As the end of my last “Winter Break” as I know it comes to an end, I have to say I think a fair amount was accomplished. I was able to help out my family and friends with some of their social media efforts, catch up on my reading, get back to the gym, and enjoy my giant comfortable bed. One of the most worthwhile things I did, with the help of my dad (hi Dad!) and some other kind friends, was to meet more people and talk to about my future.
As I weigh the options for which direction to head in a few months, I have to remember that I can’t be too picky. Although I’ve discussed with many people working for a non-profit or pursuing my dream of a career in social media, I may not start where I want to be. I think it has been really helpful to have some goals in my career already and to have an idea of what I’m working towards long-term, but this is by no means what I need out of my first job out of college.
So, although I will certainly still apply to the reach jobs, the dream jobs, and the this-is-so-perfect-for-me jobs, I have tried to come up with a few MUSTS to make sure I keep my scope of opportunities wide enough to come out with an opportunity at the end.
FYI: I KNOW I could become excited about these potential opportunities as well and my dream job could very well change because of one of them!
MUST:
1- Pay. I need to start living on my own!
2- Provide substantial training in something I could use long term.
3- Be in either a sales or marketing field.
4- Have people I would learn a lot from, and hopefully enjoy their company as well.
Eventually, I would like to find the balance between doing something I love AND working for a company who does some thing I’m passionate about- but these are not MUSTS at the moment.
Can you think of any MUSTS I’m missing?
Another standard that I think you should keep in mind would be the opportunity for advancement. Fairly self explanatory, because even if you don’t initially love the job, you may grow to love the environment, co-workers, and the work… so you’d want some higher level position to excel to.
I agree with the “MUST” list. I wish you all the best in the job search process! I hope that you are able to obtain a position that fulfills the requirements AND is something you are passionate about. Sparks another thought: How much pay would you sacrifice if the position had all of the other requirements but was something you are truly passionate about? Just a thought….
Keep blogging!
Ladies– Thanks for your comments!
Kate- that is certainly something to think about! The other issue is of course though that people in the current world do change companies quite frequently, so I suppose it’s not something completely on my mind.
Alyssa- This would certainly come into play, and I think I would have to take it on a case by case basis. I’m nervous as well timing wise: what if I get a potential offer but I have an interview with another job I think I’ll like more later? I’ll cross that bridge when I get there!
Regarding #4, I would look also look at it regarding who you will be working for. With training programs, this can be difficult, but your direct supervisor will be key to your growth and advancement. Pay close attention to the culture of any organization you are interested it.
Thanks Jim! I’m finding that it’s similar to looking at colleges. I certainly had a feeling I belonged at Villanova after I was on campus and met a few people and I hope I find the same with the company culture I end up working for.
I love your 4th must: people who’s company you enjoy and who you can learn from. Let me tell you, as a recent entrant into the Real World, the people you work with and their personalities and qualifications can MAKE or break a job.
Good luck, Mito! Keep us posted!
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