The bagpipes play as you walk in.
You shake University President Pat Long’s hand.
The bagpipes play as you walk out.
But what happens when the music stops?
You’re a Baker graduate.
Do you go to work or do you go to graduate school?
Some may answer that you’re only a freshman, sophomore or junior. Some may say it’s only fall semester of senior year, but the truth is, it’s never too early to think about life after graduation.
According to an article from MSNBC, employers are hiring 5 percent more employees than this time last year, but only 40 percent of students have job offers at the time of graduation.
That’s not very encouraging information for those looking to go straight into the workforce.
For those looking into graduate school, consider several options. Some don’t want to go right into several more years of school. Others are more interested in getting a salary before extending their education.
When it all comes down to it, the decision is yours.
But it’s a decision that should be well thought-through and even researched.
And it’s never too early to start thinking about the options.
I recently decided to apply to some graduate schools, but the deadline for most to enroll in the fall of 2011 is Jan. 1. That doesn’t leave a lot of time to study, and take the GRE, write and edit essays and find solid recommendation letters.
I toyed with the idea all summer long and keep telling myself I had plenty of time to make that decision.
But my fall semester is going to be extra busy trying to get all the requirements completed before the deadline.
But, just like all of today’s young schemers, I have backup plans. If I don’t get accepted into any schools, I’ll get a job. If I don’t get a job, I’ll mooch off my financé.
Not really, but I am a firm believer that if all my efforts fall through initially, hard work and dedication will eventually pay off.
That hard work started my freshman year when I joined the Baker Orange staff, when I put in extra effort on my homework and when I took a boring, low-paying, part-time job for experience.
No matter what you do after graduation, be sure to do something before. Think about all the avenues you can travel and what makes you happy.
My advice is to look where you want to live, what you want to do and be realistic.
Don’t be left with a diploma in hand and just a dream in heart when the music fades.