Many Paths, One Class: The Honors College Journey Beyond Graduation
By Nina Prenosil
Content
Life after graduation looks different for every student. Some are off to further their education in the postgraduate world, others are headed into the workforce, and some are still searching for their next steps. After May 18th, the Class of 2025 will head in many different directions—and every student has worked hard to get where they are now!
Some Honors students are headed to medical or law school to pursue their dreams. One student, Carol DeRose—a political science and natural resource conservation major—will be attending Vermont Law and Graduate School in the fall as a part of its Accelerated JD Program. Carol has a vested interest in environmental justice and advocacy, which led her to choose a program that shares and champions these values.
Another student, Manas Pandit—an international student from India studying mathematics, economics, and political science—has been exploring job opportunities in the public policy sector. He has applied to think tanks and research assistant positions and is excited about the prospect of moving somewhere new.
DeRose and Pandit have taken several political science classes together and are currently enrolled in their Honors Thesis seminar, Health and Health Care Inequality 499CD, with Dean Robinson. Their journeys highlight how the Honors College fosters not only academic excellence but also a supportive environment where students can explore diverse interests—even within closely related fields.
Other students are off to continue their education in STEM fields, whether at UMass or at a new institution. Simon Brooks, a mechanical engineering student, will be continuing his education at UMass through the 4+1 mechanical engineering program. This summer, he’ll be gaining hands-on experience at MACOM in Lowell, MA. Another student, Ethan Howell, a biology and psychology major, is off to Boston University for their Biology Program in the Neurobiology group to pursue his Ph.D.
The Honors College has prepared all of these students for a future full of success and their accomplishments have not gone unnoticed.
Every path is a good path
An important thing for graduates to remember is that no one is behind. Sometimes finding postgraduate plans can feel like a rat race, but each person will find their way in time.
Personally, I’m still in the process of applying to jobs in communications, public relations, and marketing. At times, I’ve felt behind. But after many conversations with my advisor, colleagues, and the SBS career team, I’ve been reassured that the right opportunity will come in time. Not having a set plan can feel overwhelming, but it’s something many graduates go through. For some, this can also be a chance to travel or explore interests they previously didn’t have time for.
The Honors College is so excited to see where the Class of 2025 graduates will end up, and we wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors, whatever they might be. Each and every graduate has worked hard to earn their diploma—congratulations!