Apparently, Stafford’s column about unemployed college grads was picked up by a few news wire services, and you can find it on multiple sites across the World Wide Web. Now, it appears I am becoming the national poster child for unemployed grads. At any rate, Janese Heavin, from the Columbia Daily Tribune contacted me today to discuss my current “situation.”
As I was talking to Heavin I realized something about the evolution of my current job search:
I have now come to terms with the fact that right out of college, no matter how hard I worked in undergrad, I am not going to land my dream job. At the same time though, I am also not going to settle for a job in which I have no interest. I know that if I don’t care about what I am doing, I will hate my life. I also think that in a cover letter and subsequent interview, no matter how much you sweet talk a future employer, if you don’t care, it will come across.
Although I get the impression that some of my peers share a similar viewpoint on their job search, I do recognize that I am idealistic and many people don’t have the ability to wait a few months to find a job they are interested in. Perhaps though, the current job search is just one more indicator of generational differences. For my parents, not having a job by graduation was not an option. Moving home with mom and dad was out of the question. For my peers (not necessarily me) moving home and continuing the job search after graduation is not only acceptable, but often suggested.
Regardless of how I got here I know that for now (or at least the next few months), I don’t want to settle. Even if I don’t find a job I am initially enthused about, I know that with time I will be able to develop and harness a passion for my job, no matter what it is.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Is all press good press?
In yesterday’s Kansas City Star, I officially became the poster child for unemployed graduates in Kansas City. Diane Stafford’s At Work business column "College graduates face a tough road ahead" was about the challenges facing the class of 2009. Sound familiar? Stafford referenced my blog and more or less explained that even though I worked hard for the past four years, I am unemployed.
It was great of Stafford to include me in her column, but I had to ask myself, “Is all press really good press?”
My Thursday morning trip to the local gym was quickly interrupted by a family friend wanting to discuss the column and when a parent dropped something by my house later in the day, I once again had the pleasure of discussing my current unemployment. How enjoyable! As my prideful ego suffered throughout the day, I began to question whether agreeing to the column was a good idea or not.
In the end, it was a great idea. For the next few months I will have to push my ego to the side and make sure as many people as possible know that I am unemployed. You never know who can help you, so it is important to keep your options open. So here is a thought, from now on, when I see people in the supermarket or at the gym, I will make sure that I mention I am unemployed and looking for a job within the first minute of conversation. Is this a good idea? Who knows? But, I’ll let you know where it gets me.
It was great of Stafford to include me in her column, but I had to ask myself, “Is all press really good press?”
My Thursday morning trip to the local gym was quickly interrupted by a family friend wanting to discuss the column and when a parent dropped something by my house later in the day, I once again had the pleasure of discussing my current unemployment. How enjoyable! As my prideful ego suffered throughout the day, I began to question whether agreeing to the column was a good idea or not.
In the end, it was a great idea. For the next few months I will have to push my ego to the side and make sure as many people as possible know that I am unemployed. You never know who can help you, so it is important to keep your options open. So here is a thought, from now on, when I see people in the supermarket or at the gym, I will make sure that I mention I am unemployed and looking for a job within the first minute of conversation. Is this a good idea? Who knows? But, I’ll let you know where it gets me.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Location, Location, Location
I have known for a long time that I didn't want to move back to Kansas City after graduation. Even though I have only been back at my parents’ home for 2 ½ days, I am even more sure this is true. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and loved growing up in Kansas City, but I know that I need to try something on my own. If I don’t take a risk now, it’s possible I never will.
I am quickly discovering though, that relocation during a recession is not that easy. It seems like employers just aren’t looking outside their companies or cities. Through discussions with many of my friends, we have come to the conclusion that many employers don’t have the resources to fly in applicants or relocate them if hired.
I recently applied for a job with an organization in another city. I felt I was a great fit for the job because I had been involved with the organization as chair of the student executive board and also had extensive experience relevant to the position on my college campus. But, the organization conducted an internal search and ultimately hired someone internally. While I don’t know all the details of their search, it seems that when resources are tight and a company has two comparable applicants, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money to fly in one of the applicants.
