come before you, explore your interests, use your resources and relax! And to the graduating women of the Class of 2012, we all wish you luck!