Grad school

By Kyle Tamminga

Guest Writer

Four years of my life have passed by in a blur, and I find myself once again at the crossroads of this ongoing journey we all call life.

What's a guy supposed to do with an undergraduate degree?

Well, for me and many others, it's providing the framework for the "next step."

Living within the confines of the GSC, I hear everyone talking about getting into some type of grad school. I, myself, am on the hunt to find a place of acceptance at some medical school on this planet. We're all looking for a new set of letters to accompany our names. "Well, hello Mr. Tamminga…oh excuse me, I mean Dr. Tamminga."

Do you remember that transition we all took from high school to college? Well, here we go again. I'm hoping that the education I've received at Augie prepares me for life in grad school (and I'm confident it will), but I know that the road doesn't get any easier for me or any of us.

The material we learn will only get taught at an even faster pace, and the expectations will undoubtedly be higher.

Hopefully I'm not speaking out of turn, but although it all seems challenging, I'm excited.

Yeah, it'd be nice to get started with life in the real world, but I'm getting closer to what I want to do with my life.

For some of us, the professions we seek do require more specialized training. Some extra schooling might help boost one's earning potential or even delay their introduction into this questionable economy, but I hope it would also provide them with a means for finding their true passion.

You want to get a PhD in philosophy? Well, do it if that's what you want to do with your life and will provide you a way to incorporate your passion into a career. My advice to you all—don't go looking for a higher degree in something you don't care too much about because you'll be miserable.

The last year or two of my life has been plagued by hours upon hours of researching schools, writing out essays for applications, hunting down references, studying for tests no one would ever want to take more than once, filling out secondary applications (yes folks, one application doesn't cut it), interviewing and all in the meanwhile, trying to keep my sanity.

It's enough to drive a person crazy, but it's what's getting me closer to what I'm crazy about. Augie has provided me with a solid foundation, but I'm excited to dive into the stuff that really interests me and be surrounded by those who share that passion.

Hopefully that touches base with a few of you, and for all of you at the crossroads of your own life, I wish you the best and all the luck.

 

Get a job

By Mari Stensgaard

Guest Writer

We've always been encouraged to challenge ourselves, to strive for the gold star, to run the extra mile—to be the best we can be. At Augie, we've been asked to question.

What is my passion? What is it that will get me out of bed in the morning? How then shall I live?

If you've grown up like me, you've also come to understand the notion of high standards. And now, for you and me, challenges, questioning and high standards are a part of everyday life.

For the past few months, I've been trying to figure out what I'll be doing after graduation. All along, I've known I will be getting a job.

Getting a job was in the plan four years ago, and I'm glad it was.

Since my sophomore year of college, everyone has been talking about the job market. They've been saying how terrible it is, and how it's nearly impossible to score something—anything.

To a degree, that's true. I won't say it isn't, because how can I compete with the stats? I just can't. However, let me tell you, there are opportunities.

There are jobs out there.

For those thinking about grad school, that's great. If you're looking to further your education, that's one way to do it.

That will continue to challenge you. You will be asked more questions, and no doubt you'll be held to high standards.

How I see it, though, is that the first year out on the job I'll learn more than I ever would in grad school. I think during the first year on the job, I may learn just as much as I did in my four years at Augie.

If you're going to grad school because you fear finding a job, think again.

The job market—the working world—is always, always looking for smart, thoughtful and energetic people. If you fear finding a job and you are smart, thoughtful and energetic  in your field, lose that fear.

There is a job out there waiting for you. I know it because there was one waiting for me.

Instead of spending thousands of dollars going to grad school and honing your skills, why not prove to the world that you already have them?

Show employers that you're up for a new challenge. Show them you're willing to question and make things better.

Show them you're someone who produces top-notch work, and you exceed high standards. It's time to show the world what you're made of.

Chances are, you'll even get paid to do so.