In just a few weeks, thousands of seniors will graduate at San Diego State University, many of whom are feeling both excited and nervous about the prospect of leaving school.

“I am mostly excited about graduation and getting to explore what life is like when I do not have to worry about school,” said Joe Brumfield, an SDSU senior. “But I am a little nervous about starting a new job and leaving the friends I made here at SDSU.”

Brumfield, like many other graduates, will begin working full-time, joining a company he received an offer from after completing their management training program. Other graduates are still seeking post-graduation employment.

“My plan is to find a job with professional advancement while I work part-time as a room service food runner at a resort,” said Nicholas Neikon Ebadat, an SDSU senior who hopes to get a position in journalism, public relations, or marketing.

Other students will be continuing their education in post-baccalaureate or graduate school programs.

Regardless of what their plan is, students felt that SDSU prepared them for life after school.

The career center helped seniors begin their job searches, create strong resumes, and practice their interviewing skills. The center will also be hosting a series of events and workshops to finish off the semester, including a career fair that will have a variety of employers for students of all majors.

Individual programs supported students as well, helping them decide what to do with their degrees.

“My SDSU program prepared me in the aspect of actually helping me choose a career path,” said Cassidy Tung, an SDSU senior who majored in psychology and will be pursuing a job in psychiatry.

“The [journalism and media studies] program provided me with a solid understanding of what different jobs would entail and the skills I would need to do them,” agreed Neikon Ebadat.

Many students plan on celebrating their graduations with their families who are traveling to San Diego for the occasion.

Ceremonies will be held in Viejas Arena from Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14, starting with The College of Science and ending with the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. Last year, more than 11,200 students graduated.

– Natali Gonzalez is an MA student in rhetoric and writing studies at San Diego State University. See more of her work at: thedailyaztec.com/staff/_name/natali-gonzalez/.