Liberty Alumni Give Advice on How to Hustle During College

The stadium buzzed with a new kind of energy — an energy of celebration that surfaced the same time every year. Just like that, with the flip of a tassel, in a crowd of thousands of students all dressed in a cap and gown, the curtain closed on a significant era. This small, miniscule action marked the beginning of something greater: post-grad life. 

Recent Liberty University graduates Stella Pyles and Mikayla Querfeld shared some of their best college advice, hoping to help students in need of some “post-grad” guidance.

Pyles graduated in 2020 with a degree in business administration and a focus in digital marketing and advertising. She now works as Assistant Manager of Project Management for Tibi, a contemporary clothing store in New York City. Pyles once held a fashion merchandising minor but decided to make the switch over to a minor in graphic design, which she believed serves her well in the role she currently holds. 

Pyles’s advice begins with the reassurance that changing your minor or major is a big decision, but the switch could benefit you in the long run, even if you do not see it in the moment. Pyles also began searching for an internship during her sophomore year, which she believed was the first step to getting where she is today.  

“One of the best things that you can do for yourself is starting to put feelers out to employers,” Pyles said. “Email everyone that you can possibly find [about an internship], and be proactive. You are going to feel annoying, but this will show employers that you are hungry to learn.” 

A large portion of college years is spent gearing up for the mystery of “post-grad” life. The primary reason why this seems to be such uncharted territory is that no post-grad experience is the same. Each degree program works to prepare the students for what lies ahead, whether by requiring an internship, practicum or residency before graduation. 

The combination of classes and real-life experience provides students with the best opportunities to build a rich resume for employment or post-graduate work. For example, a biology major may find herself taking classes on zoology and volunteering in a public health clinic or a business major might take accounting classes and intern at a financial advisor’s firm.

Querfeld graduated in 2021, earning a degree in strategic communications with a concentration in social media management with minors in video and journalism. She is now working as Social Media Strategist & Digital Producer at The Premier Collection, managing the social media accounts of nine dealerships in New York. She also works with charities in the community and creates fundraising events. 

Querfeld encouraged students to think of senior year as the resume-building year. According to Querfeld, students should take any opportunities they can to build a resume that will impress future employers. 

“Extend yourself. Make yourself super pliable,” Querfeld said. “Get as much experience as you can to put on your resume because it will matter to your future employer.” 

During Querfeld’s senior year, she took advantage of the resources she had while still in college. She started applying for jobs in January of her senior year, asking professors for advice throughout the process to enhance her interview skills. 

While Pyles and Querfeld have entered different professional fields, their advice overlapped in many ways. Both saw a lot of value in maintaining professional connections via LinkedIn. 

They also wished they knew earlier that not every student’s path is going to look the same. Both Pyles and Ouerfeld reminded students that it is important to not compare themselves to peers and to walk boldly in the paths that the Lord has set before them. Their practical advice encourages followers of Jesus to excel in post-grad life and be a light in the workplace, regardless of their profession. 

“Show up earlier than everyone, work as hard as you can, say ‘hi’ to everyone, walk with your shoulders high and a smile on your face [and] be kind and jump in where you are needed—this is how your employers will notice you in the office,” Pyles said 

Farmerie is a feature writer. Follow him on Twitter at @autsinwfarmerie.