There are approximately 1,800 WCU students preparing to graduate this spring, many of whom are wondering ‘Will I be able to find a job in my field?’ But some are asking a different question: ‘Does it really matter if I do?’
To help answer these questions, six WCU alumni who graduated within a 22-year span gave advice. They have all had different career paths, and their advice can be helpful in guiding soon-to-be graduates into the unknown.
Cynthia Wray, a professor of communication at Western, graduated in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in the field. She later received her master’s in higher education teaching/communication in 2007 and an English add-on in 2009.
After graduating, Wray, instead of pursuing an instinctive career in communication, chose a position as a middle school teacher.
“I had a position at Star 94, an Atlanta radio station, but decided to stay in the area where I grew up- Sylva, N.C.,” Wray said. “I transitioned into public school teaching. Communication and English skills allowed me to qualify for a middle school teaching opportunity.”
When it comes to fieldwork itself, Wray said she believes in the act of finding a position related to their prior studies.
“I feel it is important for a communication student to find a job that matches their field of study,” she said. “It justifies the hard work they put into the content they studied and skills they utilized/strengthened in their internship.”
Wray offered this advice for upcoming graduates.
“Spread your applications to areas outside of your concentration. Never be afraid to take a job while waiting for the “right” job; all experience counts, builds character and contacts, and strengthens communication skills,” Wray said.
Rebecca Graafsma, a PE teacher at Smokey Mountain Elementary, graduated in 2006 with a degree in physical education. Graafsma’s first job after graduating was as a PE teacher.
“I think there are a lot of people who go into a field they did not major in and that’s okay,” Graafsma said.
As for field careers, Graafsma advised to “put your whole heart into studying and learning the skills that you think that you’ll be using when you go into your profession because it really helps you know what you are doing when you enter that profession.”
Ryan Cameron manager of the technology commons at Western, graduated in 2010 with a degree in music education and later received his master’s degree in education in 2015. Cameron’s first job after graduation was as an after-school tutor at Smoky Mountain Elementary School.
Cameron said he believes finding a position immediately after college within your field of study is not the most important aspect of job searching.
“I don’t think it matters,” Cameron said. “I think you will find something that you enjoy and make the most of it.”
As for career advice for upcoming graduates, Cameron parted with a statement of hope.
“Take your time and wherever you go, do it with all of your heart, because whatever job you’re in is an interview for the next job.”
Hannah Broyer graduated in May 2023 with a degree in communication concentrating in public relations with a minor in marketing. After graduating, Broyer found a job in Human Resources as a Talent Acquisition Coordinator for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
My daily tasks consist of assisting new hires with their onboarding process and ensuring they start work on time”. Broyer said. “The onboarding process and back of house paperwork at Harrah’s Cherokee is somewhat complex, so I find myself tuning into my communication skills to make the onboarding process for our applicants simple and transparent”.
Broyer acknowledged the difficulty in securing a job that matched her major.
“Honestly, it was hard to find a job that aligned with my major. I knew I wanted to stay out here in WNC for at least one more year, so when finding and applying to jobs, I was limited geographically.” Broyer said.
Broyer later expressed that immediately finding a job related to one’s field after graduation is not particularly important.
“It does not matter what your job title is after graduation. It does not have to align with your major! My job title does not perfectly match my degree, but this new position has exposed me to an industry I had not yet considered while reminding me that you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
As for career advice for upcoming graduates, Broyer said the following.
“Do not be so limiting on the job titles you are applying to. You might be missing out on opportunities more suitable for your skills and personality. Your first couple of years and jobs post-grad are for you to figure out what you like and don’t like in a career setting, so take the leap to apply for something new and fun, because regardless of the job title or industry, you are going to walk out of it with more experience and skills than you had before.”
Stephanie Balch graduated in spring of 2023 with a degree in Integrated Health Sciences and a concentration in Health Management. After graduating, Balch was not able to find a degree in her field.
“I became a registered behavioral technician after graduating” Balch said. “It was hard finding an entry level position that aligned with my major in the area I wanted to live in.”
She later offered a sentiment that it isn’t particularly important to find a field-relatable position immediately after graduation.
Balch gave the following advice for those nearing graduation:
“Attend the career fairs that the university has and make some connections. Also make sure you start to look for a job early and not after you graduate as you’re often able to secure a job before you graduate”
Maggie Wessels recently graduated at the end of 2023 with a degree in elementary education and an English concentration. After graduating Wessels was able to get a job as a fourth Grade English teacher in Cherokee N.C.
“Due to the teaching shortage, it was fairly easy for me to find a job after graduation. I had some options, which was awesome!” Wessels said. “I think that the most important thing is being able to support yourself, and that does not always happen within your graduating major. I had backup plans in case I was unable to find a teaching job right away.”
For future graduates, Wessels had this to say: “Soak in the time of the graduation season. Graduating from college, no matter your major, is hard work. Do not sweat the small details and try to be picky with job choices, if you’re able”
As these alumni stories illustrate, the post-graduation path is rarely linear. It’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities. So, WCU graduates, what will your story be? Start exploring, building connections, and embracing the unknown. The future is yours to navigate.
