Pictured Above: Taylor Tew is a senior mass communications major set to graduate in December.
Courtesy of Taylor Tew
By Taylor Tew
College students don’t have the corner on misery. It just seems like it.
We have gotten used to the migration of Zoom and socially distanced classes; the professors are trying, but are often muffled through their masks. We have given up on the events that brought us together in crowds (including an in-person graduation) and now, grabbing a beer is more complicated than it used to be. The worries of soon-to-graduate students have always been real, but in a pandemic, it is a whole other ball game.
Four things are on our minds:
Who is hiring?
According to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy in Minneapolis, 20.6 million jobs have been lost since mid March, resulting in a 14.7 percent unemployment rate. Statistics like these flood the news and social media outlets, putting additional pressure on the post-graduation job hunt. Not to mention all the “what’s next?” questions the minute we get our diploma. Even though most college graduates have barely begun their adulthood, family, friends and professors are quick to hit them with the burning question. While some people do know exactly what they want right out of college, it can sometimes feel unnatural to accept being uncertain about the future. I mean, a simple “congratulations” would suffice.
What will a “traditional job” be like?
Throughout quarantine, many employees have gone from desk jobs to working on their sofas. This has shown large companies like Amazon, Twitter and Zillow that work can be done from home as easily as it can be from an office – or so they think. For journalism and communications students like myself, working remotely is not a foreign concept and could be easily woven into one’s work schedule. Since society seems to be functioning with workers toiling from home, it wouldn’t be a stretch for certain jobs to remain remote: even if we do see an improvement in COVID-19 cases. Personally, I wouldn’t mind working from my sofa.
How will I get hired with a portfolio that is lacking?
A common concern is not having enough published work to create an enticing portfolio. As the world tries to get back on its feet, college students begin to realize that the quarantine was a time when they were hardly doing anything at all. . Now, internships that would have taken place in the fall are cancelled and students are scrambling to produce new work. I have exhausted both dollars and tears at The Campus Grind stressing about my portfolio.
Do I need to move out and can I afford it just yet?
I am in no rush to depart from my parents and home-cooked meals – but for some, graduation means facing adulthood head-on. This is another topic that often leads to grilling and/or unsolicited advice. “Aren’t you going to move out?” or “Stay home and save your money.” I’m not ready yet, emotionally or financially, to venture out on my own — but I commend those who are. And for students feeling the post-college pressure to rush out of the house, I would recommend doing whatever is going to keep you sane.
COVID-19 or not, the worries of the soon-to-graduate students are constantly approaching. It is nothing to be ashamed of. With an extra wrench in our plans, a little extra stress is understandable.
Awesome article! You are the next Barbara Walters
Those are very true statements. Once you leave the security of the college campus and the routines you have created in 4 years of academia, all becomes new. However like that first day as a Frenchman this too will become a routine you can conquer. Again this article is full of insights