So the obvious conclusion here is that you put yourself in the city you want be hired in. My problem is I don’t know what city that is. My next step to is research cities I am interested in and research their job markets. Then, once I narrow it down I will set up shop for a few days, visiting potential employers. Any tips on great cities with (any) job opportunities? I am thinking east of Missouri.
I am quickly discovering though, that relocation during a recession is not that easy. It seems like employers just aren’t looking outside their companies or cities. Through discussions with many of my friends, we have come to the conclusion that many employers don’t have the resources to fly in applicants or relocate them if hired.
I recently applied for a job with an organization in another city. I felt I was a great fit for the job because I had been involved with the organization as chair of the student executive board and also had extensive experience relevant to the position on my college campus. But, the organization conducted an internal search and ultimately hired someone internally. While I don’t know all the details of their search, it seems that when resources are tight and a company has two comparable applicants, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money to fly in one of the applicants.
So the obvious conclusion here is that you put yourself in the city you want be hired in. My problem is I don’t know what city that is. My next step to is research cities I am interested in and research their job markets. Then, once I narrow it down I will set up shop for a few days, visiting potential employers. Any tips on great cities with (any) job opportunities? I am thinking east of Missouri.
It's Official
Well, I am officially a graduate of the University of Missouri and I am officially unemployed. What's next?
This summer, I, like many of my friends, will be doing everything in my power to find a job. Despite the risk of rejection, I will also stay positive during the search. I will keep you all updated on the hunt.
Fortunately, I will also be able to continue working my on campus job at Mizzou with the Office of Visitor Relations. I-70 between Kansas City and Columbia will be my home away from home this summer while I spend time working in Columbia and spend time with family in Kansas City. So to prospective students visiting college campuses across the country this summer, if your tour guide is an unemployed recent grad, I promise he or she isn’t a loser. We are just "exploring our options."
This summer, I, like many of my friends, will be doing everything in my power to find a job. Despite the risk of rejection, I will also stay positive during the search. I will keep you all updated on the hunt.
Fortunately, I will also be able to continue working my on campus job at Mizzou with the Office of Visitor Relations. I-70 between Kansas City and Columbia will be my home away from home this summer while I spend time working in Columbia and spend time with family in Kansas City. So to prospective students visiting college campuses across the country this summer, if your tour guide is an unemployed recent grad, I promise he or she isn’t a loser. We are just "exploring our options."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Curse of the Class of 2009
Yesterday afternoon, while chatting with my neighbor, our conversation eventually landed on a familiar topic: what we were going to be doing in just one week. For both Tim and I the answer is the same: not really sure, try to find a job. I think we are all starting to get a bit nervous, uneasy, scared, etc. Graduation is becoming so real.
So while we were enjoying each other's company, the conversation wasn't exactly uplifting. Then, Tim told me about an article from the Wall Street Journal: The Curse of the Class of 2009. Basically, our bad luck (graduating in the middle of a recession) will continue to affect us for years to come.
Great news...and a great way to motivate me to finish my final college paper. Even though the article put a damper on my weekend, I think there are some positives the class of '09 can take away from it. First, with this curse, we are united as the class of 2009. With this challenge, we have formed a bond that will last forever. Years from now, when the class of '09 is established in our careers, we will remember this year and possibly help each other out. Also, like the article said, sometimes a challenge leads you to a different career path. Who knows what exciting changes this will lead to for our class!
So while we were enjoying each other's company, the conversation wasn't exactly uplifting. Then, Tim told me about an article from the Wall Street Journal: The Curse of the Class of 2009. Basically, our bad luck (graduating in the middle of a recession) will continue to affect us for years to come.
Great news...and a great way to motivate me to finish my final college paper. Even though the article put a damper on my weekend, I think there are some positives the class of '09 can take away from it. First, with this curse, we are united as the class of 2009. With this challenge, we have formed a bond that will last forever. Years from now, when the class of '09 is established in our careers, we will remember this year and possibly help each other out. Also, like the article said, sometimes a challenge leads you to a different career path. Who knows what exciting changes this will lead to for our class!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A surreal moment
Last year I spent hours planning Senior Sendoff...a farewell program for Mizzou seniors. In just a few short hours, I will be attending as a graduating senior. Weird. Time has flown by, and I can't believe it is actually here.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Capstone "experience"
At 3:30 Monday afternoon I presented my final convergence capstone campaign to a room full of media and advertising professionals. By 4:30, as we wrapped up our presentation, I realized I am actually prepared for graduation. For those of you who don't know, a capstone is a class every Mizzou senior has to take before graduation, and is supposed to be the culmination of your college experience, combining all the skills you have learned. My spanish capstone's final project was a 100+ slide powerpoint about the specific linguistic traits Dominican Republic. Totally reasonable and doable.
