University Communications

As the spring semester begins at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), many seniors are contemplating their next steps after graduation. With a range of programs and opportunities, USM prepares students for both graduate studies and the workforce.
USM offers a variety of graduate programs, including accounting, social work, speech-language pathology, sport management, education, theatre, communication, and more. One such student pursuing further education is Ann Wallace DeRossette, a spring 2024 graduate. After considering her options and applying to Ole Miss, she ultimately decided to stay at Southern Miss to pursue a Master of Arts in Communication through the School of Media and Communication.
“At first I really didn’t know what to expect, I was just going in with an open mind,” DeRossette said. “I wasn’t expecting it to be as rigorous as it is, which I’m thankful that it is because I can definitely tell that it is pushing me and helping me learn to be better in my field.”
DeRossette noted that the program requires extensive reading and writing, which was overwhelming at first. However, she has since adjusted and found the experience to be rewarding.
“Getting to have longer classes with a smaller cohort has been very rewarding because I’ve made great friendships with not only my peers but as well as the professors,” DeRossette said.
She also credited her professors for their support.
“Even when I feel like I’m not doing well enough, the professors have always been willing to sit down and talk to me about it…which has made the process feel better,” she said.
DeRossette's experience as an undergraduate influenced her decision to stay at USM. She credits her involvement in campus activities and a graduate assistantship for motivating her to continue her education. As part of her assistantship, she works as an advisor for the Student Alumni Association, an opportunity she says has helped her develop leadership skills.
For students considering graduate school, DeRossette offers advice: “Go for it and talk to your professors…they can be very directional about how to guide you in that process.”
While some students like DeRossette choose to pursue further education, others opt to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Kristen Wilson, another USM spring 2024 graduate, is one such example. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and now works as an admissions recruiter at Southern Miss. In her role, she works with the campus tour experience team and recruits students from various U.S. territories.
“I enjoy feeling independent and so I knew that as soon as I graduated, I wanted to go ahead and start a full-time position,” Wilson said.
Wilson initially began pursuing a master’s degree but decided to focus on starting her career. Her experience working in admissions during her undergraduate years helped ease the transition into a full-time role.
“It was at a familiar place, and I already knew a lot of ins and outs of the office, so it was kind of an easy next step for me,” she said.
She attributes her smooth transition to the professional world to the support from USM's College of Business professors, who organized events and helped students make connections.
“I think that specifically in the college of business the professors are really good about helping you make connections,” she said.
Wilson’s decision to remain at Southern Miss was driven by the connections she made during her time as an undergraduate.
“I really think it’s the people…the people I met along the way and the connections I made along the way really pushed me to want to stay at Southern Miss,” she said.
Wilson encourages other students to trust in their preparation and abilities as they transition into the workforce.
“Be confident in your abilities,” she said. “Just to know that you have been prepared for success.”