Well-meaning family and friends ask this question frequently, causing students to realize they haven’t devoted much time to consider what will follow once they walk across the stage. Hearing this question often? Here are a few options to consider when planning out your future. 

Graduate School

With graduation looming, the thought of continuing your education might sound overwhelming. Grad school is a serious commitment, and you may need a break. We understand your concerns. However, both the benefits and demand for employees with a master’s degree continue to increase. Depending on your major, you may need to refine and refresh your skills, and a master’s degree can provide the tools needed to set you apart from other applicants in your field. In a competitive job market, a master’s degree might be what you need to secure a job. If you’re considering attending graduate school, make an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your options and figure out the best path for you. Don’t forget to check out the graduate programs SEMO offers!

Work Force

Maybe you know that once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll want to enter the workforce. If you’re unsure of how to begin the job search, don’t worry. Career Services can help you graduate as prepared as possible for your professional endeavors. They can help you prepare your resume and cover letter, practice interviewing, and more. 

To get a head start on the job search, take advantage of one of the best resources SEMO Career Services has to offer: Handshake! Haven’t heard of it? This portal features job listings for current students and alumni to get placed within a job quickly, and it’s only available to the SEMO community. Each job listing contains the information needed to apply, so all you have to do is log on and start searching. Don’t miss out on these exclusive postings, and make sure you check for new opportunities frequently.

Planning for the future can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. When you move your tassel to the left at commencement, take a moment to feel proud of the hard work you did during the past few years. It’s easy to lose sight of the significance of your achievements in the midst of finals, papers, and last-minute tasks. Earning a degree is no small feat, but you should be proud of yourself—we know we are! Your time as an undergraduate student at SEMO might be coming to an end, but years of success and adventure lie ahead of you.