Seniors: some employed, some searching, some aren't

Crunch time is rapidly approaching for graduates; in less than a month they will leave behind the familiarity of campus for the daily grind of the real world. Though being forced to leave, this year's graduating class faces many different challenges when they leave IU.\nFrom fortune finder to Fortune 500\nSenior Abby Berzinis is graduating with a degree in computer information systems and landed a job with Fifth Third Bank's corporate office in Cincinnati. She enters the real world June 17, but plans on continuing to work for University Information Technology Services until the end of May, when she will return home to gather her belongings, travel and prepare for her new life. \nShe interviewed with more than 10 companies throughout the course of her senior year, from banking and manufacturing firms to Big Five consulting groups. During college, she held internship positions at Deloitte & Touche and United Way, as well as with a consulting firm. On campus, she actively participated in the Kelley School of Business Civic Leadership Development program and was a member of Phi Mu sorority. \nBerzinis said she didn't have a hard time deciding what she wanted to do. \n"The decision for many business majors is to either go corporate or go consulting," she said. "I interned at a Big Five consulting firm over the summer and I decided that consulting wasn't for me. Everyone has their personal preference."\nThough she has a job, Berzinis said she waited for the right one to come along.\n"Try not to settle for just any job," she said as advice to next year's graduates. "Choosing a position that you will enjoy is much more important than making sure you don't go home to live with mom and dad. If finding that job ends up taking a little more time than expected, so be it. If not, you'll be miserable until you quit."\nStill searching \nSenior Laura Blanford doesn't have any definite plans after graduation. The business honors student will graduate with a degree in marketing, but she does not have a job lined up. \n"I'm looking to sublet my apartment and move home," she said. "I'll travel a bit this summer and then work as an office temp until the fall. There is a slight possibility I'll have a job in Los Angeles, but if that falls through I'm still looking for other full-time work."\nThough she is currently unemployed, Blanford has been searching for a job since September. She has interviewed with Target, Marshall Field's, The May Company, TAC Americas, Kohl's and Bloomingdale's, but recruiters have told her that they are searching for fewer people because of the decline in the economy. \nBlanford will continue to search, but is also considering alternate service projects.\n"I'm submitting an application to AmeriCorps," she said. "I may choose to do that for a year and either go back to school or find a job when I get out."\nThe wanderer \nThough he has no job or graduate school lined up, senior Matt Riley isn't worried. The religious studies major plans on applying for Fullbright grants so he can study in Germany for a year.\nRiley said he is not seeking immediate employment for several reasons. \n"I don't want a job right away for three reasons," he said. "Jobs suck! I plan on being in school for a long, long time. Besides, I am too young to grow up and get fat and grouchy."\nRiley said the Peace Corps is also an option.\n"I think the Peace Corps would be totally awesome," he said. "I am seriously considering it"