Last week, I wrote “A Good Job Is Hard To Find: Part One” in an attempt to figure out what I should do next now that I’m finished with college. This week, I give you part two. I interviewed a friend of mine who works as an associate editor at a magazine. She’s been out of school for a couple of years and has sent me more links to job fairs and openings that I can count. Her experience working in a field pertinent to her degree has given her different perspectives on life after college, and a great source of advice.
1. Have you always known what you've wanted to do with your life?
Not really. Before college, I wanted to be a nurse so I could help people. When I came to Washburn, I took a mass media class that really helped me decide where I wanted to go. I was always good at understanding sentence structure and grammar, so it’s easier for me. As a child, I wasn’t allowed to read certain books or watch certain shows. Editing allowed me to break out of the old beliefs I was raised in.
2. What were your expectations of yourself before, during, and after college?
I graduated one year from high school and took a year off before I went to college. After high school, I was freaked out. I just knew that I was going to college and would hopefully get a good job one day. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t take that mass media class. I didn’t like the professor, but the class had a lot of cool stuff and I saw a lot of things I liked. At first, I was going to get a degree with a publishing emphasis, but I didn’t like writing that much. So I changed my major to public relations. The P.R. program requires you to complete an internship, and I entered into a dilemma when the time came to find one. I was torn between interning somewhere that looked really good on a resume but I would probably just be a coffee jockey, or somewhere smaller where I would actually learn something. I am glad I chose to apply for a job at the place I interned at, and I am glad I did because I would probably still be waitressing because I wouldn’t have gained the same experience from being so hands-on during my internship.
3. Do you like the job you have now?
Hardly anyone likes their job when they start. I didn’t, but since I got promoted and have more responsibilities, I like it more. This isn’t my dream job, but I’ve slowly took over more jobs and responsibilities around the magazine and the new owner took notice. Now I go on trips and…I guess we’ll see. The job you’re at now may not be your thing, but make it your thing. That’s what I’ve been trying to do.
4. General advice?
Make connections. I cannot stress this enough. When I was waitressing, I interacted with customers in a way that might help me down the road. I have my current job because one man knew someone who worked at the magazine. People don’t put enough emphasis on making connections. When you do land a gig you went to school for, stick with it for at least two years. It shows commitment and loyalty. When you are going to school, get involved in campus activities. The experiences you gain from utilizing your skills on campus can translate to a future job, and looks great on a resume. I looked through a phone book and made phone calls. Employers may not realize they have a need for a new employee until it’s filled. My current job wasn’t hiring when I completed my internship, but I’m still here, for now. People our age can’t be picky. I’m not interested in floristry, but I can work my way up. It’s just a step at a time. People our age have to be a jack of all trades, not a master of one. People our age need to brand themselves and make themselves marketable, or else they might never get a job in the field they went to school for.
