Graduation: Where to go from here?

Callie Mounger (left) and Annie Horsley (right) pose in their graduation ensambles 

In the next few weeks, college graduations will be happening all around the country. It is a time of jubilation and gladness for the stress of test taking is over, a time to reminisce of the freedom and lack of responsibility of the past four years, and a time of fear, fear of the unknown and fear of finding a job.

In the economy today, young adults just getting out of college are finding it difficult to find a job. Reid Wesson, an Ole Miss alum, said he was turned down from multiple jobs for months after college before finally finding a job the following fall.

“It was very disheartening. I had graduated college with an Accounting degree, my grades were good, and yet no one would hire me. I couldn’t understand why,” Wesson said.

Other students graduating did not find getting a job so difficult. Whitney Vance, a Taylor medalist, will be starting a job this summer teaching at a public school in Jackson.

“I am from Alabama and it is very uncommon for someone outside of the state to stay and teach. Most of the time, teachers go back to where they were from. I had two job offers in Jackson, and had the fortunate time of being able to choose where I wanted to go. I know that most people don’t get to have that,” Vance said.

While others are moving on, some are being left behind. Senior Liz Fair will be staying an extra year to finish up an art degree after receiving a rejection letter from nursing school.

“I know it’s for the best and I am really excited about staying in Oxford for one more year. I am also glad that some of my friends will be with me. I don’t think that a ton of people are graduating in four years,” Fair said.

With Ole Miss graduation rates of graduating in four years only at 35 percent, Fair most certainly wont be alone. In the current market, Fair may be the smarter one by staying in school. More than 2.4 million people will graduate with bachelor and masters degrees this year. These job seekers will be competing with fellow classmates, laid off workers and the still unemployed. Whether you are staying or leaving college, take the time to enjoy each phase of life.

College Students celebrate graduation with colorful confetti

Sources:

Reid Wesson 901-857-4549

Whitney Vance 256-861-0440

Liz Fair 601-457-5786