As the school year draws to a close at the University of Mississippi, a palpable sense of anticipation fills the air. For seniors, this moment signifies the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. With graduation less than two weeks away, thousands of students are preparing to cross the stage in the Grove — ready to embark on their journey into adulthood.

Boasting a 91.42% employment rate after graduation, it would seem that most graduates at UM have their future plans figured out. Here is what some of the university’s seniors are doing after they take that momentous walk at graduation.

Jacob Gallagher

Jacob Gallagher, a senior biology major from Laurel, Miss., plans to pursue a research opportunity at Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology, where he hopes to research brood parasitism among different bird species in Australia before applying to graduate school.

“I’ve had a few classes at the school that were really influential and a few professors that helped push me towards the research route, and I’m really excited to further my studies,” Gallagher said.

Gallagher said he is worried about his chances of getting into a graduate school after taking a year off.

“I wanna get more field experience and more stuff on my resume. I haven’t actually gone through the application process yet for grad school since I’m trying to get as much stipend money as possible,” Gallagher said.

Still, Gallagher urges students to talk to their professors when they need help.

“If you have questions about jobs or grad school or internships, definitely talk to your favorite professor. They’ve been through it all and they’re so helpful,” Gallagher said.

Jaycee Pilcher

Jaycee Pilcher, a senior biology major from Richland, Miss., is planning to continue his studies through a physician assistant program at Mississippi College.

“When I started at Ole Miss, I was hoping to attend medical school. My first time hearing about the PA profession was actually from a TikTok differentiating M.D.s from PAs,” Pilcher said. “I’m excited to move on to the next thing and continue my education in something I am passionate about.”

During his time at UM, Pilcher also worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, which furthered his passion for medicine.

Pilcher advises current students to go outside of their comfort zones during their college experience.

“Branch out. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and actually try to get experience in what you’re doing,” Pilcher said. “This is the best time to learn the most about yourself.”

Abby Young

Abby Young, a senior business major from DeKalb, Ill., is planning on returning to her hometown and working with sales in the TQL logistics department.

“I’m most excited about learning something new. I don’t know much about trucking logistics, and that’s something I’m looking forward to learning about. Also having my own money in a salary job will be awesome,” Young said.

Though enthusiastic about graduating, Young expressed leaving the university is bittersweet.

“Yeah I’ll miss this place. I’ve had some really good times here,” Young said. “I’m honestly surprised I made it out in four years.”

Young gave a few words of advice for current students to follow as they explore future career paths.

“Really try to network with people. Go to career fairs. I never wanted to go, and I was always super nervous, but once I started going and getting contacts, it was much easier to find a job. My LinkedIn was like a machine,” Young said.

Abby Clement

Senior integrated marketing communications major Abby Clement from New Orleans plans on working as a marketing and communications specialist for a North East Power Company in Oxford.

“I started out as an intern and got the position through my IMC 455 class, then they offered me a full time position. I chose this because I love marketing and I get to stay here in Oxford,” Clement said.

Clement is looking forward to the future, but also reflects on the growth she has made in college.

“Looking back on it, you never realize how much you grow in college,” Clement said.