by Aubrey Marjason
As spring semester is coming to a close at Oklahoma Baptist University, something else is opening: a new chapter. This new chapter begins for seniors in the class of 2026. Though their undergrad is over, the rest of their lives is just beginning.
As notable as this moment is, for many, it carries many different emotions. Walking across the stage and tossing their caps is a moment some are so eager to do, while others are dreading it.
Graduation is inevitable (for passing students at least). While navigating a new stage of life after four years at university, some habits and tips may help when diving into unchartered waters. Whether a student is avoiding the topic of post graduation or bursting at the seams for their diploma, here are steps both can take to succeed in the “adult world.”
Lori Hagans, Director of Career Services and Parent Engagement shared just how students can approach graduation head on and turn the new phase of life into a fruitful one.
When it comes to being prepared mentally and emotionally, Hagans encourages students to embrace any feeling they have, yet still push through and finish strong, trusting God with control of their future.
Regardless of how students are feeling, Hagans says “[students] need to be talking it through with people, not just holding it in [and] find a way to normalize it.” Her encouragement is that most students will find someone else feeling the same way by talking about it. This will help student’s mindsets knowing that others relate.
Aside from emotions, Hagans has advice in regard to post-graduate professionalism. Cleaning up social media, networking on LinkedIn, updating resumes, and using the OBU Career Portal will help students prepare for everything that revolves around entering the professional field. Aside from soon to be graduates, Hagans urges underclassmen to prepare for post graduation by participating in internships, career fairs, campus leadership roles, workshops, etc.
When job searching, it is also important for students to be open minded, thinking outside of the box, and not letting preconceived notions about an occupation or company turn them away from what could be a great opportunity.
In regard to the social benefit many colleges maintain for students, free time and socializing will change drastically for graduates. No longer do they see their friends around campus, in the cafeteria, or at school events. The day of graduation, this all changes and graduates are now responsible for allotting time for friendship maintenance. Hagans stresses just how crucial it is to find community after graduation. Whether it be in church, the office, the gym, or a local organization, community is waiting to be made.
Hagans says, “Find community. Find your place of service; find the group that challenges you, encourages you, [and] holds you accountable.”
By finding this type of community, Hagans is confident that graduates will flourish in their social lives and have purpose outside of their profession.
Alumni’s hold a special place in Hagan’s heart and on OBU’s campus. They are the reason that the school has so many success stories and new students. Hagans uses a quote from a book called “After College” by Erica Young Reitz to encourage graduates when they aren’t sure what the future holds.
“As we forge our way after college, we hold deep hope for what God has in store. No matter what we are going through, we can say ‘it’s going to be OK.’ There’s hope for tomorrow and hope for today. Hope is a strange thing because it both grounds us and lift us. It is an anchor for the sound and a helium balloon for the heart. Our hope is not in a job or a romantic relationship, in a personal affluence or peace, but in the fact the God of the universe sustains us and carries us. So, let’s choose hope, no matter what. Because hope always leads.”
Choose hope, graduates. Develop professionally, mentally, and socially for the betterment of your future, and the future of God’s Kingdom.
“You are always welcome at OBU. Once a bison, always a bison and we are here to help, even after you graduate,” says Hagans.
Everyone is rooting for you! Especially the Career Development Center. You got this!
For more information about how to prepare for graduation, please visit:
