Outbound seniors get reflective as the end nears

One week from today, the class of 2025 will be walking the stage at graduation and receiving their diplomas. The next step will be entering the “real world,” and taking on all the responsibilities that come with this territory. The question of whether they are prepared for this new challenge will be determined for certain in the years to follow. However, seniors gave their two cents on their feelings for the future. 

TMU was recently ranked top 10 in the nation for “career preparation” by the Wall Street Journal. Seniors shared on their personal levels of preparedness for their futures. 

Kirsty Carmichael, a political studies major, explained how she is planning to pursue a career related to this major after she attends law school and receives her Juris Doctor.

“My classes have prepared me very well,” she said.We do mock trials and lots of public speaking, we read a wide variety of authors and there is a lot of emphasis on public speaking … TMU has prepared me very well because of how the major sets up a person for success.” 

Although Carmichael is pursuing a career directed toward her major, she recognizes that TMU has helped her develop other skills as well. As an RA, Carmichael was able to improve her overall skill set. 

“A student has to throw themselves into things to gain these skills. Communication, leadership and reliability are all developed by serving others. You have to give to gain,” Carmichael said. 

Bella Tedrow discussed skills she felt TMU has given her that would aid in the future. 

“TMU has equipped me for life outside of college through the in-depth theological and spiritual preparation TMU gives each student during their time here,” she said. “I feel prepared to go out in the world and effectively be a light for Christ.”

Meredith Shumate, a communication major, has not officially committed to pursuing a career specifically related to her major. However, she still feels prepared for her future. 

“I feel most prepared in the sense that I know how to operate in a professional environment with people I don’t know,” she said. I know how to be a good witness to people and how to be grounded in the truth in everything I do.” 

Shumate said that even if she does not pursue a career related to her major, she is still glad she attended college because it has helped her learn time management, compromising with people and the importance of making wise decisions. 

The main avenue provided by TMU to aid in finding a career after graduation is Career Services. However, students have utilized other pathways to make connections. Carmichael herself explained, “I did not use Career Services for jobs, but I did attend their Florida trip for networks which was helpful. I also love my professors, and they are very insightful, and I would encourage any student to go and talk with them.”

These seniors left the remaining student body with advice on how to best feel prepared for the coming years. Carmichael said, “Take every opportunity to network, it's the networks that get you places and not the grades as much. You're blessed to study at TMU so work hard because you won’t be able to have this same experience in the future.” 

Shumate added, “Talk to people. You might feel silly telling people what you want to do as it isn’t a typical stable 9-5 job, but you should still talk to people about it. Someone you talk to might know someone who is looking for what you want to do.” 

Finally, Tedrow recommended that her fellow classmates, “Live a life of integrity both now and in the future. Working diligently the right way in both school and work amplifies Christlikeness as well as stores up treasures in heaven.”