Congrats, Graduates

Story by Kelsey Sutton

Jessica Carlson and the entire staff of the University of Sioux Falls Thomas Kilian Academic Success Center (ASC) worked hard to assist students as they prepared to graduate and start their careers this December. “The Academic Success Center provides a wide variety of academic support services to students,” said Jessica Carlson, the Academic Success Center Assistant Director. “We offer services ranging from academic advising, academic coaching, learning accessibility services, tutoring, major and career exploration, and career services to students and alumni.”

A small percentage of students graduate mid-year at USF. “On average, the University of Sioux Falls generally has about 50 undergraduate students graduate each December,” said Carlson.

Jessica Carlson

the University of Sioux Falls generally has about 50 undergraduate students graduate each December.

Although many students shudder at the idea of graduating early, certain majors and degrees may be more suitable for mid-year graduation. “ It really depends on their major,” stated Carlson. “Some students may not typically have as many job opportunities available during mid-year – for example, teaching contracts typically last a full year, so there are fewer of these opportunities midyear. However, in our current economic environment, we are seeing many unfilled internship and full-time post-graduation career opportunities across all fields. Countless businesses and organizations are hiring, so it is actually a very ideal time to be looking for a postgraduation career right now,” Carlson said.

Graduating in December gives graduates about a six-month head start on their next adventure compared to their other classmates. According to Carlson, if you are planning on graduating early/mid-year, there are a few things that you can do to help prepare yourself. “Make sure your resume and cover letters are prepared, reviewed, and up to date, and make sure you utilize all of the resources available to you at USF, including registering for Purple Briefcase and attending the BIG Career and Internship Fair March 2nd,” advised Carlson.

One unique factor the ASC wants to remind students of is that at USF the ASC services don’t get discontinued just because you graduate! The Thomas Kilian Academic Success Center is here to be lifelong supporters and aid you at any step of your life and to help you obtain all of your career goals.

Now that the semester has come to a close, these December graduates can unwind and enjoy the holiday season by celebrating their enormous accomplishments and getting a headstart on their new job search! Since there is such a small number of students graduating, the University of Sioux Falls does not have a winter commencement ceremony, but instead invites those who graduated in December back in May to walk the stage with the other graduates.