Taking The Next Step

by Tia

First and foremost, today is a very special day and I would like to take a moment and wish my mother, Tracy Stanley, a happy birthday! I hope it is as wonderful and beautiful as you are!

Now, down to business. As this is my introductory blog, it’s best that I begin with a bit of background information. I love themes. I like for things to flow smoothly and tie in together. I guess this explains my obsession with color schemes (a visit to my apartment would confirm this). With this disclaimer in mind, the theme of my first blog is transition and preparedness.

A recent graduate of Elon University, I have been a member of the “real world” for less than a month now. During my undergraduate years, graduation seemed a thing of the distant future. Thus, I am truly amazed at just how swiftly those years flew by. Before I knew it, I was sitting in the front row of my graduating class anxiously awaiting my debut with my diploma. Oddly enough, my last name begins with an “s.” I’m still pondering the seating arrangements!

I moved to to Raleigh and began work here at MMI less than a month after my graduation. I must say that my transition to the “real world” has been a smooth one. While I still can’t seem to get to Wal-Mart without finding myself miles away from my destination, I have avoided the feelings of displacement and uncertainty that many graduates face. I don’t credit my transition to luck or timing. Instead I found it extremely helpful to be prepared.

I began my career search at the beginning of my senior year. With two internships under my belt, I went full-speed. My advice to individuals in a transition stage would be prepare, prepare, prepare. Set specific and narrow guidelines and goals for yourself. For new or recent graduates, visit and research cities and employers far in advance to determine your best personal fit. It is also important that I reiterate the significance of starting early. You can begin planning for your transition as early as your freshman year. Internships offer the experience you will need and are highly valuable. Capitalize on them throughout your undergraduate years.

For anyone making a leap into a new reality, don’t make it a blind one. Prepare for your transition to make it as smooth as possible. Stop and take a moment to set priorities, goals and a timeline and you will be well on your way to success.

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1. Congratulations, Congratulations, I am so wonderfully, proud of you. God Bless you and may the Lord continue to bless you totally. We have never met, but I am one of your cousins, in Detroit. You are truly, an inspiration. My oldest, daughter just graduated from high school, I hope she will take your advice of being prepared. Tell, your Mom and the rest of the family, I said hi.

   
   — Sherri Dorsey    Jun 19, 08:50 PM    #

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