2008 Woodie Awards
Real World Gives Hope To Hundreds of Jobless Seniors
Traester, Kay
Issue date: 1/21/05 Section: Arts & Features
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The Real World.
For some, this phrase pertains to the seven eccentric - and often ridiculously melodramatic - young adults living together in chaotic situations in Philadelphia regularly featured on MTV. For current Colgate seniors, these three words mean absolutely everything as post-Colgate life quickly comes into full view. For me, this phrase - scarily enough - represents my entire life in a few short months. And no, I am not one of the lucky seniors with a job offer on the table or the chance to escape immediately to graduate school. I am among the masses of seniors unsure of - and quite anxious to see - what the real world has in store for me.
With this background and mindset, I entered a crash course in alumni networking, learning about a range of career fields, and investigating issues about transition to life after Colgate. Along with over fellow 300-plus seniors, I arrived back on campus early, eager to participate in the Class of 2005's Real World from January 13 to 15. We came armed with all of the essentials - a professional Class of 2005 black portfolio, business casual attire, and, luckily, the support of over 80 alumni who graciously traveled back to their alma matter for the weekend's festivities.
Started in 1996, the two-day program aims to help seniors find their destination after Colgate through luncheons, alumni panels, and various social networking events on campus. The Center for Student and Leadership Involvement, Career Services and Alumni Affairs sponsored the event.
Following registration at Donovan's Pub and a senior New Year's Party at the Palace Theater Thursday night, us seniors enjoyed a welcome luncheon and keynote speaker in the Hall of Presidents on Friday afternoon. Class of 2005 Co-President Carrie Guay and University President Rebecca Chopp welcomed the class, with Ronald Joyce '73 offering his words of wisdom.
"It was a great event," Chopp said following the weekend's events. "I and others have been working hard to make sure students have lots of opportunities to explore career options and connect with alumni. We are thrilled with how [the senior] class got so engaged in this event and with career services throughout the year. [The Class of 2005 is] all terrific!"
Joyce urged seniors to utilize this Real World experience to determine what one is passionate about and how to use current alumni to aid in the search for that infamous and highly coveted first job. As a 1973 Colgate graduate and member of the Alumni Corporation Board of Directors, Joyce is a Senior Vice President and Chief Development Office for The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The question that continued to loom in many seniors' minds involved eight words Joyce articulated, "So, what are your plans after you graduate?" With these words, dozens of heads nodded in agreement over the angst and inner agony this simple question causes.