COB Senior

Do not wait on assignments to be given to you. When you see an opportunity to make a contribution, do so even if it is on your own time. Initiative and success are rare qualities and usually rewarded. And of course, it is more fun to work on what you choose to work on. Quote by Dr. William Swart MSCMSetting Sail: Plotting Your Course to Graduation & Beyond

Congratulations on nearing an important milestone: Graduating with your BS or BSBA! You have faced many challenges both in and out of the classroom. Much has been expected and you have risen to the challenge. However, your journey is only beginning.

Over the next several weeks and months, you will be preparing to transition to the next great phase of your life, whether that be entering into full-time employment, graduate education, military service, or some other adventure life brings your way. We want you to head into the next phase of your life without thinking to yourself, “Have I done everything I need to do?”

On this web site, you will find several to-do lists. They are not meant to be exhaustive lists, but they should give you an idea of the kind of things you should be doing now through the weeks following graduation.

Academic To-Do List

  • Continue doing your best in your classes!
  • Reflect on the experiences you have had in your classes. What skill sets have you developed? What new things have you learned about yourself?
  • Apply to graduate! We won’t award you a degree if you don’t ask! The application must be completed in Pirate Port. View graduation information for more information and instructions.
  • Review your worksheet in Degree Works. Consult with your advisor if you have any questions about unmet requirements.
  • Check for holds (PDF) in Student Self Service. Many holds will prevent you from officially graduating and receiving your diploma.

Ceremonial To-Do List

  • Go to Grad Expo at Dowdy Student Stores in the Main Campus Student Center. Usually held in October and February, Grad Expo is your first chance to pick up your cap and gown and order graduation mementos.
  • Celebrate your accomplishments with your fellow Pirates, friends, and family at University Commencement. University Commencement is traditionally held the Friday morning immediately following final exams in the Fall and Spring semesters. Visit the University Commencement page for more information and to RSVP.
  • Celebrate with the COB at your College of Business Graduate Recognition Ceremony. Visit the COB Graduation Information page for more information and to RSVP.

Career To-Do List

First Semester

  • Make full use of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success resources, both online and in-person.
  • Intensify your job search.
  • Attend career fairs and other career-related events.
  • Network!
  • Develop multiple avenues to job search, such as recruiting, online sources, job posting sites, career fairs, and other events.
  • Schedule a practice interview and continue to develop effective interviewing skills.
  • Update your resume and work on cover letters.
  • Attend company information sessions.

Second Semester

  • Make full use of the Cunanan Center for Professional Success resources, both online and in-person.
  • Attend career fair and other events.
  • Research employers before interviews!
  • Increase intensity of job search both on campus or online.
  • Interview for jobs! Contact Career Center to schedule a practice interview.
  • Narrow your graduate school choices.
  • Complete entrance exams.
  • Complete graduate school application materials.

Alumni Relations To-Do List

  • Show your Pirate pride with an ECU alumni email address. After you graduate, your student email address will become an ECU alumni account.
  • Continue the Pirate pride by joining the ECU Alumni Association. There are many perks to being a member.
  • Join the Pirate Club, the friend-raising and fundraising arm of ECU’s Division I athletics. The Young Grad program gives recent alumni a cost-effective way to stay connected.