Senior Survival Seminar. The event seemed initially unnecessary, and its context intimidating, but the lessons it brought Wednesday to an estimated 30 University of La Verne seniors can be considered more than priceless.
The expected workshops on resume writing, proper interviewing techniques and graduate school were presented, but the key message of the event came from those still learning about life beyond work at the undergraduate level.
It came from University alumni who recently began their own careers in what is so often considered “the real world.”
What these individuals brought with them was a sense of honesty, integrity and overall reassurance. They did not hesitate to be truthful, often admitting that college-to-career transitions can be difficult.
They said part of that transition process means continuing to learn in an institution of higher learning and adapting to a new lifestyle and environment. Moreover, entering the work force, joining a volunteer organization, starting a family or taking some time off are among others’ anticipations for this progression into a career.
In any case, the alumni reaffirmed the idea that a student’s future may sometimes have nothing to do with the specific area(s) of study he or she has pursued for a bachelor’s degree.
Scary as it may seem, this is true. The future is unpredictable, and it may entail something an individual never even fathomed as a career.
For example, a student who studies psychology in college does not necessarily seek to become a psychologist or personal counselor-as most people might perceive. Instead, that student may be able to utilize the people skills and mediation techniques he or she has acquired through that field in order to work in a business-oriented setting where such expertise might be imperative.
If an individual enjoys what he or she does for a living (or at least for the time being), whether or not that career choice relates to his or her field of study is really not important. Employment opportunities are supposed to be learning experiences through which an individual might attain personal rewards and skill-strengthening abilities, after all.
Personally, I am close to fulfilling the necessary requirements for a bachelor’s degree in journalism from ULV. During my pursuit of that degree, I have experienced the common moments of self doubt and of uncertainty for the future.
I only knew that I loved the written language and the individuality and creativity it allowed those who use it.
By this point in my college career, however, I have gained a higher level of focus for what I will pursue after graduation this May.
Becoming a journalist for a local newspaper or becoming a teacher of journalism are two prospective options, but whether or not either is my calling is unpredictable.
No one knows what his or her future entails and that is perfectly OK.
In my own heart, I am more than willing to accept whatever life and the future offers. My only hope is that, if journalism is not my calling, whatever career I eventually pursue gives me a feeling of personal joy for the remainder of my life.
This week’s seminar reassured most participants that the future is unpredictable and that part of the transition after college includes being happy with whatever it is we choose to pursue as a career and future. After all, the degree is simply a piece of paper; the future and personal joy is whatever one makes of it.
Araceli Esparza, a senior journalism major, is editor in chief of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at esparzaa@ulv.edu.
