This past month marked a special time of year for many: graduation.
For students and their loved ones, it is a momentous occasion that signifies hope for a better future. After all of the festivities, graduates are faced with the reality of a new chapter.
They no longer have their familiar schedules of attending 10 a.m. classes, or visiting their favorite study spots.
Now, they must create the next steps and opportunities for themselves.
Four recent San Diego State University graduates shared their perspectives post-grad as they reflect on their journey while also looking to the future.
Jesse Gordon, a recent SDSU journalism graduate, shared the typical concerns about finding a job post-graduation and the fear of the unknown, but he remains hopeful for the future.
“I am slightly concerned because the job market is difficult,” Gordon said. “However, I know my work mindset will land me where I’m supposed to be in the near future.”
“In the next few years I see myself growing my craft (camera work, etc.) and as a person. While the world is always changing, if you stay true to yourself and values you will be rewarded in due time.”
Jessica Lang (pictured in top photo) majored in chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry. She plans to work in the industry for a few years before pursuing a PhD, aiming to gain exposure and maturity before committing to graduate school.
Lang is excited for the future and is in the job search process with an upcoming interview scheduled.
“My time at SDSU has broadened my problem-solving abilities and expanded my ways of thinking about experimental design in both organic chemistry and biochemistry settings,” Lang noted. “I have a lot of fun doing what I do, and I love doing research, so I’m prepared for almost everything I’ve set my eyes on.”
Another recent SDSU graduate is Jennifer Aguilar, a first-generation Latina who recently obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
“Broadcast journalism has always caught my attention ever since I was a little girl. Maybe I will also dabble in content creation, aka YouTube, which has always been a passion of mine, aside from journalism,” said Aguilar. “I am definitely still trying to see where I want to work, my goals have changed over the years and I think that it’s exciting. I am still trying to figure out what post-grad life looks like and think that there is beauty in the unknown.”
Elle Seeler is a recent graduate who earned a degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations.
During her junior year, Seeler interned at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker (NST) Public Relations and in November of her senior year, accepted her first job as a PR professional as an account coordinator. Now that she has graduated, Seller will be working at NST full-time.
Seeler shares advice to students for navigating the job market, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, cultivating relationships and staying true to oneself.
“Say yes to new opportunities, whether that be volunteering or through a connection. Building relationships is key, it’s not what you know always, it’s who you know. Remember to build your relationship both horizontally and vertically, your peers are just as important as leadership members. Be curious in your explorations and persistent, but remain authentic to yourself and what you want in your life.”
With the new school year still a couple of months away for those graduating down the road, the most recent grads have their sights set on opening new doors now.
Editor’s note: This article was written by SDSU student Angelica Tilton. Top photo credit: Jenna Nguyen.
