As an undergrad and halfway into my graduate program I was
under the impression that talent, skill, and charisma would easily translate
into job. I mean who wouldn’t want to hire a smart, well-rounded, educated and
ambitious individual hungry to change the world and tackle on societies biggest
problems? Little did I consider, the probability that not only would I be
competing with thousands of likeminded individuals but that systemically I was
at a disadvantage.
Perhaps one of the most disappointing and enlightening days
of my life was when I received a rejection letter from the most prestigious
post graduate civil service program in the U.S., the Presidential Management Fellows. I
remember thinking to myself, “well there goes my life.” Fast forward to today,
I still pick at the scab from time to time thinking of “what if?” But since
then, I’ve applied to over six different jobs, with most not even qualifying me
for an interview. If you haven’t been down that road, congrats! It’s terrible,
scary, and completely demoralizing. But I chose to remain productive, patient,
and focused on my day to day interactions – something very easy to neglect when
you’re focused on the “where you want to be” instead of the “where you are
right now.” During the last few months, I’ve gained a passion for a field I
didn’t even consider in my radar, a good network of mentors open to giving me
opportunities in the field, and a couple of interviews this week with some of
the most powerful firms in my field.
Even if these prospects don’t work out, I feel focused, determined,
and reignited. But more than anything, I’m grateful for the opportunity. At 23,
I am entering a field where the median age of an acting professional is 35. I am supported by individuals that care about
my development and belong to a community of outstanding professionals. Most
importantly, I’m humbled enough to recognize that even when life throws you lemons
the promise of lemonade stands true to this day.
So if you’re in the job hunt, remember to take time to explore,
think critically about your interests and prospects, and remember it’s not getting
there that counts, it’s how.
For now, I’ll try my best to stay optimistic, although the
job hunt is inherently competitive, the biggest competition is always with yourself.
Hey Josue, This was a very enlightening and refreshing blog post and I can relate to some degree. Like you I am getting very close to graduating from my under-graduate program and although graduate school lingers in the back of my mind, my main focus right now is to find a steady job that relates to my field and re-analyze the prospect of grad school in a year or two. I am a bit worried that I may settle or not fall into the right situation in the next six months or so, but at the same time I am great full to even be in this position.
ReplyDelete