As Binghamton University seniors put on their caps and gowns this weekend, many have already finalized plans for their first steps beyond their degrees.

The Office of Institutional Research and Student Affairs Assessment and Strategic Initiatives questioned graduating BU students for the 2010 Graduating Senior Survey for Immediate Post-Graduation Plans.

The survey results showed that 45 percent of BU graduates plan to continue their studies. This includes ‘additional undergraduate study’ and ‘graduate or professional study.’

The survey, administered by the Career Development Center, also showed that 42 percent of students plan to work, while 3 percent of graduates plan to enroll in a service such as the military or the armed services.

One percent of graduates plan to start or raise a family immediately, and 10 percent of graduates plan to travel and/or take part in other activities or pursue activities other than those listed in the survey.

Adam Laats, an assistant professor in the School of Education, said that more students are receiving college degrees than ever before, allowing them to continue on with their graduate studies.

Laats said that he believes gaining experience working and then getting a master’s degree would make a huge difference when applying to jobs.

‘In my own opinion, I think students should get some experience working and see what’s out there in terms of jobs,’ he said. ‘Then, if you need to, go back to school.’

CONTINUING STUDIES

Darlene Roygulchareon, a senior majoring in psychology, is among the 45 percent of students who will continue their studies.

Roygulchareon will be enrolled in the Master’s of Arts Social-Organization Psychology program at the Teachers College of Columbia University.

‘I’ve known for a while that I wanted to go straight into graduate school,’ she said. ‘I want to learn as much as I can before I enter the work force.’

TAKING TIME OFF

Andrew Cothren, a senior majoring in English, has different plans. He plans to spend his summer at home before moving to Brooklyn for some time off.

‘Everyone I’ve talked to who went to graduate school has said taking time off in between was a good idea,’ Cothren said. ‘So I’m doing so just to get some experience living in the real world.’

Cothren plans to live in Brooklyn for at least one year. He is then considering attending graduate school to obtain a master’s in creative writing.

‘The idea that I won’t have to attend any sort of school in September for the first time since I was maybe four years old is a pretty thrilling thing,’ Cothren said. ‘I’m looking forward to graduating, but I’ll also miss Binghamton and the people I’ve spent my time with here.’

HEADING TO WORK

Lori Seidman, a senior majoring in accounting, will be working at Ernst & Young starting Sept. 15.

Seidman said she was able to head straight into the workforce without attending graduate school by receiving the 150 credits required to sit for the Certified Public Accountants exams over four years at BU. She will spend this summer studying to pass these exams.

‘Freshman year I went to the career fair and met the recruiters of Ernst & Young,’ she said. ‘I stayed in touch through e-mails over the next two years and at the beginning of junior year, I applied for the internship and got it.’

Upon ending the internship, the company offered Seidman a full-time position.