Next Stop, Graduation! By Jania Jones Editor
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s a prospective Spring 2022 graduate, you’ve likely had a unique college experience to any other HCC alum. Not only did you start your college journey online, learning virtually, but you started in the midst of a literal pandemic. Props to you for that! While you’ve worked meticulously over the last four semesters to ensure you are ready to graduate, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your utmost success in the coming months.
check-in session with your advisor gives you the opportunity to also voice any concerns you have about your progress and about what else you need to get completed. Your advisor can easily become the key point person for all academic and social emotional needs. While they are not experts in every field, they can direct you to people that can be of assistance and help reduce any unnecessary stress. If also working with smaller levels of stress, you can try journaling or meditating to reduce any unnecessary stress.
It is likely that many family members, friends, and mentors are giving input on what your next steps should be in preparation for “When you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount and this big moment, and what life will be like after it but the most complexity of university work, one of the best ways to reduce stress important thing is that you decide what will be best for you without and improve productivity is to start managing your time properly. becoming stressed out. As a student it Planning each day and prioritising tasks is important that you take advice and in order of deadline and importance will help from others, but you should also help you get through the mound of work maintain curiosity and identity over you have to do,” recommends Rebecca what you do. The Academic Support Miller, a student services advisor from Center (ASC) is a great place to get Inspiring Interns. Having a system in Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash help with work and find yourself from place early will be the best thing you can growing around what you are learning. do to ensure time management, and the
necessary assistance won’t be a hassle at the Andrew Pelletier, the Interim last minute. Director of the Academic Support Once you feel secure in your courses, it’s Center here at HCC recommends that, time to think about what life after graduation “...I always advise students to make will look like. Whether you plan to transfer tutoring a proactive rather than reactive or pursue a career under that major, there practice. It is better to come for tutoring are plenty of options available. In terms of early in the semester to prepare… It’s Being prepared and learning about the dangers finding different career paths, Josh Moody, good to develop a habit of going to can help students and staff take the necessary a career and business journalist from the precautions to be alert and stay safe on and off tutoring and develop relationships with U.S. News, advises that “Students should campus. tutors so students know when tutoring identify skills and chart a career path early is available and with whom.” As Pelletier goes on to explain, in order to land a job after graduating from college, experts say… While creating this system of getting assistance will make it seem like times are tight, that doesn’t mean jobs aren’t out there. As with any job less of a chore when done consistently and ultimately help you market, availability varies by major. Monahan points to data analytics, prepare for the long run. Relationships like these also prove software engineering, health care and supply chain management as to be beneficial in more ways than one. Not only will you gain strong fields now.” assistance on your academic endeavors, but you may also create On the other hand, if you are looking to transfer, make sure to get in contact with Randy Sanders, the key contact for transfer advising, or new paths for networking and professional growth. Matthew Dunne, the Transfer Articulation Program advisor.
Moreover, it is also really important that you check in with your advisors to ensure that you are on track with your course requirements and are enrolled in your target classes. While having access to DegreeWorks regularly is also important, this
It is easy to rekindle that sense of ‘senioritis’ as you prepare for graduation but remember to stay focused on what you’ve worked so hard on these past few years. With the right determination, support, and preparation, this semester will be a breeze for you! See you at commencement!
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