A few years ago, after just a year of college, my boyfriend told me he was thinking of not going back to school. When I asked what his alternative plan was and he had none, I let him know in the simplest, if harshest, way that I would not date a bricklayer for the rest of my life. After my nerves settled a bit I politely persuaded him to give college a second chance and just get some sort of degree under your belt. You know, as a "just in case" security blanket, even if it's an Associates, just have something. So, after a few discussions and healthy persuasions, he decided to stick with it and go for his degree.
Because of his roller coaster ride decision making process on where to go, what to study, and what sort of degree he wanted to get, it set him back a year on "normal" graduation time. In other words, I graduated in May (2008) and he is rounding out his second to last semester. He really bit the bullet and went for the Bachelors degree. I was happy with his decision, for a while even felt bad for feeling like such a strong influence on making him do something he did not want to. But he still claims to the day that he is really glad he stuck with it. But while I was preaching about the importance of a degree these days, I soon realized upon graduation, oh what little did I really know about the plug and chug of the real world.
College is supposed to prep you for the real world right? So why am I sitting here six months later, with a Bachelors Degree in Communications and Media Studies...and I have yet to put any of that knowledge to use. Want to know why? Sure you do, cause it is the real kicker of this whole ordeal. The sole reason I am having such a hard time finding a full-time job is because I lack experience.
Oh really? I thought that was what those two internships I completed were for? I thought I was gaining experience, along with enjoyment, by being a writer and editor for my school newspaper, the Public Relations Director for the Student Government Association. I thought I was displaying leadership by being captain of the soccer team for two season, not to mention leading a team that won their Conference and advanced to the Division III NCAA Tournament. I thought my solid GPA and my volunteer work showed I was able to be organized and balanced with my busy schedule, while maintaining good studies and a healthy social life.
I think I thought wrong. Or did I? I mean, when did the college degree suddenly become not enough? All of sudden I am sitting here with piles of student loans to pay off, health insurance payments to try and cough up, while also pumping gas in my car and splurging on, not only a cell phone bill, but a few cheap perks for myself here and there because I enjoy a good Starbucks latte from time to time.
I laughed my way through college, thinking I had it made and I was paving a golden road towards immediate success. It's sad but true, we humans expect immediate results or we are not happy. It's been proven in studies, we rely on emotion, we thrive on success and seeing results sooner than later. So I've got this piece of paper hanging on my wall in a beautiful (and expensive) frame that's telling me I completed four years of ... what?
I went in for an interview the other day. I was pretty excited about it because it was entry-level, and seemed like a good opportunity to get my start in the Advertising world. I went into the interview with confidence, a little nervous because after all I am human, but I was also hopeful that this would be my big break. I can sum up the interview real easily for you because it lasted a mere ten minutes - if that. Not a good sign at all. I walked out of that door feeling completely opposite as a did prior to walking in. I knew there was no way I was getting this job. Why sound so glum? Because of one of the very first questions he asked me.
After a few moments of me briefly introducing myself and trying to sum up my life and who I am in about a 30 second window, all the while trying not to bore this man, he asked me about my internships. I piped up at the question and proudly announced (though a slight tinge of annoyance had slipped through my brain at the fact that if he had really read my resume he would know all about my internships) nonetheless I explained the two that I had completed at Star104 and WPXI. After a moments pause from him he asked with a hesitant eye whether I had had any advertising internships.
Well, no. Was all I could muster for a reply. My hopes were shot down quickly but I tried my best to bolster them back up by explaining that that was why I was so interested in this position. Despite the fact that the company seemed like a fun place to work at (seriously - I wasn't just buttering him up) but the position was posted as Entry Level; which I interpret as some or no experience is really required. So why was I sitting at the table suddenly feeling inadequate for the position? Maybe because after my stifled "No" to his question, all the rest of the interview seemed to plummet. He seemed to have no more questions for me while I continued to spit out dozens to him in hopes of saving face and trying to keep his interest in me peaked.
After the interview I drove myself to work - at a little restaurant not far from my home. I mean, I really like the job, but it's not what I went to school for. At least it passes the time and pays the bills for now though. But on my drive to work I was really grinding my thinking gears trying to figure out what I am missing. I have been on at least a dozen interview since the spring time. And all seem to give me the same turn-down answer: "Sorry, we are going to go with somebody with a little more experience than you." Interesting. Did I miss a very large chunk of the puzzle here? Or am I just looking for a job in the complete wrong industry? But it's what I want to do, so what am I supposed to do? Settle for a close but no cigar type gig? Which might I add is what I have already done. I have accepted, for the time being, a part-time job at a local TV station. It's by no means my ideal job but it's something for now.
I try not to complain too much. I am well aware that the economy is absolutely atrocious for the time being. And I am trying to deal with what I have but it gets frustrating. I try to keep calm about it and tell myself that something will come around soon. As a good friend once told me, "It's not our time, it's God's time." Hm, I wonder of they sell a God's-time-watch anywhere?
