Photo courtesy of Natalie McCarter. 26-year-old Natalie McCarter, of Upper Marlboro, recently graduated from Bowie State University with a master’s degree in organizational communications.

Published on: Wednesday, June 17, 2009

By Jessica Bauer

The Prince George’s Sentinel wondered what was going through the minds of local college graduates as they completed one academic journey and went on to tackle another. What challenges did they face while in school and what is their outlook on life after college?

We spoke with recent Bowie State University graduate, Upper Marlboro-native, Natalie McCarter, 26. McCarter graduated with a master’s in organizational communications. Prior to attending BSU, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies, with a concentration and Advertising, from George Mason University in December 2004. She is a 4.0 student, a wife and a soon-to-be-mother. Here are her thoughts:

Sentinel: As you were finishing up your degree, were you worried at all about finding a job?

McCarter: I think many graduates in this economy worry about growth opportunities and landing a new job. I am blessed to currently be working in my field and I believe that if you are confident and aggressive, you will find opportunities for growth and eventually be able to land your dream job.

Sentinel: Do you think it will be more challenging to put your Master's degree to use in light of the economy?

McCarter: The knowledge that I have gained in the Master of Arts program at BSU is phenomenal and while today’s economy may make it a bit more challenging to put my degree to work, I remain optimistic.

Sentinel: Did your fellow graduates seem worried about life after graduation?

McCarter: Many of the members of my cohort were already working in their chosen career field, however, for those who are currently seeking employment, many have found finding the right job to apply for harder then usually. I presume that this is directly related to the recession.

My advice to those who are currently on a job search is to remain positive and confident. Be sure that you cater your resume and cover letter to each job you apply to using key words from the job posting. Have two or three people review your resume before you send it out to assure that you are putting your best foot forward.

Sentinel: Did you get married while you were in school? 

McCarter: I got married during my tenure at BSU to my (undergraduate) college sweetheart, Raymond McCarter Jr., in November 2007. We are expecting our first child in early September 2009.

Marriage is a wonderful thing when two people are ready to make that lifetime commitment. If you are your partner are ready, then I say “go for it.” Only you know if you are truly ready, and there is no such thing as perfect timing. Just remember: you can’t live your life for other people, because at the end of the day, you have to be happy with the decisions you have made.

Sentinel: What was it like to be pregnant while still in school?

McCarter: Overcoming first-trimester morning sickness while completing my thesis was a bit of a challenge, but I managed to pace myself and not stress. Because this pregnancy was planned, I had a lot of time beforehand to work with my professors and complete assignments in advance if needed. This planning allowed me to be the first in my graduating cohort to complete and defend my thesis.

Sentinel: Tell me a little bit about your thesis. 

McCarter: My thesis study examined high school guidance counselors’ perceptions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Maryland and explored the characteristics that were likely to influence these perceptions.

The study took a little more than a year to research, conduct and write. Ultimately, Maryland Historically Black Colleges and Universities can use results from this study to continue to build and enhance relationships with public high schools throughout the state.

Sentinel: What is your favorite memory while attending BSU?

McCarter: I definitely have a lot of great memories, and I have established many relationships. One day that sticks out in my mind was during the end of the spring 2008 semester when my professor brought in cake for the class after we finished our final exam. He had overheard me mention that it would be my birthday on the date of our final exam and he thought birthday cake would be a nice gesture.

Sentinel: What advice do you have to students who are trying to decide whether or not to go to college?

McCarter: My grandmother always told me that “college isn’t for everybody,” and maybe that’s true, however, college is simply advanced education and “education is for everybody.”

No matter what one decides to do with their life, it will require some form of education and training. So whatever career path one chooses, I encourage them to study it and strive to be the best at it.