Senioritis is not an option for seniors looking to be successful and find a job right after they graduate.

With the semester just beginning it can be easy to fall behind quick, but seniors have the added pressure of finding a career and surviving the real world. 

“I’m preparing for the intimidating post college grad life by first off, trying to stay calm,” said senior Katey Gama.

Gama believes her many experiences with internships and leadership roles have made her feel more confident in finding a job post-graduation.

“If it wasn’t for the diploma, I’d say internships are more valuable and relatable to the real world work-force experience than some of the classes we take here at SSU,” said Gama.

Making connections is also a huge step towards success after graduating.

“Creating connections in the professional world is necessary for our generation; with growing competition, we need to learn how to stand out from the crowd more than ever before,” said senior Brooke Abel.

College student, who take the time to gain life experiences during their four years find that they learn lessons before being thrown into job field.

Ty Stevenson, senior, has had experience being a Marine and feels it has shaped him into a better individual.

“Being a Marine has taught me how to be responsible and to take responsibility for my actions and to be a better man overall,” said Stevenson.

Abel has had many different leadership roles such as being president of her sorority, a peer mentor to fellow students and a summer orientation leader. 

As an orientation leader Abel guided incoming freshmen with their transition from high school to college. 

“I have been able to experience facilitating in groups, management, organizational skills, practicing inclusive leadership, empowering others and making ethical decisions, which are all relevant to any career,” said Abel.

Abel strongly recommends students to join various student clubs and organizations. 

Alumna of Sonoma State University, Jordan Platisa, graduated in 2012 and has a career in Los Angeles as an assistant product manager at Belkin International Inc.

Platisa agrees that finding a career path is not an easy task, but that there are many steps seniors should take ahead of time to ensure a good job.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Network and make connections. It really is all about who you know,” said Platisa. If you know anyone in the industry you are looking to get into, be sure to pick their brains and see if that really is what you want to do.”

Platisa goes on to explain the difference between college life and the real world.

“It’s not all fun and games anymore and you can’t just skip work like you can skip class. Your reputation is now on the line,” said Platisa.

While some people know exactly what they’re aiming for a career, it is evident that not every graduating senior knows what they want to do with their lives.

“Find something that you really enjoy and take off with it, never give up with what you want to do, be persistent,” said Stevenson.

“We’re probably not all going to get anything near our dream jobs right after college, so staying motivated and confident is what will help you get through this new chapter of our lives,” said Gama.

Although these seniors have a lot to accomplish, they each plan to spend this last year enjoying their friends and focus on starting a new chapter in their life.

“As scary as it seems I have faith that all my hard work from school to work and internships will pay off and put me in a good spot this time next year,” said Gama. 

The key for seniors is to ultimately stay motivated, as hard work will pay off in the end and pave the way for the post graduation life.