Candace Chambers
Staff Writer
As students experience their undergraduate journey, many think about the next step in their lives. Some students snag a career, while others further their learning by attending graduate or professional school.
When seeking a school to attend, there are often many unanswered questions on the minds of these students. The Jackson State University Career Services Center hosted the Graduate and Professional Schools Day on Sept. 18 for students to explore and gain knowledge about the many opportunities available for their choice of post-undergraduate studies.
Representatives from schools across the nation filled the ballroom in the Student Center. Some of the schools included Howard University School of Law, Lincoln Memorial University and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Recruiters provided students with information about degree programs, admissions, and financial assistance. They also stressed that graduate school is competitive and selective.
Wendolyn Stevens, recruiter for Delta State University’s Graduate and Continuous Studies, stated that graduate school candidates must be sociable and open to learn.
“At our university, we look for strong interpersonal skills. We prefer students who don’t mind opening up and talking. We also want the average students who are willing to go the extra mile,” said Stevens.
For students interested in attending graduate or professional school, they should check out the school’s website or contact the school’s admissions office. Various items may be needed for admission, including an application fee, a personal statement, a writing sample, or GRE test scores.
LaVenita Cottrell, Associate Director for the JSU Career Services Center, stated that the choice to continue education after obtaining an undergraduate degree can be an asset for a student’s future plans.
“If the student has an interest in going to graduate school or professional school after their undergraduate degree, it helps them pursue their career goals because in some areas and some careers students pursue, they really need that graduate degree. You also have students that go to law school or medical school,” said Cottrell. “The undergraduate degree is the beginning of their educational experience to assist them along the way to get to that final goal.”
Jackson State students benefited from the informational event.
“It was very helpful. I turned in a couple of my resumes and some of the people will get back in touch with me and I will also get back in touch with them. I know it will be very beneficial,” said Kendall Jefferson, a senior finance major from Gulfport, Miss.
Rashad Sayles, a senior technical management major from Jackson, Miss. said, “It was informative because I’m looking into law school. A couple of the recruiters told me some stuff I didn’t know.”
Vangerlena Smith, a senior social work major from Canton, Miss. also enjoyed Graduate and Professional Schools Day.
“The day was very helpful because I know that I want to further my education after undergrad but I didn’t know where to start college wise and what college to look at,” said Smith. “So, it was very helpful to learn of what college offers what, including scholarships and all of the information I’m getting.”
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