By Jayson Rodgers / Staff Writer

As graduation approaches, Missouri Valley College seniors face a mix of excitement and uncertainty as they prepare to enter the workforce.

For many students, the transition marks the end of years of coursework, milestones, and campus experiences, while bringing new pressure to secure a job after college.

Some students spend their college years working toward careers tied to their majors, while others graduate still unsure of their next step.

Senior Maurice Walker II said planning helped ease that pressure.

“I wasn’t rushed, I was planning these things since the summer of my junior year, so it gave me a whole year to find where I was gonna go without feeling that last-minute rush of graduating and not knowing what I want to do,” she said.

Students said it can be easy to lose focus during college, which can lead to uncertainty after graduation. Some graduates enter the workforce without clear goals, sometimes taking jobs unrelated to their degrees.

Senior Darian Weeb said he is focused on finding a career he enjoys rather than rushing into a position.

“I’m not rushing anything. I’m going to do what I want to do,” Weeb said. “I feel like to work hard and get the full benefit of it, you’ve got to do what you love to do.”

Professor Bobby Collins encouraged students to focus on networking as they prepare for careers after college.

“Make as many connections as you can. There are always opportunities,” Bobby Collins said. “Missouri Valley College offers a lot of chances for networking, not only here in the United States but abroad as well.”

While job hunting can be challenging, students said preparation, networking and patience can make the transition smoother. Many seniors remain focused on using their education and experiences to find careers that align with their long-term goals.