Finding a first job after graduation is not a race according to Sara Kemeny, a graduate student at Hillsdale College’s Graduate School of Classical Education. 

Five of Hillsdale’s doctorate and master’s students discussed postgraduate career and education advice with undergraduate students at a brainstorming workshop hosted by Career Services on Sept. 4. 

Speakers included Jose Arevalo, Nicholas Callaghan, Kemeny, Samuel Lair, and Rebecca Schwartz, who represented Hillsdale’s Graduate School of Classical Education and the Van Andel School of Government.

The speakers discussed what factors students should take into account when considering graduate school.

Lair said students should pursue a graduate school that is a good fit, instead of fixating on the school’s prestige or rankings. 

“The advice I would offer you guys is to find a fit and do your research,” Lair said. “Take your time, it’s not a race.” 

Speakers discussed whether students should consider working or entering graduate school after college.

Lair advised students to consider whether the career path they have interest in will require a master’s or Ph.D. down the road. 

“If you have an idea of what you want to do, look at all of the avenues that you can move up in that realm and what the glass ceilings are,” Lair said. “There are careers where you can just get by with a bachelor’s degree, and you’re not going to hit a glass ceiling.” 

Some speakers advised students to find a job or internship in their field of interest, especially if they plan to attend graduate school, to decide which career path is a good fit for them. 

Callaghan said students should view graduate school as a time to improve their resumes by finding a job or internship.

“When you’re in grad school, you’re still trying to maximize your resume,” Callaghan said. “The grind doesn’t really stop at any point.” 

Arevalo advised students interested in law school to pursue a paralegal internship. 

“I know a lot of people who have done paralegal internships, and, seeing the way lawyers live their lives, decide they are better off doing something else,” Arevalo said.

Career Services program manager Roma Rogers said she decided to host the workshop after she noticed multiple students approaching her with questions about their postgraduate plans.

“I hope students who attended this discussion gained some insight into the considerations one ought to have before committing to graduate studies,” Arevalo said.

Kemeny said she hopes students will take their time when it comes to making a decision about graduate school. 

Sophomore Katie Crain said she realized that it is important to find a school for post-graduate education that aligns with her values.

“It is important to know why you’re choosing the school that you are for your graduate degree; does it align with your values, and will it ultimately aid in the person you want to continue to grow into and not just your career,” Crain said. “That is what matters most.”