As members of the class of 2010 get set to embark on their post-college journeys they plan to use their Pepperdine educations and experiences in a wide variety of ways.
For seniors who are choosing the job market for instance many are planning to leave Malibu to work in other areas across the country and even across the world.
“Right now I plan to move to Chicago senior Krista Taylor, a theater major and art history minor, said. Hopefully I’ll be working for a regional theater there but that depends on whether or not I get the job I’ve applied for. Or I’d like to go to New York for a couple of weeks and do an intensive there.”
Some like senior Katie Stjernholm will get the chance to dig out their passports.
“Through a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship I will be spending a year in Australia Stjernholm, an international studies major, said. The scholarship is set up to further international understanding and build goodwill… The program funded by Rotary International will allow me to implement a service project and experience the culture for 12 months.”
While many seniors will relocate after graduation others have decided to remain in the L.A. area.
“A lot of my friends are planning to stay in L.A. because a lot of them are trying to pursue acting and film and television Taylor said. A lot of them are staying because they’ve made connections here and started to network and have gotten agents who are working in L.A.”
“I plan to get a job with one of a few options I have— either in music or film— and move into some cute place in Santa Monica and hope this next phase of my life is easier to transition into than some people make it out to be senior Jessica Rotter, a theatre and television major and music minor, said.
Many students are considering graduate school as an alternative to attmepting entry into the tough job market.
A lot of people have applied to grad schools or Teach for America Rotter said. It seems like a nice stepping stone to ease out of the organized life of college.”
“I have heard that last year’s graduating class entered the workforce at the worst possible time and that this year won’t be as bad Rotter said. Let’s hope that’s true. I know it has been very hard for many alumni in the class of 2009 to get the jobs they want.”
“Ten years ago having a bachelor’s degree at a top university would guarantee a job Stjernholm said. Now there are people with a master’s degree and five years of work experience who are struggling to find a position.”
Although the poor economy has led to a trend in higher graduate school applicants Taylor notes that some of her friends who plan to attend graduate school are doing so for the sake of learning more about their crafts rather than to avoid the tough job market.
“My plan for next year is to attend a Ph.D. program in history at the University of Florida senior and history major Brian Hamm said. I’ve always been interested in history and wanted to pursue it as a profession. It’s been in my sights for a while now. … I think that people who think that grad school is just a plan B because the job market sucks are just misguided.”
While some will attend graduate school rather than directly enter the job market others plan to take time off.
“Many seniors without definitive plans are deciding to take the time after graduation to have experiences that they may never get to have again Stjernholm said. Because the economy has stifled employment opportunities it is a great opportunity to have adventures and take the time to really find what it is that they really care about.”
Regardless of what future plans may be for underclassmen the overall advice for them is to make connections through internships and other networking activities.
“Get as many internships as possible Rotter said. It is so important to get your feet wet in the area of work you plan to go into… Once you learn how to act professional in any given circumstance you will not only become more prepared for post-collegiate life but you will also shine much brighter in your undergraduate schooling.”
“I think people underestimate the amount of unique opportunities that are out there Stjernholm said. I would suggest for younger students to utilize mentors and professors.”
When it comes to figuring out what field to pursue after graduation seniors suggest a little soul-searching and trying a bit of everything.
“Spend time thinking about what your strengths are and what you would do if money and status were of little importance Stjernholm advised. Look for positions that sound interesting even if it is not exactly your ideal career.”
“Apply for a lot of different things because the more you apply the more chances you’ll get something and the better you get at applying Taylor said. But really I would look to do things that you love.”
“You have to kind of know yourself and know what your passions are Hamm added.
