By Ericka L
Earlier this year, with my graduation date looming, I struggled to find meaning in my Sociology degree. Where would it take me? Who was going to hire me? What transferable skills had I gained in my four years at Wilfrid Laurier University and where would I be working next year?
When I started post-secondary, I had a naive outlook on the real world. I assumed I would graduate with my degree, land a job that required that specific degree, use all of the classes I took in university, and live happily ever after. I seriously thought that’s how it works. As I progressed through my undergrad, I realized how wrong my assumptions were. I realized that you can’t expect to graduate university with a clear cut job title.
A degree like Sociology is open to interpretation.
In my fourth year, I could feel the pressure. I was told by a career counsellor that employers hire people, not degrees. But I thought my Sociology degree could only land me a sociologist’s job. I was completely lost. I acquired a wide variety of skills and knew that I was a hireable candidate for many jobs but I just didn’t know where to start. If given the opportunity, I had the ability to prove myself to an employer but didn’t know how to get that chance.
Three months ago, I landed my first real job with Studentawards.com as a bilingual scholarship administrator. I absolutely hit the jackpot since graduating during a recession was hardly motivating. Now, I surprise myself with how often I use the skills I acquired throughout my undergrad. The courses, papers, exams, friendships, studying, and the professors led me to where I am today. Basically, they shaped the person I am. I realized that everything in university is valuable one way or another.
When September rolled around (the first September in 18 years that I wasn’t going back to school), I felt nostalgic. I missed the student lifestyle and being a student. And I missed the look of campus in the fall and the late-night gossip sessions with my roommates.
Eventually, that feeling changed. I’m no longer jealous of the students who are sleeping through class or cramming for exams. I like being part of the adult working world. I wake up a little too early, pour myself a hot coffee, and head out the door with the skills I’ll always have thanks to my undergrad.
