PDFE #5 "Career Opportunities in Sports Related Fields"

I agree with the majority of the slides presented on the "Becoming Invaluable" slideshow.  Although I am not planning on going into a sports related field, I found the information to basically outline how I handled my college career.  I am planning on going to graduate school in the fall for occupational therapy school.  Some of the aspects I enjoyed learning from the slideshow that I wish I'd taken advantage of during my time at Berry would be my volunteer experience.  I volunteered only at random community events, and instead should have researched rehab places throughout the Rome area.  I did earn an internship position this fall, but wish I had started volunteering at places that would have benefited me as a underclassman student. 

I do believe that as students in today's economic situation, we must make ourselves that much more reputable and attractive to employers and graduate schools.  I was forced to choose graduate school as my next option, because my career choice does not allow me the opportunity to start work right out of college.  Occupational therapy requires a two-year Masters degree.  I do feel that path is the right one for me because of the current economy today.  As a freshman I wish I had started thinking about the opportunities that would have allowed me to look that much better next to my competition among graduate schools.  I was fortunate to find work experience that was quite related to the type of work I'll be doing in the future.  I have worked at a special needs camp for children with disabilities.  I've volunteered at an adult day facility and worked at the YMCA at an adapted aquatics program.  I am thankful I was able to find such excellent work experience throughout the years. 

As I think about the decisions I'm currently making that will hopefully line up the most appropriate path for me, I have to think about the living situation of graduate school.  Where I want to relocate to in the future and the region of the country are definitely important factors when making my future plans.