Super Senior: \ ˈso͞opər ˈsēnyər \ adjective
A senior in college who is in their last semester right before their graduation.
There are several variations of a super senior. Some are fifth year grads, some are early grads, and some are four year grads. Some have a detailed post graduation plan, or a full time job lined up, or even a year off full of adventure waiting for them. If you’re anything like me, you have nothing already decided, and fear the unplanned future that awaits you on the opposite side of the stage.
I am a receiving a BBA in Sports, Events, and Tourism management major with a minor in International Management. It’s basically marketing for the entertainment industry whether that be sports, events, or travel and tourism. It’s in a flourishing industry that’s going to allow me to be in business without being at a desk 9-5.
Unlike some of my College of Business peers, I don’t have a full time job lined up. I don’t know what I could possibly be doing in the next couple of months as a permanent job.
This is just a reminder to Super Seniors that:
#1, you’re not alone, and
#2, it’s not the end of the world.
I know it’s probably stressing you out, and driving you crazy, and I know all of our majors are different. The process in which we find a full time job is different in all industries. Keeping that in mind, I want to provide some helpful tips and motivation to help you create some sort of direction for yourself to relieve stress.
#1 Make a list of a couple of things you’d like to do
Without looking for job openings, or searching up on “careers” just make a list of things you’d enjoy doing for about a year. Most people find their “career” in unexpected ways. You might take a project with your temporary job somewhere and along the way be offered something bigger and better. So write down cool job positions you think you could benefit from without it being a six figure job that you realistically don’t have the experience for.
#2 Apply Apply Apply
Start turning in those applications. First, make customized resumes. (I KNOW it’s a pain, trust me, at this point I have 6 different versions of my resume) Put in the effort to make an attractive application. Even if it’s a job you’re not sure if you’ll necessarily take, the interviews serve as practice, and who knows, one of them might have a great offer. Also, don’t be afraid to apply to something you think might not fall into your industry. If you have what they’re asking for, apply.
#3 Life isn’t always about a job right after college
Newsflash : you don’t have to commit to a full time job straight out of college. Sure, it might be a good way to get your foot in the door and move up faster, but you have the rest of your life to work. If you want to do a year of service in another country, do it. If you wanna finally backpack across Europe, do it. I know it sounds super cheesy, but it’s a great adventure. It’s also a great experience you can talk to to employers about later. If you have a small business in the family, or your own service business, and you wanna pursue it, go for it.
Overall, try not to get wrapped up in making this intricate life plan. In the end, a lot of things are out of our control. Apply for the internships and the jobs, save money for the travels, get out of your comfort zone. You’re earning a degree. You’ve already done years of work, you deserve to have a peaceful mind. I know it’s easier said than done, but things will work for you. Remember to do things for you, you’re almost done.