Disclaimer: The views expressed by our interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of GradSimple. We only edit these responses for clarity. All opinions remain those of the interviewee.
- Name: Yuria B.
- Year Of Graduation: 2023
- College/University: Wheaton College (IL)
- Major: International Relations and French
What do you do for a living? Can you share what a typical day at work looks like?
I am about to begin a part-time role as newsletter editor and volunteer coordinator at a nonprofit organization focused on refugee service. I’m expected to meet with staff to inform readers about our organization’s happenings and ways other churches and organizations can help support refugees. In addition, as volunteer coordinator, I’ll be working with the social media manager to help find and recruit volunteers.
Can you tell me about your job search experience after graduation?
Finding a job was a very long and drawn-out process. Though I had a feeling the nonprofit sector was right up my alley, upon graduating, I was still figuring out if I wanted to enter the workforce right away or go to grad school. As someone who loves to learn, it was hard putting down the books after 4 intense years of college (I know – nerd)! After spending a lot of time talking to professors and professionals, I decided it was time to start looking for a job while still figuring out my next steps.
Thankfully, around this time, I got a text message from someone working at the organization I used to volunteer for, asking if I would be interested in the role I currently have. I’m super grateful to have the chance to work for a nonprofit organization whose values and mission align with my own.
Why did you choose your major? Would you still pick this major now, if you could go back in time?
I’ll try to keep my answer short: I started school undecided (surprise, surprise) and made a few changes before landing on the International Relations (IR) major. Though a lot of people go into IR with the intent of learning about other countries’ politics, I mistakenly took IR to be the same as Intercultural Studies – the study of how cultures adopted certain languages, customs, politics, etc. Despite my initial disappointment, through the IR major, I was introduced to human rights and ways to advocate, including nonprofit work.
Would I change my major if I could go back in time? Perhaps, but genuinely no regrets having come out on the other side.
If I asked you 3 years ago, what would you think you’d be doing right now (in life/career)?
Three years ago, I was considering becoming a teacher, so I would say I’d be in the classroom right about now. Now, in terms of life…I would’ve said I imagine myself living in a minimalist-style apartment in the suburbs of Chicago, hanging out with college friends on the weekends (that dream has yet to be lost on me).
What’s your biggest struggle right now?
My latest struggle has been analysis paralysis (ever heard of it?). Finding a job (or grad program or whatever else) in and of itself is stressful, but when you have many interests all tied to big goals, it’s often hard to narrow down what path to take. Moreover, as a Christian, it’s sometimes hard to break away from this idea that what you decide to do has to align with God’s will. Yet what I’ve discovered recently is that living obediently means having the freedom to make decisions. It’s okay to pick a job because it provides enough money to live or apply to that school you’ve been dreaming about. What you’re supposed to be doing can only be revealed once you step out and do something.
If money was not a factor, what would you be working on or spending more time on?
If money wasn’t a factor, I’d want to either become a professor, start up my own NGO, or travel the world as a food critic 2 to 3 months out of the year.
If we traveled 3 years into the future of your life, what would you hope we’d see?
I’m going to keep my answer super short and general: I hope to be someone who puts others’ needs first, has gained a lot of life experience, and mastered five or so languages!
What’s the biggest lesson or piece of advice you wish you’d known earlier?
It’s super cliché, but you should commit to doing something (whether that’s career-related or otherwise). Don’t let fear hold you back from what you are capable of!
Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
After graduating from college, I realized how every person is on their own journey. No two peoples’ paths are the same, and that’s beautiful! Every moment, good or bad, can teach us something so embrace where you are and make the most of it!
Connect With Yuria:
- LinkedIn: @YuriaB
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