Five Tips for Graduating Seniors

By Sarah Bey
Blog Content Contributor

Graduations for Texas State always bring all of the pomp and circumstance for its graduates. however, with that pomp and circumstance comes anxiety shooting off of the nerve endings of the students that will walk the stage in less than a month. Like the thousands of other graduating seniors that will walk in May, I’m feeling the pressure (cue Queen’s “Under Pressure.”) But there are several ways to alleviate that tension by following these very simple steps in the weeks to come before taking the glorious plunge into the San Marcos River.

1. Breathe. Just breathe.

Anna Nalick, American singer-songwriter, couldn’t have sang it better in her song “Breathe.” I’m pretty sure I’m not the only senior that has a case of running checklist in their minds. But I have to constantly remind myself (probably every 20 minutes, except for when I’m watching my K-dramas) that the world is not going to end after I graduate if I do not have everything planned to the tee. Fortunately, I do have a supportive family to fall back on if I have to have time to get back on my own feet. But, if you are not in that situation, just remember that you have made it through your collegiate career. Like Darwin said in his Natural Selection theory, those who adapt will survive. You adapted over your collegiate career with the stresses and demands of new classes, work, and extracurriculars. Adapt. Survive. Two things that you already know how to do that will help you immensely after you graduate.

2.  Now is the time to visit Career Services.

You know those emails you’ve been getting throughout your entire collegiate career? Start paying attention to them! Career Services is located on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center and is open from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are handouts that can grab on the wall if you just need a quick little helper. For those who are nervous wrecks about graduation like me, you can schedule an appointment with a career advisor to talk about post-graduation plans. You can even attend job fairs that Career Services hosts after you graduate (there is absolutely no shame in that; you are trying to get that cash money, honey.) Have an interview coming up? Career Services has got you covered. They have a Career Closet where students can rent proper interview attire. The department also offers mock interviews, professional headshots and so much more for all Texas State students.

3. Save, save, save.

This is pretty much speaks for itself. I’d like to quote my high school AVID teacher though. Coach Central Hicks said, “You don’t want to be living out of a Dorito bag after you graduate from college.”

Hicks made it a point to realize that college is a time that should serve as a springboard into the next phase of your life, not one where students should just get stuck. In case you do get stuck though, money is always a nice thing to help you out of that situation.

4. Open your mouth.

Our professors and mentors have told us again and again to start networking. Reach out! It’s okay, people don’t bite (at least, the sane ones don’t.) Do everything you absolutely can (within reason) to connect with the people who are already in your field of work. Your actions will show your passion and those contacts will notice. If you’re a little introverted like I am, tell yourself, “They’re just another person,” and extend your hand and introduce yourself with a smile. Just do it.

5. Don’t forget to have fun!

Now is the time to be in the zone with getting cover letters typed and interviews in line but never ever forget to have fun. In the in-between moments of the hustle and bustle, just take a second to look at what you have accomplished and reward yourself. Be safe! We still have a few more weeks to go my fellow Bobcats.

Eat ‘em up! Eat ‘em up! Go Cats go!