Managing Second-Semester Senior Stress

As a second-semester senior, the thought of graduation constantly looms over us, generating feelings of anxiety, excitement, sadness, and stress. Post spring break, we hit the final stretch of our senior year, and the over-asked question of, “What’s next?” suddenly feels urgent. Trust us, you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. We’re here to give our insight on how to manage second-semester senior stress and enjoy your last few weeks of college.

Senioritis Anyone?

On top of increased anxiety and feelings of uncertainty, one major side effect of being a second-semester senior is the onset of senioritis. Senioritis describes the decreased motivation and productivity some final-year students feel, and personally, it has hit hard. Senioritis is a form of emotional burnout, so it’s important to take steps to ease the stress that comes with planning for post-graduation. 

Spending time with the people and in the places that have made your SMU experience so amazing is a great way to refocus your energy. Instead of constantly looking to the future, try to remain in the present and appreciate all that the final month of school will bring. Lean on your support system of friends (they’re in the same boat!), and give yourself an action-packed calendar full of social activities and wellness time to look forward to. It’s also important to remember that, while change can be incredibly scary, our best years are only yet to come.

Can’t stop stressing about your first job?

Getting a job is hard. Some people you may know might already have one, but a lot of us still don’t yet! As we inch closer to graduation, the anxiety tends to build more and more with the unknown looming over our heads. Can’t relax? Here’s a great way to be productive in your job search and stand out in the application process:

1. Find a company you like. Something that speaks to you – it can be anything! Whether its fashion, sports, real estate, etc.
2. Search them on LinkedIn and click on the SMU Alumni
   • *If there’s no SMU Alumni, just click on view employees!
3. Find an SMU Alum, or someone with a similar background (same major), and reach out!
4. Set up a time to chat with them over the phone or on Zoom
5. Woohoo! You just made your first professional connection! Yay networking!

Networking may seem informal, but often it leads to internship or job offers. Also if you do apply for a position in the company, there will be someone to vouch for your application! Professionals are always happy to help graduating seniors in any way they can, so take the leap!

Don’t forget: whether your way of managing second-semester senior stress is focusing on living in the moment, or getting on top of the job search, everything is going to work out the way it is supposed to. You will be fine, promise. (I’m telling myself this too)