College Seniors Ready To Face "The Real World"
by Alicia Buckenmeyer Buckeye Staff Writer

Andrea Lange

There's no denying it. Walking the graduation aisle with degree in hand feels great.

It's the next step that's uncertain.

Is it more advantageous to continue formal education, or enter the "real world?" To move away, or stay close?

Even with the unknowns, Kendra Nafziger, a 2004 Pettisville High School graduate and senior at the University of Cincinnati, said, "I'm ready to graduate. I'll be adjusting, but I'm ready."

The Right Major

Ashley Ruffer believes studying the right major in college equals a more enjoyable life- now and later. The senior switched from a pre-med major to psychology.

"I didn't feel like science was my passion anymore," said the 2004 Archbold High School graduate. "I was more interested in behavior and the brain."

Now she can't wait to graduate April 26 from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Ind., and find a job in her true passion, working with adolescents.

"I always loved school, but I've had 'senioritis' since about mid-October and am just ready to be done," said Ruffer, referring to the "disease" of senior-year restlessness.

DJ Selgo

While Ruffer enjoys the wide array of jobs available to her in psychology, the downside is that her goal, becoming a school counselor, requires a master's degree.

In contrast, Andrea Lange, a 2005 AHS graduate, only attended school for about 14 months with her career choice.

Lange graduated in November from the Ohio Academy, a cosmetology school in Columbus.

She is certified in managing cosmetology, which prepares her to operate and work in a beauty salon.

While Lange and Ruffer chose established disciplines, Carrie Nofziger, a 2003 AHS graduate, chose to study the lesserknown sign language interpreting.

Sign language was her favorite high school class. Smart move: the U.S. Department of Labor said the field is growing faster than average.

"In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on equal opportunity," Nofziger said.

There are many job openings in the field.

The Great Unknown

Who knows what will happen beyond May 4, when Nofziger graduates after a required 10-week practicum in Pennsylvania.

Ashley Ruffer

"I have a picture in my mind's eye of what life will be like until May," she said, "and then it turns into an unknown adventure."

While she eventually plans to use sign language in overseas missions, she hasn't chosen an interim working environment.

DJ Selgo, a computer science major with minors in math and business administration, will be in a similar predicament when he graduates May 11 from Mount Union College, Alliance.

"The only thing I know about my future plans right now is that I'm graduating," he said.

The 2004 AHS grad has a hard decision ahead- take a job, or go to graduate school.

"My degree can take me to a wide range of different organizations in a variety of positions," he said.

Variety is advantageous and overwhelming.

"It's difficult to predict which options might be the best path to take to achieve my career goals."

Job Search

Nafziger isn't worried about finding a job in fashion design, her chosen field.

"It's an industry that's quickly moving. There seems to be positions always open," she said. "Usually there's more work than able bodies to do it."

Carrie Nofziger, a 2003 Archbold High School graduate, studied sign language interpretation. She graduates May 4.- courtesy photo

While that's good news, the heavy workload can be stressful, she said.

The amount of hands-on experience with clothing companies that she's received helps her feel confident about her coming job search. The UC program requires six three-month-long internships.

She worked as assistant designer for major brands in Columbus and San Francisco, Calif.; in her last co-op at a Wisconsin discount store had her presenting her designs for addition in the company's clothing line.

Ruffer, who has counseled at camp and had other mentoring positions, agrees that experience will give her an edge. "I think I will be able to find a job fairly easily with some of the experience I've had," she said.

Since junior high, Selgo has prepped himself by taking career related jobs.

"Most of the preparation is really building connections and networking with people that will 'open the door' for me to get a full-time position later," he said.

Nofziger's job search, which will start with interpreting agencies, will be more unconventional since interpreting involves freelancing instead of a single long-term position.

"I will probably go around to businesses and let them know that I'll be available if they need someone to provide equal communication for any customers that use sign language," she said.

"The job search was not complicated at all," Lange said. She's navigating the search solo after moving back to Archbold, where it's harder for the Academy to help her contact the smaller salons.

Nafziger, who still has a year remaining in her five-year fashion design program, said, "I know that I've heard a lot of people saying how difficult it is finding a job."

Yet, she said, "I feel pretty comfortable. I think whatever opportunity comes my way I'll take."

Getting Out

Leaving school changes things.

"It is overwhelming being out in the 'real world,' but exciting to not have to go back to school," said Lange.

Nofziger leaves Bethel University, Mishawaka, Ind., with conflicting emotions. "It's bittersweet realizing that my years of college are almost at their end.

"It feels great to get excited about all the opportunities that I have to come," she said. "At the same time, it's sad that it's almost time to part ways with the many great aspects of college life."

Yet others, like Selgo, are antsy to be done.

"After four years as an undergraduate, I can't wait to graduate and move on to another phase in my life and my career," he said.