Nobody told me that finding a job would be easy, and I never expected them to. Entering the job force after the peak of a pandemic and economic downfall is not something I imagined myself having to navigate. Let alone virtual interviews and lots of 'em. It feels like the weeks are just counting by interview after interview and application after application. I realize that everyone's job search looks a bit different, so I thought I would update you all on how my "progress" has been and ways I've continued to stay motivated after you've made that interview.
To be quite honest, nothing can prepare you more than just doing the interviews themselves. I've been lucky enough to have guides that have helped me anticipate what interviewers are going to ask or how I can cater my questions, but you don't know until you apply yourself and try it out. I know how intimidating it can be, especially meeting random executives and managers via Zoom.
Keep Going...
I have already had a couple leads so far with some companies that I love who have offered me follow-up interviews, pending applications are still in the works, and yes, I have received a couple of rejections already. The point of it being, you keep going. Keep applying. Keep interviewing. You never know what door might open, and you will never know, unless you keep pursuing opportunities and maintain your connections.
Keep Connecting...
And if it's connections that you don't have, actively participate and engage with your past co-workers, classmates, and professors. Initiate conversations with those around you who might also align with your passions and career aspirations. Don't just talk to them for a connection to a job, though. Follow-up, check in, and make sure that they know you're here to make an authentic connection with them and not just a transactional exchange. We can finesse all we want, but employers, recruiters, and professionals in your industry are going to recognize your effort to connect and want to learn more about you.
Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up
Who ever needs to hear this, me included, don't let turn downs and rejection letters diminish your qualifications and self-worth. Imposter syndrome can be so real when we are scrolling through LinkedIn seeing everyone's exciting announcements and job wins, so much, we digress and doubt everything we've ever worked for. The truth? There are a lot of other factors that play into the job hiring process, so don't take it personally.
I know I haven't been in this industry for long, but long enough to know that everything might seem like it's fine and dandy and out of the blue you get turned down. There were some companies already that I knew I might have dodged a bullet with, so I would just trust the process and continue to pursue more opportunities. The right company or job will find you, but that means also putting in the work, moving past rejection, and applying yourself 110% no matter what.
Writing this post has already helped me realize that this process of finding a job is not going to be an easy one, but I have what it takes to be prepared. I know the qualifications I have and the work that I've done—so, don't ever let a recruiter or employee tell you otherwise. At the end of the day, doing these interviews and applying yourself is going to pay off and you will know yourself more than you ever did going into it. Don't lose hope. I'm right there with yuh!
May is one of my favorite months because there's just so much promise now that the weather is actually stable and it seems like a lot of things become a bit more certain this time of year. Trees are pretty much fully bloomed and everyone is getting ready for summer. This month of "newness" has lifted my spirits for what's to come because I think that's all what we need at this point in time. I am fully vaccinated now which has reassured me that things are looking forward as more and more people become immunized.
I've got a lot going on this month, so I thought I would break down my goals in May for you all. I'm excited for something a bit more certain, and if sunshine is the only thing I can count on, I'm all for it!
01. Finding a job has been on my radar these past five months and so I've been conducting virtual interviews left and right, maintaining my connections, and continuing to stay optimistic as I continue to put myself out there and apply to things. I haven't had any offers yet, but am getting follow up interviews for a couple internships, am taking some required writing tests, and am staying hopeful that I will receive some good news from one of the companies that I've applied to. I'd love to write a more specific blog post on this process and keeping positive during it because I know it's hard to stay confident during the job interview process, and doing it all from home is definitely different. Fingers crossed I hear back within the next couple of weeks.
02. Getting ready to graduate...virtually. I still can't comprehend that in about a month I will be graduating from college. I think I am more than ready to start a new chapter, but experiencing my senior year from home has been lack luster. Although, I know that staying home was necessary, I truly miss some of my friends who I haven't been able to connect with in more than a year. With that said, I've been planning a graduation photo sesh with some of them, so stay tuned! DePaul is having an in-person graduation celebration, too, so I guess it's nice that there will be at least something we can do to celebrate. I'm just excited to cater in good food and have a bonfire with a small group of friends!
03. Working on my fitness and getting my health in check has been so motivating these past couple of weeks. Mentally, I am determined to continue setting aside time for myself to workout for at least an hour every day, even if it means waking up at an abnormal hour in the morning just to get a run in or take a yoga class at the gym I just joined. Most days are different and don't consist of the same workout or exercises, which I think it key to staying motivated and to continue having fun with it! Switching up my exercises, whether it be running one day or using the rowing machine the next has allowed for me to be productive with these workouts and focus on specific parts of my body I want to improve. With mixed rest days and stretch days, I've been able to start to feel like my strong self again.
The abundant sunshine we've had has definitely brightened my mood, but I also think that this month is a reset and a chance for me to let newness into my life without hesitation. Getting a little uncomfortable and taking risks is only going to allow me to grow, so I am one with the process. What's on the calendar for you this month?
I'm surprised I haven't already dreamed up a blog specifically for Cooper, because he deserves all the attention he can get. I realized I haven't really given you all an update on how he's doing, now that he'll be turning four in July. I can't quite grasp how long it's been since we picked him up in Milwaukee which was the beginning of college for me.
Rest assured, Cooper has become my roommate, colleague, classmate, and truly a confidant for me during a time of isolation and distress. I mean, that's the whole point of having a pet, right? A cuddle buddy without judgement—even if he steals my socks every day, he's become my closest companion during a time when I would be out and about doing stuff for school and work in the city. And how has he been handling everything going on in the world? Well, let's just say he makes our neighborhood a better place.
Cooper's days consist of sleeping in until I can take him on a long walk midday, and during these times I feel like he is like a lazy teenager who could sleep for hours on end. But once he hears me putting on my shoes, he's already at the back door waiting for me to put his collar on. Even now that it's getting to be the weather we've all been waiting for, I let him bask in the sunshine during the afternoon while I do work or tutor. If he could stay outside all day long he would; sniffing the air and eating grass is all that's on his afternoon agenda.
His Allergies...
I've mentioned this before, but Cooper's allergies have been at an all time peak. Dogs have Allergies? Yes! Cooper has had seasonal allergies for quite some time and his skin gets really red and itchy from all of the pollen flying around. It usually subsides after awhile, so we just have to pay attention to how many times he rolls around in the grass—which is a lot.
His Diet...
He also is celiac and can't have gluten in his food, so we've been keeping him on a gluten free diet for the past three years. Talk about high maintenance! But we love him dearly and will give him the world :) With that, comes a lot of treats, so I think we need to limit the amount of dog bones we give him at times. Especially rewarding him when he's actually done something good, rather than just for being a spoiled pup (we try). Maintaining his healthy weight is definitely a priority, but it only helps that he's incredibly active and could retrieve balls for hours.
His School Days...
On days that aren't so sunny, we usually take Cooper to day care. Especially now when he still has a lot of his puppy energy. It has definitely given us a break when he is antsy in the evenings and we're all trying to relax. Cooper is definitely a social dog and likes to play with his friends, so making time for him to run around and burn off all of his energy has helped us out immensely. It keeps him active and in contact with other dogs his size, as well.
These have been some formative years for Cooper and I think he turned out just right :P So far, I've taught him how to spin and roll over, so we'll see how much progress I can make with "paw". Although he might have dropped out of puppy training school, he seems to only listen to me nowadays and I am perfectly fine with that.
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