As a soon-to-graduate student, I have been told it is understandable to feel as though you may not be fully capable in the professional world of your choice. And there is some truth to the thought- my experience thus far as a marketer has been somewhat limited. I have done simulations, studied, and produced satisfactory results, but in a protected environment; I have yet to enter the real world, where the consequences are much more tangible, positive or negative.

Despite my study and preparation to enter the world of professional marketing, my apprehension is palpable. The visions of failing in a job in a real business are both uncomfortable and large in number. While I am told it is natural, worrying about the future is no less inconvenient and constant for me, especially as a person who deals with anxiety on a fairly frequent basis. And I admit to my failings openly- I sometimes procrastinate or struggle with finding motivation to start or continue projects that I ought to have long before. These are human traits of course, but still worrying nonetheless. And there is also the concern regarding “did I really, actually learn the things I needed to?” when it comes to departing with a degree in your hands- you begin to question whether or not you really deserve that piece of paper.

I have found comfort, however, in my peers and professors assurances and examples of many successful stories having sprung out of the WWU marketing program. My teachers in several of my classes this quarter have given examples of many former students having achieved meaningful, long lasting jobs after having left the department, and I take heart in those stories- they are no less human than I am, and while not prone to the same faults, still prone to faults, as everyone is, and succeed despite them.

I also hear words of encouragement from my friends and family around me, and find myself feeling emboldened by the fact that my peers, parents, and others around me feel that I am capable of making something greater for myself. I cannot express how much those assurances mean to me, and I will be forever grateful to those who help push me on the path to my future.

But most of all, I have learned to tell myself that I am, in fact, capable. While I acknowledge that college is different from a professional setting, it still feels good to know I succeeded somewhere I truly believe to have been challenging. WWU’s marketing program is a great one, but that requires rising to challenge, dedication to detail and effort towards learning complex concepts, and I feel that so far I have been doing a pretty good job of it. This proves, in my eyes, that I am at least ready to learn and perform in a new setting- hopefully, my first employment in a professional job. My trials in an academic setting have not only prepared me in terms of a good education, but also as to what to expect when things are expected of you. My time at WWU has shown me that I am capable of working under stress, towards deadlines and within the confines of having to report to a superior- and I found myself not only capable, but at times enjoying the experience.

I hope that everyone I have come to know at Western can find the same sense of peace, if not confidence, with their ability to succeed in the real world. I know the people who have helped me become what I am today deserve that sense of peace more than anyone else.