Graduation is wrapped up for the Loyola University Maryland class of 2022. A handful of Loyola seniors were interviewed on their thoughts on graduation and the future. Some were timid, nervous and overwhelmed with the thought of graduation. Other students were highly anticipating their new beginnings and career goals.
Shannan Denihan, a communications major, focused on her classes rather than stressing about the unknown as graduation loomed closer. Denihan says, “I will be working for the rest of my life after I graduate. Why not enjoy the campus activities, friends, fun and freedom while we have it?”
Erica Puccio, a finance and information systems minor, had a job offer early as a risk advisory associate with Grant Thornton. Puccio says, “I was so grateful I received my offer earlier. I see so many of my friends stressed out applying, interviewing and repeating the cycle. It was a nice weight off my shoulder to not be on the job hunt.”
David Wallman, a finance major and marketing minor, felt uncertain about the future. Wallman says, “I was looking forward to graduation until second semester hit and I realized I need to figure out what I am doing for the rest of my life.”
One thing graduating seniors have going for them is a good job market. Jeremy Schwartz, a professor of economics at Loyola University Maryland says, “While there are still substantial risks to the economy, ranging from the War in Ukraine, inflation and lingering uncertainty caused by COVID, the job market for graduating seniors is extremely strong. The labor market is very tight and employers are recruiting hard.”
Schwartz sees a positive trend in the job market, which could ease students’ stress. “This has translated in Loyola students getting jobs they really want well before graduation and even having some bargaining power in terms of compensation and benefits.”
An article by Forbes states the top five jobs in 2022 are in healthcare, information technology, supply chain management, finance, and data science. All occupations can produce a six-figure salary with experience.
Graduates are aware of the strong jobs market. Denihan stayed positive through her final weeks at Loyola. “I really enjoyed my last month at Loyola. I have gotten to take advantage of the small things like sitting on the quad, talking to my professors, and seeing friends around campus.”
But Puccio became more nervous as graduation approached. “I was confident that I had my job locked in, but I realized how much I was going to miss my friends, campus, and the fun times I had in college. It is bittersweet but everything must end at some point.”
Meanwhile Wallman graduated feeling confident, as he had already secured an offer to be a wealth management analyst with Morgan Stanley. Wallman says, he feels confident leaving Loyola. “While I am moving forward with my career and life, I will always remember my years at Loyola.”
While all students face their own challenges and uncertainties as they head towards the future, these three seniors collectively agreed they have cherished their time at Loyola and are proud to be Greyhounds.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Sara Magee