Congratulations on graduation! And What’s next?

May 1, 2019
by Goeun

Beginnings and Endings Getting Involved International

Classes are done and I cannot believe that I’m almost done with the program! This is going to be my last blog and I’d love to tell you all the things that I’ve gone through this semester as well as my next steps!

This semester has been busier (I think) and more interesting semester. I had externship, electives, a career fair, and more!

On January, I came back from South Korea after winter break and started my new semester. The biggest difference between the Fall semester and the Spring semester is that students take mostly elective courses and a few required courses during Spring. I was excited to take classes what I’ve wanted to take and during the semester, I could have individual Lifestyle Redesign practice sessions with a partner as a therapist and as a client. Also, I could learn hands-on motor control techniques and treat a real client after practicing with classmates.

On February, for the first few weeks, I searched externship site and did externship from the last week of February for two weeks. Finding the site was not an easy process, but it was a great experience to actually think about my interests, possible resources, and build leadership skills. Also, I was working on an OPT visa process which I need after finishing the program. Thanks to Global Initiatives team, I could get general information about the process of applying for OPT visa.

On March, I had the externship until the first full week of March (March 8), and then, I had Spring break! After coming back from Spring break, we had a career fair from our Division. You can find more information about the career fair from one of our Student Ambassador, Jessica’s blog. Also, Global Initiatives held an Alumni Panel for international students which they invited recent international alumni from our Division to talk about what life is like after leaving the USC such as studying the NBCOT exam, job searching, job interviewing, figuring out fair salary, and adapting to a new work environment, etc. It was really helpful as I could get a lot of resources from both the career fair and the alumni panel. After attending them, I felt less pressured and worried as I could get some sense of planning after graduation.

On April, the semester has been going pretty well, and I tried to keep a balance between the schoolwork and my well-being.

On May, I’ll work on my final papers, exams, and the comprehensive exam. After that, I’ll graduate!!!

What’s next? For me, I will work for SOTI program from Global Initiatives from June to July, so I’ll be in school until July, after that, I will study for the NBCOT, and searching for a job. This will be my next steps and a new journey as a new graduate.

It has been really amazing studying in the USC Chan Division and I appreciate all who have been supporting me. Good luck with everyone and FIGHT ON!

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