For most seniors at Cabrini, this will be their last semester. Imagine the amount of different thoughts and questions going through their heads like “will I go to graduate school?”, “will I go start to work?” or “what’s next?”
According to McGraw-Hill Education, “only 44 percent of college seniors feel very prepared for their careers.” This is significantly low especially for the amount of money that college students pay to prepare for their career.
Here is what current seniors on campus are saying about life after graduation:
“Cabrini has helped me in many ways,” senior biology-premed major Brenda Cabrera said. “I was provided the chance to present at national and regional conferences and conduct my own research.”
Cabrera spends her free time working as a student ambassador for the admissions office as well as taking on many roles as president of science club, co-leader of PB&J night and being an active member of the honors program. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science, Cabrera plans on attending the physician assistant program at Monmouth University in New Jersey.
“Do any and everything,” Cabrera said. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
“I discovered Cabrini in 7th grade through a college preparatory program,” senior marketing major Danielle Perez said. “Through that program, my class and I got the opportunity to tour a few colleges to prepare ourselves for the future. Cabrini was one of the colleges I toured and the only college to keep in contact with me throughout high school.”
Perez is also minoring in international business. She spends her time as vice president of student government association, vice president of internal operations for CAP Board and even venturing in new parts of the city on her free time. Perez even served as one of the orientation coordinators for summer 2018. She also plans on going straight to work after graduating from Cabrini with a bachelor’s degree of science in marketing.
“I’m definitely dreading the last day I walk on this campus as a student, but I’ve been looking forward to life after college,” Perez said. “I’ll miss walking to class, hanging out in the SEaL Office, running into my professors at The Bean, taking part in Orientation, running around campus setting up for CAP Board events, and sitting in class reviewing for exams. But I know I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. I’ve said it to my friends already, but I don’t see this as a door closing, I see this as an additional chapter or opportunity in my book!”
“I’m happy that I came to Cabrini,” Marc Haddad, senior biology major on the pre-dentistry track here at Cabrini, said. “Cabrini has shaped me to become a better individual by opening my perspective on life and never judging a book by its cover.”
Haddad is a member of the science club, plays defensive midfield on the club lacrosse team and also shadows dentists on his free time. He plans on taking a year off and studying for the DAT exam after graduating in May with a Bachelor’s degree in science.
“To underclassmen, plan your own schedule, save everyone’s number and always be friendly to the Sodexo workers,” Haddad said.
“After graduation I plan on going to graduate school to get my masters in applied behavioral analysis,” senior psychology major, Samantha Torres said. “I am trying to stay in Pennsylvania to study here and get a graduate assistantship. However, if that does not work out, I plan on returning home to live with my parents. In New York I plan on working and getting my masters’ through an online program.”
Torres is currently president of Psi Chi, a member of Pura Vida, member of psychology club, a classroom coach, as well as a resident assistant here at Cabrini. Torres is also minoring in Spanish and philosophy.
“Cabrini has prepared me in many ways for my career,” Torres continued. “Through my classes I have learned the value of research and professionalism. In addition, Cabrini centers itself around community and service, and through that I have chosen a career where I want to help others to succeed. I have developed scholarship through presenting research and leadership skills through being a RA and Classroom Coach at Cabrini.”
According to the Cabrini website, “six months after graduation, 92 percent of Cabrini University undergraduate students are employed or enrolled in full-time graduate studies.”
“I think that the students who are engaged in their education are prepared for their careers after their college experiences,” Cabrini assistant registrar Anita Brusstar said. “I believe the Center for Career and Professional Develop helps provide experiences for students through Internships that could lead to real job opportunities. The CCPD also offers advice and guidance on building a resume and tips on how to write a cover letter, along with other aspects involved in a job search.”
