No perfect path, just the next step

Illustration by Kamaal Samuel, Illustrator

It’s 3 a.m., and you’re sitting at a glowing laptop screen with a half-written cover letter, multiple job listing tabs open, wondering — what am I supposed to do with my life? 

Many seniors at Chapman are going through the same process as graduation nears, but who or what are they turning to for career advice? 

Senior business administration and broadcast journalism and documentary double major Assiatou Hann says she didn’t start thinking about jobs or internships until her junior year of college. 

“I was super nervous at first and did most of the research online,” said Hann. “I feel like I still use the internet, but also turn to the career centers or my professors for interview help.”

For senior psychology major Amalia Steiner, the path looked different. Much of her early guidance came from her parents rather than the internet or campus resources.

“This has since changed as I’ve gotten older and I’m not taking advantage of all the on-campus resources such as the career center and my major or minor specific career advisors,” said Steiner. 

Chapman offers a range of career support services, including the Career and Professional Development Office and college-specific career centers. 

Hann strongly encourages students to take advantage of those resources early. 

“Regardless of what stage you are at, I recommend stopping by,” she said. “Also, I recommend talking to your professor. A lot of them usually come from the career path that you may want to follow, so they can provide insight into what that path is like and can connect you with someone if possible.”

Steiner echoed that advice, pointing specifically to classes designed to guide students through internship and career planning, like Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ Leading Your Life: Managing Your Career, taught by Career Manager Erin Berthon.

“Taking classes dedicated to (career development), such as Erin Berthon’s class, have provided great guidance,” Steiner said.

Hann also found Berthon’s guidance helpful, saying Berthon helped her establish a resume format when they had their one-on-one meeting.

Berthon says students who successfully land internships or jobs before graduation tend to start earlier and stay consistent. 

“They treat the process as something to learn from rather than something that defines them,” she told The Panther. “On the other hand, students who struggle often feel like they need to have everything perfectly figured out before taking action.”

That hesitation, she says, can delay valuable experience, especially in competitive industries.

When it comes to newer tools like AI, Hann and Steiner said they’ve been hesitant to rely on them, having concerns about accuracy and a preference for human connection. 

Berthon, however, encourages a balanced approach. 

“AI tools like ChatGPT have added another layer (to the job hunt),” Berthon said. “They can be incredibly helpful for brainstorming, resume building or interview prep — but they can also create a false sense that there’s a ‘perfect answer’ out there.”

Steiner plans to move back home to New York City after graduation, hoping to find a job in the music industry. 

Hann will also head to New York City this summer, where she’ll work as a breaking news and editorial intern for CNBC, an opportunity she believes her two degrees have prepared her for.

For many seniors, there is no single perfect answer, but rather the process of trial, networking and growth.