The time has come!  This semester marks the end of a long college journey for many graduating seniors.

Preparing for the “real world” can become a stressful time for graduates.

While many students are ready to enter the workforce, many students are not.

At the top of many graduating seniors check list is to find a job or internship upon graduating. The thought of what to do next is a concern for many students.

However, the search for jobs or internship does not have to be a lonely one.

The Office of Career Services, located in Murphy Hall, is the perfect resource for all students who need help with future school and career plans.

Career Services provides assistance with internships, resumes, employment, and interviewing skills.

“All students should take advantage of our resources from the time they enter college to the time they graduate,” said Joyce Edwards, executive director of career services.

Not only does Career Services offer one-on-one assistance, but they also offer workshop sessions on various helpful topics.

The website of career services also has over 2,000 short videos to prepare students during and after college.

While the walk across the stage seems a little further down the road, seniors should begin sending in paperwork to the university to register for graduation.

The senior profile form and the graduation application are due Feb. 1.

Students should also be planning their cap and gown purchases early. Grads will have the opportunity to purchase their cap and gowns at the Grad Fair held on campus on March 11-14.

“The Grad Fair is the best time for students to pre-order their cap and gown at a discounted price.

It is extremely important for students to put in their orders in early, and avoid full price in store purchases,” said Donna Powell, A&T bookstore director.

The Grad Fair will also give seniors the opportunity to purchase other paraphernalia such as T-Shirts, stools, diploma frames and class rings.

Tassels will be sold separately the Friday before graduation, and graduates will be able to pick up their orders from May 6-10.

While cap and gown purchases and using resources such as Career Services is important, building up a network and reaching out to different people for career purposes is equally important.

Taylor Grier, senior child development major expresses her views on networking upon graduating.

“I am working on building up my contacts and taking advantage of meeting new people. I want to have ‘go to people’ in my contacts even after I graduate,” said Grier.

Establishing career based relationships with different people allows grads to have a wide variety of references that will become useful in the near future.

Seniors must also check with Financial Aid, the Office of the Registrar, and the Treasurer’s Office on their financial status and their standing with the University.

Graduating Senior Criminal Justice major, Jarret Howard, is excited about what his future holds after graduating, and is prepared for the outcome.

“I’m looking forward to using the knowledge that was gained and cultivated at this great institution and using it to impact the world as well as continuing the legacy of aggie pride.”

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• Kamil Lockley, reporter