With just about three and a half weeks left until Fairfield University’s 75th Undergraduate Commencement, seniors are experiencing a blend of stress and celebration. Graduation is only getting closer and closer as many members of the class of 2025 try to push that inevitable date out of mind.
I know this not just because of what I’ve observed in my friends and others, but because I too am one of these seniors attempting to hang on to every last day on campus, dinner with my roommates and night at The Grape. Like so many others, I’m also looking for a job and wondering what on earth I’ll be doing in a year’s time.
If you’re in a similar position, as I know many in the class of 2025 are, you understand how difficult it can be to balance these two seemingly opposing goals: trying to enjoy what’s left of college and planning for what comes next.
Yet, I think it’s important that we don’t let post-grad worry take over the precious time we left as Fairfield students.
This is easier said than done, I know. We all need jobs and know that one won’t come to us without a lot of effort. Necessary evils like LinkedIn, networking and writing endless cover letters can make the job search process nightmare-ish. It’s easy to let these things take over all of our free time and mental space, especially now as graduation looms near.
Many of us have placed an arbitrary deadline on ourselves: get a job before graduation. Truthfully, though, we have the rest of our lives to work. We only have 25 days left as college undergrads. Why not enjoy them?
It’s also valuable to remember that we’re graduating into a world of a lot of uncertainty and economic fears. A recession may very well be on its way, and this time we’ll be experiencing it as adults. The job market is especially trying for those wanting to go into government jobs, as the field remains under attack from President Donald Trump.
Regardless of what your major or future career path is, your lack of a post-grad job is likely not your own fault. If you’ve been building up your resume over the last few years and applying to jobs over the last few months to no avail, you’re not alone.
I know money can be a big factor in our job search desperation. A secure job would allow for paying off student loans, paying rent and putting money into savings. As much as I wish we could all have this starting on May 19, that’s not the reality for many grads.
If you’re lucky enough to do so, there’s no shame in moving back home after graduation. There’s no shame in working at your hometown’s local diner or going back to the job you had in high school. Unfortunately, student debt needs to be paid somehow and this can lessen the financial burden.
Even with college degrees, it may take a while before we get the standard nine-to-five white collar job we’re hoping for. Don’t beat yourself up for not having a “dream job” while the ink on our diplomas is still drying.
With all of this being said, many of us will still need to prioritize finding work. Designating some time to the job search process each week can help prevent burn out during this last month of the semester. It might be necessary to take time for planning for the future between classes or on weeknights, but don’t let a job application keep you from spending time with friends or participating in a senior tradition.
25 days is certainly not a lot of time. I’m no expert, but if time continues to fly like it has this semester, graduation will be here before we know it. Make the most out of the little time we have left at Fairfield. Treasure the tight knit community so many of us have found here, especially as the school changes and grows.
Remember that graduating college is an achievement to be proud of, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even if you’re not graduating with honors and awards, even if you don’t have the full time job or grad school acceptance you wanted, this is still a big deal.
There’s a lot to still look forward to: one last week of classes that we’ll complain about but then miss, Clam Jam, senior week and beach days and nights. And maybe even a job offer.
Yes, graduation will be here soon. But not before many more Fairfield memories are made. Don’t let yourself miss them.
