Snow drifted across Marian University’s campus on the morning seniors gathered to ask a question that shows up every year: What happens after graduation?
To help them answer it, a panel of social work alumni returned to campus, bringing honesty about early-career realities, the unexpected turns, and the moments that reaffirm why they chose a life centered on service.
A Conversation That Calms the Nerves
The panel opened with something simple but profound: reassurance.
“As college kids, we live on such a timeline, graduate here, get married here, have kids here,” said senior Hannah Zubay . “It was reassuring to hear someone say, ‘It’s okay. You can take your time. You’re going to be fine.’ That really eased my nerves about what life is ‘supposed’ to look like after graduation.”
Faculty see this event not just as a chance for connection, but as a bridge between classroom learning and professional opportunity.
“This is our chance for seniors to show what they’ve learned, and for our community partners to see what they can expect from our graduates,” said Dr. Sabrina Straub , assistant professor of social work.
Practicum Stories That Show the Work Behind the Degree
That sense of grounding carried into the Senior Showcase , where students presented what they’ve learned through their social work practicums, immersive, hands-on experiences in agencies across Indianapolis. Projects spanned crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and wraparound support for people and families facing some of life’s hardest challenges.
“This is our opportunity for seniors to brag a little about what they’ve learned in their practicum,” Dr. Straub added. “It also lets our community partners see what’s coming next for these students—and maybe even recruit them.”
For Alexander Field , the practicum experience has done more than build a résumé. It clarified a calling.
“Post-master’s, I plan to keep doing the work I’m doing now—mainly case management in homeless shelters, helping individuals experiencing homelessness, and advocating for a population that keeps growing across the United States.”
Preparing for Work That Serves Others
Throughout the morning, one theme kept surfacing: social work is a profession rooted in values. Marian’s Franciscan mission—service, dignity of the individual, and commitment to community—showed up in every project and every story.
Beyond skills and paperwork, alumni and faculty discussed resilience, humility, and the ability to meet people where they are.
By the end of the showcase, one thing was clear: these seniors aren’t just ready for jobs. They’re prepared for meaningful, service-driven careers, supported by real-world experience and relationships with community partners who often become mentors, supervisors, and employers.
“ It was reassuring to hear someone say, ‘It’s okay. You can take your time. You’re going to be fine.’ ”
— Senior Hannah Zubay
Learn more about Marian University’s social work programs HERE
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