Week Six

This week’s blog question challenges us to come up with three things that are “non negotiable” for our first job out of college. At this point in time I still really have no idea what I want to do out of college; so I guess this is about as good a way to narrow it down as any. Still though, since I don’t know what I want, I don’t really know how to narrow it down… Leaves me no choice but to leave these standards as broad as possible

1) I don’t want to live in the South, therefore I cannot take a job in the South. Not because I don’t like the people, the way of life or anything like that, I honestly hate hot weather. Heat is just not for me. I would say my ideal day is high 50’s and cloudy.
2) I think I would want to work in an environment where there are other fresh grads around. Especially if I move to a place I am unfamiliar with, I would like to be around and work with other people around my age.
3) I want to work in a friendly/fun/energetic work environment, I am still getting used to sitting at a desk for eight hours a day, and I don’t think I could do it if everyone around me was low energy and kept to themselves.

So that is what I have so far; I want a job that hires other recent college grads, who have energy, not in the South. Not that limiting really, but I guess I got to start somewhere. It appears I really need to sit down and do some thinking in the next couple months about all this.

Week 6

As we summer scholars are all entering our last year or two of college—and as some of us will commence job-searching in what is really just a matter of weeks—having superior interview skills is invaluable. At last week’s Lunch and Learn, however, Julie taught us that succeeding in an interview can mean little if one doesn’t truly want or won’t enjoy the job in question. I’d like to keep an open mind when it comes to my first veritable job, and I’ve always thought that I’d end up grabbing at whatever I’m able to get, so long as it pays enough to cover the essentials (and, maybe too idealistically, my college loans…). Yet Julie stressed the importance of maintaining certain standards—to not immediately submit to any potentially less-than-appealing opportunity that arises simply because it’s a job. And if sticking up for what I want means being a little more pleased with life during whatever that fated first out-of-college job is, then perhaps I can be a little more choosey than I had anticipated.

I don’t know if my stipulations are actually non-negotiable; flexibility is something I’d like to maintain, and if a trade-off existed in which one or two of my “requirements” were fulfilled in addition to some supplemental, un-thought of benefit, I might be equally pleased. Still, I do think I’ve discovered a few things that would make me truly happy as I finally step into the real work world. A high-energy, people-oriented environment in which I can collaborate with others and in which we can share our thoughts and feed off each other’s ideas; a relatively young group of co-workers so that we can relate to each other—help each other out—as we embark together on the journey and adventure that is real life; finally, an urban location, because I’ve dwelled in suburbia for 21 years now and am itching to experience the hustle and bustle of a city. As I begin my job search this fall, I’ll be sure to keep these characteristics in mind; for now, I’ll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Week Six

I recently came across this article, called "The Start-Up of You," by Thomas Friedman:

http://http//www.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/opinion/13friedman.html?_r=4&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212

The article discusses how our generation has to be innovative in forming their jobs, as opposed to taking the conventional approach to job hunting that our parents did. Most jobs are not as defined now as they have been in the past, which is both inspiring and intimidating to think about as a student graduating from college. There is no longer a cookie-cutter, linear progression of steps that post-grads "should" take to be successful. That being said, it is important for us pending seniors to be proactively thinking about what we are looking for because the "obvious" path is no longer so obvious...

In trying to find a starting point in my job search, there are a few factors I will keep in mind. Firstly, I really enjoy working with people. Most of my engineering classes have been structured around working with a team, whether it is to solve a problem set or work on a group project. I have come to appreciate and even thrive on the dynamic that evolves when being an integral member of a team. In particular, I love working on teams that have people with diverse areas of expertise, which brings me to my second important consideration. I would like a multi-disciplinary job. I have always been a curious person. Working with people from different professional backgrounds and working on projects that require a broader focus are opportunities to learn about areas outside of my studies. I chose my major (Manufacturing and Design Engineering) in the first place because of how it incorporates mechanical, industrial, and design engineering. I would be most stimulated by a job that requires a variety of skills and fosters the opportunity to learn. Another important consideration for me is commuting time. Last summer, I had an internship that required me to take 5 means of transportation to and from work, taking about an hour and a half each way. Though I did view my morning commute as an opportunity to wake up, I was incredibly frustrated by the evening commute. Regardless of how good my work day was, my happiness was frequently sub-par by the time I got home, particularly when delays would extend my commute to 2+ hours. I have decided that if the job is worth it, I will be happy to relocate. With these thoughts in mind, I will be able to approach my job search with more direction and creativity.

Week Six

When mentioning the job search that awaits me this fall, I have been met with many a pity shrug, eyebrow raise, and squeaky wishes of “good luck.” With such enthusiastic responses, I have been conditioned to think of my needs and interests as secondary, always behind those of the employee who is gracious to hire a recent grad in today’s job market. However, Wednesday’s panelist Julie Jacobs reminded us of the importance of being a little selfish in the job search—keep me in mind when looking for a job. This approach, she explained, will not only help us in narrowing down our application prospects, but it also ultimately will lead to greater success once on the job. Convincing enough? I think yes.

So, that in mind, I have started a little Christmas list of first job wishes, one written to the all-powerful and oh-so-generous Santa of the job world today, also known as my future employer. It goes something like this:

Dear Mr. Claus,

I know you have been quite busy these days, but I have been on my best behavior the past four years and hope you have a bit of time to review my wish list. I am not asking for too very much, but if I find the job package described below under the tree, I will be the happiest girl in the world.

This package does not need to be big, shiny, or perfectly wrapped. Instead, it is only the contents that will bring a huge smile to my face. There, inside the box, I hope to find an entry level job with a program or position perfect for a recent grad seeking to gain a broad understanding of business. This program will offer guidance, great training, and support from more experienced employees, and it will give me those skills most useful and applicable to the business world. Secondly, this supportive environment will come with other recent grads ready to work on a team. We will learn together, grow together, and succeed as we tackle a variety of projects. Finally, while ideally this job will start in an urban U.S. city (no offense to the North Pole), it hopefully will include a global component, one that allows me to uphold my dream to work in France. Whether a European assignment lasted 8 weeks or 2 years, such an opportunity would fulfill my passion for travel and all things French. Together, this package is both practical and idealistic, and if granted, would provide me with all I need to launch a successful and happy career.

Thank you for reading this list, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Sarah

Week Six Reflection

Wednesday's lunch and learn introduced you to the process of preparing to interview and job search. What are the 3 things you feel are non- negotiable to you for your first role after graduation?

Scholars and managers walk along the dock of the Chicago Architectural Tour.

2011 Scholar Outing

Five Scholars and their managers enjoyed a day 'lunch and learning' in Chicago this past Wednesday! After an informative and beautiful architectural boat tour on the Chicago river, the group headed to Millennium Park to explore the grounds and enjoy lunch at the Millennium Park Grill. With the sunny sky, sparkling river, beautiful buildings, and tasty food, all left with smiles on their face and a greater appreciation of Chicago. Scholars, which building impressed you the most?