My convergence capstone, on the other hand, was a different story. My team of five convergence journalism majors prepared two complete advertising campaigns and pitches for two social media websites: www.likeme.net and www.backstagegallery.com. I can't think of a school project I worked harder on and spent more time on while here at Mizzou.
Working on the project throughout the semester, there were times I hated my life. Especially the last week before our presentation, as we scrambled to finalize our campaign and perfect the presentation. But, in the end, the project absolutely served its purpose. As my group taught ourselves how to develop and present a campaign, I realized that I really loved doing it. Presenting in front of our judges and clients was thrilling and the positive feedback we got afterwards could not have been more rewarding. I found myself relying on skills that I had developed both in and out of the classroom: persuasion, working with a group, presenting effectively, passion for a cause and public speaking.
With one week left, I can finally say that I believe in the Capstone experience and it helped me realize I actually am ready for graduation and am excited about the "real world"
My convergence capstone, on the other hand, was a different story. My team of five convergence journalism majors prepared two complete advertising campaigns and pitches for two social media websites: www.likeme.net and www.backstagegallery.com. I can't think of a school project I worked harder on and spent more time on while here at Mizzou.
Working on the project throughout the semester, there were times I hated my life. Especially the last week before our presentation, as we scrambled to finalize our campaign and perfect the presentation. But, in the end, the project absolutely served its purpose. As my group taught ourselves how to develop and present a campaign, I realized that I really loved doing it. Presenting in front of our judges and clients was thrilling and the positive feedback we got afterwards could not have been more rewarding. I found myself relying on skills that I had developed both in and out of the classroom: persuasion, working with a group, presenting effectively, passion for a cause and public speaking.
With one week left, I can finally say that I believe in the Capstone experience and it helped me realize I actually am ready for graduation and am excited about the "real world"
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I never realized...
Two quick things I never realized about searching for a job...until now:
1. This is a LONG process
2. Sometimes employers are not that great at getting back to you
People always told me you have to work hard to get work, but I will openly admit that I haven't put THAT much time into applying for a job (see April 29 post). I am quickly realizing, though, a lot of time is required. For each job I have applied for I have spent hours crafting the perfect cover letter and tailoring my resume to the specific position.
But, the one thing no one told me is that potential employers aren't always great about getting back to you in a timely manner. As a member of the immediate gratification generation, that is sometimes hard to understand. We are used to having exam grades posted hours after we complete a test, and now we are waiting weeks to hear back about a job. With each application I submitted, I expected a response with days, hours, maybe even minutes. Now, I know better. While I was at first frustrated, I understand the process now and have come to accept it. I may not hear back for a few weeks, and that is ok.
So, my latest piece of advice for those just beginning the job search: Don't expect immediate response (or gratification).
1. This is a LONG process
2. Sometimes employers are not that great at getting back to you
People always told me you have to work hard to get work, but I will openly admit that I haven't put THAT much time into applying for a job (see April 29 post). I am quickly realizing, though, a lot of time is required. For each job I have applied for I have spent hours crafting the perfect cover letter and tailoring my resume to the specific position.
But, the one thing no one told me is that potential employers aren't always great about getting back to you in a timely manner. As a member of the immediate gratification generation, that is sometimes hard to understand. We are used to having exam grades posted hours after we complete a test, and now we are waiting weeks to hear back about a job. With each application I submitted, I expected a response with days, hours, maybe even minutes. Now, I know better. While I was at first frustrated, I understand the process now and have come to accept it. I may not hear back for a few weeks, and that is ok.
So, my latest piece of advice for those just beginning the job search: Don't expect immediate response (or gratification).
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