The fall 2019 Graduate and Professional School Fair, held on October 10, and hosted by the Pre-Law Institute (PLI) and Center for Career and Professional Development, offered more than 340 John Jay students the chance to network with three test prep programs, 50 graduate schools, and 54 law schools. The goal of this event was for students to learn about admission processes, degree programs, and ways to pursue their career aspirations. “This Fair offers students an opportunity to meet with the people who make decisions on law school or graduate school applications. Having the opportunity to speak directly to admissions staff can help demystify the application process because as we know, applying and getting into postgraduate programs can be challenging, said Charles Robert Davidson, Director of PLI and Center for Post-Graduate Opportunities. “This is all the more true if a student is the first in their family to apply to a postgraduate program. We want all of our students to reach their full potential and postgraduate education is another step in that direction.”

At the event, we spoke with several students and asked what their career goals are and what they hoped to gain from this fair.

Darius Phillips '19
Major: Law and Society

It’s important for me to attend law school right after graduation because I’ve seen how people take a break and end up not going back. I’ve already looked at a couple of schools at this fair, and I think I found the one I want to go to, the University of the District of Columbia, UDC. It's known as an HBCU [historically black colleges and universities] and for me, it's important to go to a school that represents me and that speaks to the causes that I want to fight for. UDC is centered on social justice, which fits into what I want to do as a potential international law attorney. I know by attending there I'll be making a difference. 

Amber Rivero '21
Double Major: International Relations and Human Rights

I'm definitely planning on going to graduate school for either my doctorate or master’s for international relations or humanitarian and international law. This fair has such a plethora of schools from all over the country ready to offer students more information about how to take the next steps towards their dreams. And that’s why I’m here. I really wanted to take this opportunity to get more information, talk to institutions, and get ahead in the process.

Affan Karmaputra '21
Double Major: Law and Society and History

I came to the fair because my goal after graduation is to go to law school. John Jay has so many resources to help their students succeed after they graduate, and this is one of them. I’m eager to speak to different law schools, learn about their programs, and find the school where I can accomplish my dream of practicing international law. 

Helly Florian '19 
Major: Forensic Psychology

I just switched majors so I’m trying to figure out what to do next. What school should I go to? What are the requirements? Do I want to go into a doctorate program directly, or get my master’s first? There are a lot of questions that I don’t have answers for. This fair is the perfect place to speak to admission staff, get some of my questions answered, and figure out what the next steps are. It's a long process, but I know that this is the best place to start.