Sam Evans, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

While the current job market can be a little scary for graduating seniors, it’s important to have a positive outlook, Evans said.

“Know who you are as an individual,” he said.

Graduates should keep both their personal and professional goals in mind, Evans said.

“Stay positive and keep in mind the goals you set for yourself,” he said. “Make sure you work toward these goals.”

Evans got his undergraduate degree during the Vietnam War, he said. Instead of trying to find a job right away, he went back to school to get his master’s degree.

He was picky during his job hunt.

He has no regrets, Evans said.

“It’s important to feel comfortable with the job you choose to take and feel good about it,” he said. “Don’t think of it as a job, think of it as a career or profession.”

College grads should know their strengths, he said.

David Lee, dean of Potter College

of Arts and Letters

“I firmly believe that the task of a university is to invent the future,” he said. “The dreams of our students are the stuff of the future. I look forward to living in the world that our students’ dreams create.”

Lee said it was important for grads not to rush the job hunt.

“Part of my advice would be to be thoughtful, patient and imaginative and think broadly about what your skills are,” he said.

Lee used a quote by Abraham Lincoln to illustrate his point.

“‘We’ll have the chick sooner by hatching the egg than smashing it,’” he said. “Let things take their course. It will probably all work out it the end. Don’t rush.”