I literally cannot believe I am about to graduate college. It feels amazing and terrifying at once, as I expected. I think in the past when I thought of graduating college I focused more on the academic aspects and my grades, but now that I’ve grown and realigned my focus, it’s about so much more than that. This isn’t meant to be sappy (because part two of this post, when I do actually graduate, will be sappy as hell). I’m just going to give my thoughts on my college process and you can take and leave whatever you want.

For reference: I am a 21-year-old graduating from UCF with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations with a film Minor.

The questions on this post are from https://blog.timesunion.com/careers/50-interview-questions-for-new-college-graduates/2606/

1. How is your semester going?

We are still in a pandemic so it’s going poorly socially, but I have been focusing more on creative elements of my life and working from home which I really enjoy. Please don’t take going out for granted when it is safe again.

2. Why did you select your college or university?

I had never toured a college before applying, so I never knew what I actually wanted. UCF was always my second choice to FSU. When I got deferred I decided to go to UCF for one semester then transfer but loved Orlando so much that I stayed!

3. Can you summarize your educational background for me?

Before college, I hated school. I loved the social aspects but never cared about learning. Once I reached college I understood and found a love for actually learning and not just memorizing to get things over with.

4. What factors did you consider in choosing a major?

I wanted something in the media world, that was exclusive. I wanted to have to work for it to be at a level that would make money while also challenging me every day to do better. I wanted to travel and have a job that wasn’t routine and boring. I wanted creativity and freedom. But I hated math, so I chose AD/PR and film for creative purposes!

5. What college subjects did you like the best? The least? Why?

I loved anthropology, film, and ad/pr because I just found them so interesting. Film and Ad/PR specifically because you can learn from those who came before you, learn the rules, and then run with it. Once you had the basics you can use your creativity and do whatever you want. I hated math, I don’t understand it.

6.  Describe your study habits.

I would say I am the most Type B version of a Type A. I am very into aesthetics and study ALOT. My work looks good and is usually done to the best of my ability. I like to do things ahead of time because procrastinating has never helped anyone. I like to take my time when it comes to school work and work alone unless it’s a really good group.

7. Describe how your favorite course has contributed to your career interests.

My favorite course contributed to my career interest in the way that it lit a fire. I was so inspired by my professor and truly looked up to her and she made me want to reach my goals even more than I already did. She showed me the possibilities ahead and the steps to get there.

8. How have you changed personally during college?

I am literally an entirely new person. Not only did these changes come with age, but what I’ve been through. I have become a lot more structured and confident in my abilities to do well at the job I choose. I got sick with Hashimotos and Cushing’s and din’t know it so I was learning how to lose weight and truly take care of my body and the importance of health at this age. This also taught me that life isn’t fair but it doesn’t mean it isn’t good. I have accepted that I have to work harder to lose weight and stand out in my field and honestly that mindset has helped a lot.

9. If you could do so, how would you plan your academic study differently? Why?

I 100% would have studied abroad. I think that’s my biggest regret. I also would have taken more internships in different parts of the country and visited new places.

10.  What have you learned the most from your internships?

From my LA internship on a TV show I learned the importance of persistence. I was working 5 a.m to 1 a.m in a different time zone and PA’s were not allowed to sit down. I loved it. I loved pushing through and watching how everyone worked together to make a show, I loved the feeling of being a part of something bigger, and I loved the drive my fellow PA’s had to be more. From my PR internship I have learned the power of work relationships and communicating with your peers and boss. It’s so important to have a solid foundation of trust and likeability with each other so you can grow and learn.

11. How would you describe your ideal job following graduation?

My ideal job would be something that challenges me. Not in like a crazy, “I hate my job” kind of way, but in a way that I will learn something new every single day. I want a good office culture too, if you can’y have fun, I don’t want to work there.

12. What are your hobbies?

I love blogging (duh), making Instagram content, and reading. There is so much out there to learn about, practice, and absorb. I hope I keep these hobbies and pick up a few new ones soon.

13.  What goals have you established recently?

I am constantly setting new goals for myself but currently my goals are to read at least one book a month, grow my social media, and lose weight.

14. What are your pet peeves?

I don’t have a ton, but I hate being rushed and I don’t like when people don’t stick to their part of group projects.

15. What have you learned from your mistakes?

You have to own up to them. If you don’t take accountability for your actions and mistakes you will never give yourself the opportunity to learn and grow from them. Part of growing up is realizing that sometimes you are in the wrong and you are the person holding yourself back.

16.  Give me two examples of good decisions you have made in the last six months.

• 1: I made myself a priority and got my hormones checked leading me to find out I have an issue that is holding me back. This was good because now we can work on fixing it.
• 2: I joined a fitness group and having a solid foundation for success and accountability is everything.

17. How would one of your professors describe you?

I would hope that they describe me as confident, reliable, and hardworking.

18.  Describe your most rewarding college experience.

Telling my parents I was applying for graduation. I was always going to graduate, no doubt about it. But, telling them I had applied and all of my hard working was starting to pay off was such a good feeling.

19. Do you feel you received a good general education?  Why?

I do. but, college is 100% your choice on if you actually learn or not. They don’t care if you drop out or miss an exam or give up. It’s all up to you to make the most of your time and energy.

20. Do you think your grades are a good indicator of your academic achievement?

Absolutely not. There is so much more to a person than if they can memorize something or get it off quizlet. Application in the real world is key. Experience over grades any day.