By Oumar Bah in College Days, Student Life on April 14, 2025
Getting to know the different paths Ripon seniors are taking as they near graduation
“What do you plan on doing after graduation?” It’s a question for some seniors that they have almost heard too often. The countdown to graduation sparks both excitement and anticipation for many college seniors.
Many students at Ripon College enjoy the close-knit community and small college environment, so eventually, when the season of graduation is upon them, getting their first-hand experience in this journey is essential.
Mary Hatlen, director of Ripon College’s Career Center, takes a lot of pride in helping students become equipped with the right tools and knowledge to be successful once they graduate. The Career Center is where students take the first step in preparing for their future.
Pursuing higher education is a big step for many students, and it requires preparation. Summer Schlieckau, a senior majoring in psychology, explained that completing one of her major life goals, getting into Marquette’s Clinical Counseling program, brings her one step closer to being a child therapist.
“The Career Center really helped with my interview. The practice interview that I took was pretty helpful, because I had no idea, like, what questions they were going to be asking in the actual interview…I didn’t know what to expect for that, so she gave me a good list of the types of questions that they would be asking, and then, she asked me some of those questions to get those in my mind and get me ready, and that just really helped. And she gave me those pieces of paper with the questions and different interview advice. And I had that on my desk as I was in the interview, and that helped me,” she said.
Madeline Adler, a senior majoring in political science, has frequently utilized the Career Center throughout her college career, receiving assistance with resume building, cover letters, and job interview preparation.
Ripon College and the Career Center put on many networking events for students throughout their tenure.
“My favorite that I’ve been to has been the holiday party they did for the 1851 Club. I went to that with another senior, and we talked to alumni for like two hours. And it was really fun. They have the same experiences that we do still. And so it’s kind of unique to listen to, like, post-grad Ripon College students and stuff,” she said.
With graduation approaching and the job market being especially competitive right now, Adler expressed a sense of uncertainty as she prepares for post-grad life.
“There are a lot of students who don’t have jobs right now, the job market seems a little scary, and I think a lot of people have to apply for like 20, 30, or 40 jobs, until they finally nail a couple of interviews, and then that all happens. So I think I’m a little nervous, but I’m really excited for post-grad life,” she said.
Maricarmen Dorantes, a senior studying computer science, was offered a software engineering position at Northwestern Mutual. She has interned with them every summer since her freshman year and has been using this to help push her closer to the finish line. Initially, she was uncertain if she was fit for the job, but the Career Center’s personality test gave her reassurance.
Maricarmen Dorantes was offered a job at Northwestern Mutual, a company she has been interning at every summer of college. Photo courtesy of Oumar Bah.
“There were like a few times where I would be thinking, I don’t know if I actually am good for computer science. Then, I went to the Career Center and met with her, and took her personality test, and that kind of reassured me that I’m on the right path,” Dorantes said.
Emma Ziebell, a senior majoring in exercise science, sports management, and business management, has had positive experiences with the Career Center, particularly for resume assistance. Post-graduation, she plans to start a master’s in sports management at Ripon College, aiming to work in the business side of professional sports like the NFL, NBA, or MLB.
While the road beyond college may seem daunting, there is always something worth celebrating. As Ziebell puts it, “Getting ready for graduation is kind of a bittersweet moment. Like all my classmates, and people I’ve spent the last four years with, it’s kind of sad to, you know, not be able to see everyone all the time, but also really exciting for everyone taking their next steps towards their future and just see where that leads people.”
As a graduating class prepares to cross the stage in May, these stories reflect more than just individual accomplishments, but they paint a picture of how Ripon College invests in its students. The Career Center’s role is just one example of how Ripon College provides not only education but a foundation for growth.
Editor’s note: Madeline Adler is a writer for the College Days