One subject that is on everyone's mind at one point during their career at U.Va. is handling life after college. As every student can see, the options are unlimited. There is graduate school, working an actual job, traveling and, of course, what most people don't want to do, move back home with the folks. Most students like to take a year or more away from academics after graduation and take the time to find themselves in the real world.
As 2004 College graduate Olivia Hessing said, "There is a whole other world to discover after college, and that is what U.Va. prepares us to experience." Coming from a liberal arts school and having big aspirations, a lot of students will need to go to graduate school at some point to further their careers. Before doing so, students may want to seriously consider time away from the academic world. Many graduate programs will prefer students who can bring real world experiences with them as opposed to those who come directly out of undergraduate school.
For those students who may think about taking time away, some may go ahead and get experience in their field of study. Going to a big city definitely strikes many minds. Students want to leave a little town and go to where there is more nightlife, more opportunity and more hustle and bustle. But what about the very hometown of U.Va., Charlottesville? It may not be the largest city, but it certainly has a lot to offer to graduates.
2004 College graduate Themba Carr, who majored in psychology, found the perfect job right here at the University. She is now working as a lab coordinator for the Child Study Center, a developmental lab in the psychology department at U.Va. She says, "I plan on working for one to two years and then applying to the Clinical Psychology Program for graduate school."
In the lab, she manages daily activities, helps coordinate participants and does various administrative tasks. One of the best things about her current job is that her major has had a huge effect. "I wouldn't have ever looked at this job if I wasn't involved in psychology," Carr said.
Carr also said the nice part of being out of school and having a job that you love is that there is much more leisure time. Many students may question the benefits of staying in Charlottesville after being here for four years. What more could this little town offer? Carr said you really get to know the city from a different perspective. "As a student we take it for granted. Now there's a chance to explore [the city] more."
2004 College graduate Heidi Burns, an English and economics major, said she notices a big difference in the "real world" life. "It's nice to enjoy the Charlottesville scene without the homework," Burns said.
Right now Burns works as a front desk team leader at the Marriott. She says most people who she works with do not have a college education simply because they do not need one. This job is something she plans on keeping for a few years so that she can eventually go to Cornell's hotel managing school. "I would like to manage a resort somewhere
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 2 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 4 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
