Opinion: What's next for AU's graduates?
The undergraduate commencement ceremony is May 13. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
By Janell Williams | Features editor
Graduation. For some, this can be a time filled with joy and feelings of accomplishment. For others, this can be the scariest semester ever. Yes, graduation marks the end of one era into another where students can embark on a new life journey to what’s next, but what is next? How can you get to what is next? How do you even figure it out? Augusta University offers many resources that can help students find the answers to these questions.
Augusta University’s Career Services department offers a lot of great resources to help students plan out a path for post-graduation. Some of the resources include Handshake, career fairs and the very helpful staff. Students can meet with a career advisor to get a personalized plan to fit their career goals and interests.
“This is the first and most critical step to prepare for a career after graduation,” said Director of Career Services Julie Goley.
Advisors gather information from students including major(s), career aspirations, work experience and personal interests to tailor a career path for students, help them develop a resume and offer pointers for proper interview etiquette and attire. Handshake is an online job board that caters to entry-level employees. The job portal can be accessed by the website, www.handshake.com, or via the mobile application. It is conveniently connected to AU, so the login is the usual Login ID and password used for all other AU systems. Throughout each semester the Career Services department also hosts many events to assist students with finding employment, improving interview etiquette and updating resumes. The many resources that Career Services has to offer can be found on their website at https://www.augusta.edu/ careerservices/staff.php or by visiting the office in UH210.
Another great resource available to students is the Student Counseling and Psychological Services department. When it comes to the “what’s next?” feeling, the wonderful counselors in this department are available for all the help AU students and staff could need.
“This is a normal feeling. You get into a routine with your friends, schedules, and activities. Now it all has to change,” said Licensed Psychologist Director Dr. Elena Petrova.
The SCAPS center is a valuable resource that students can utilize to help them cope with the mental strain that comes with graduation prep. Some coping mechanisms that Dr. Petrova and the SCAPS team recommend are exercising, meditation, and spending time with friends and loved ones. A part of the transition into a new chapter is finding a place to continue doing the coping exercises. For example, if you take a daily walk to clear your mind and de-stress, try finding a local park or path near your new home to keep up the routine.
“It can be so easy to get comfortable when you take a break, but don’t get comfortable. Accept that your plans may change on the next journey and find a balance for yourself,” Petrova said.
Self-care is one of the key aspects of the transition to life after graduation. Remembering to take a moment to appreciate oneself and be proud of the advances made thus far. Instructions for making appointments to meet with the SCAPS team can be made on their website at https://www.augusta.edu/ counseling/index.php.
Graduation can be a scary thought. Whether going to grad school or leaping into a new career, change can be a horrifying thing to deal with. Thankfully, Augusta University has free and accessible resources available to students to help guide them through their final semesters and prepare them for life after college.
This is published in the Monday, April 18, 2022 print edition of The Bell Ringer.
Contact Janell Williams at jwilliams30@augusta.edu.
