I'm graduating next spring. That's scary. Although I know I'm ready to get my degree and get a job in the "real world," I'm worried about how that's going to go. I mean REALLY worried. As in, my stomach hasn't been quite right lately and I've developed muscle spasms under my left eye that never seem to go away. Basically, I'm worried that I will be stuck looking for a job for 6 months, a year, 2 years after I graduate. I'm getting my degree in Creative Writing. I don't really want to be a teacher. Everyone assumes that with an English degree I want to be an English teacher. But I don't. I just love reading and writing. My minor is public relations and I've been looking into press writing careers. I'm honestly open to a lot of things. If they're willing to hire me, I'm willing to work. Being able to write for my job would be optimal. I know there are a bunch of professionals here and people with careers. I'd love some advice. I searched in futility for an internship this summer (no connections and weak info sources). Everyone says you need an internship to be considered for a decent job. My job experience over the past couple years includes Sonic and Jason's Deli...ugh. So, even though I completely believe that I could perform extremely well at any job, I don't think my resume is shiny enough. Great GPA at UH, terrible at my previous 2 colleges. Only customer service experience, no "on the job" type of experience. I haven't been diligent about meeting a lot of people and establishing contacts or forging bonds with professors. I feel like I'm up a creek with no paddle. Basically, if any would be so kind as to give me advice, What can I do during my senior year to find and impress potential employers? Should I be reasonable and just look for an internship next summer so I can gain experience, or do people land jobs without internships? I've read so many articles and books and just get a little more discouraged with each one. Any advice would be really appreciated.
kbr is always looking for truck drivers. good pay, benefits, upto 70,000 is tax free... only drawback is youll be in iraq...
Honestly, for a creative writing major I don't think an internship is such a huge necessity. The only advice I can offer is to not be close-minded about what kind of job you want. Although you may think a job is not for you, you'd be surprised how often things turn out to be more interesting than you expected. More importantly, even though a job you get may not be optimal at the time - it can open many future opportunities. Try non-profits. They don't pay much, but they are not so heavy on the "experience required" side, and they can hook you up with numerous opportunities to diversify and network.
I know how you feel. I'm going to be a junior in the fall, and I'm already starting to feel the pressure. What I might suggest is maybe taking some Marketing classes, if your school offers them? When I was looking for an internship this summer, I noticed a TON of Marketing Internships, which would translate probably into a bunch of marketing jobs out there? I ended up not taking a marketing internship, so I can't give you any experience on that, but I figure it is sort of in line with your background and such.
Hey... how come those RED BUTTON thingies at the drive-up never work? My family and I waited there for 20 minutes and no one answered...! We ended going up to the drive-thru! What is up with that? Spoiler I was just keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedin'!!!! Good luck with your job search. Did you try craigslist yet? I couldn't believe our boss found this one dude in our group from there. Give it a try!
Thanks. That was really encouraging to read. I really am open to any job within my capacity. I think I might look into PR internships during the fall semester... Like someone else said, there are lots of marketing/PR internships. Maybe that means they're important in that field. Who knows. Anyone know how to start networking and talking to professionals? Is there a good job-networking site out there? Thanks for all input.
Compiling a portfolio wouldn't be a bad thing for starters. And even if you haven't developed a relationship with any professors, it's never too late to inquire about possible internship or job opportunities. You also might want to check out Houston Advertising Federation's job bank; even if you don't find anything up your alley (which I think you may) you might find something that'll get in you in the door. Check out the news stations too. And be open minded about teaching; teachers are always in demand (though more so for math and science) and you get decent pay. You can always do that while you try and find something you really love.
I had the same fears and even developed the muscle spasm under my left eye because I was so stressed out about graduating and finding a real job. It finally went away when I ended up getting two offers in one day. My best advice is to just be persistent and don't be afraid to make phone calls. You need to show potential employers that you really want the job more than other potentials. Most of all, don't get discouraged when you don't get a call back. Keep your head up and keep tyring, it will happen.
I don't know what kind of appalling sexual act "canonized" is slang for, but I expected better from you Megan.
It's important to remember that most people go through the same thing. It's not as if everyone who has a "real world job" is some highly sought-after employee that had tons of options and had to fight off job offers with a stick. They probably struggled for a while with the search, got one or two offers and liked one enough to latch on to it. So what makes them so much different than you? Nothing really. They just just happened to intersect with an opportunity. It happens to everyone eventually...it just doesn't always happen how or when you expect it to. You'll be just fine. You're only what, 20 years old?
sorry about stealing this thread, but has anyone heard of triad resources in houston texas? I have in interview with them next week and would like any info you guys could give me. Thanks
finalsbound, a few thoughts 1. there are more and more niche masters programs in writing. some of these are internship heavy and are all about making connections. 2. I took a lot of creative writing (not my major) in undergrad and grad school. this has helped me a bunch in scientific and grant writing. it's all about telling stories, in the end. I'm surprised how grant writing scratches the same itch that used to be there for fiction. (I hope none of my program officers are reading this thread. ) 3. I think you should consider all kinds of "research" jobs, from law firms to fundraising outfits. basically you read all kinds of background material and write snappy reports for the outfit. if you like what the organization is trying to do, it sounds like you might enjoy that kind of role for them. 4. As other posters have said, think broadly. e.g on Craig's List job listings, click the links you normally wouldn't. Best of luck! PS -- radapharoah, the triads are a notorious GANG. You should either cancel this interview or practice your gunplay.
Start with your University/Deparment career center. Not sure where you go to school, but you should be able to drop your resume for jobs posted on your career center website. I did about 30 resume drops for various positions and had about a 60% hit rate for interviews requests as well as being called on as an alternate for a few others. As far as networking, try to attend on campus events like the Liberal Arts/Education career fairs, and hand out resumes and try to meet people. Aside from that, try cold calling some folks from your alumni database that work in roles that you'd like to be in. Hope this helps.
