So, one thing I don’t understand about the job market is that every position I see (even if it is an assistantship position) requires work experience… but please explain to me, how am I supposed to get more work experience if everything requires work experience?

Goodness Gracious! This truly frustrates me. I am going to write a book on job searching! I may make millions… create a job in the process – but then again, we’re in a recession: no one has money to spend on a silly book. But the book could be considered a worthy expense if it advises those unemployed individuals on which resources to pursue. But I would need money to start it off and time to dedicate- of which I have neither. As I’ve said before, job-searching is a full time job!

My humble abode

Why wasn’t I given a windshield ice scraper as a farewell gift?

So, I went for my interview last week… it went wonderfully and I was sure I made a fantastic impression. But, I got the sad news today that they are looking for someone who is better fitted for the position in terms of lugging production equipment around. I apparently made a fantastic impression and they thought I would be a perfect fit for their team – thus they will be considering me for future openings. However, I believe looks can be deceiving… I have picked up some mighty heavy equipment and am more than competent in lugging stuff around! Ask anyone at Lynn! You’ve surely passed me carrying a camera bag, microphones, tripod, laptop bag, hand bag, cup of coffee… all in one go!

So, I had a mini breakdown… this whole weekend has been a mini breakdown session for me. I am so incredibly frustrated! I highly recommend anyone that is about to graduate sincerely considers staying on at Lynn for an extra year or two and doing a Master’s degree. Trust me, you do not want to be looking for a job in this market! I have no idea what I am going to do. It’s worse as an international student as I have to apply for an H1B visa (work sponsorship) in the next year. The deadline for 2010 is in a week and I still don’t have a position. The only other option for me is to look for non-profit research entity positions (which I am actually very keen in working for) or positions at higher educational institutes. So, my job search has changed in terms of which positions I am looking for. I don’t think I have ever felt this frustrated before. I feel as though my hands are completely tied. I am trying so very hard to keep my chin up and see this in a positive light, but at this point I am just so despondent. I don’t know what to do, except keep on applying and applying and applying…
I just received a phone call from a media firm I sent my application to, however, although I was a perfect fit in terms of expertise and education, they feel it’s hypocritical in today’s economic crisis to employ a non- US citizen when there are so many Americans without jobs. I can understand that, however, considering I have lived, worked, and studied in the US for the past 5 years, I would hope that holds some validity.
Oh well, c’est la vie!

On the positive side, I never lost 70% of my investments, I have a roof over my head, food on the table and a fantastic education and shining resume! Plus, spring has arrived in DC!

and it continues… (the search, that is)

Things are looking up and I am set on the fact that I am not going to get despondent. I feel like there is this perfect position waiting just around the corner and hopefully in a month I’ll be writing a post saying, ‘Hey, I don’t know why I was so worried – I was sure something would come though’. And I am the one who lives by the saying ‘Good things are worth waiting for.’ Well, this job better be the most amazing job ever, because I have most certainly paid my dues!

I was advised by a friend to go to a temp agency, as they often have temp-to-hire positions available. So, I did that and got signed on to The Boss Group. There is a videographer position available at a media firm in the city working on federal aviation production material. I interviewed yesterday and it went really very well. Luckily with all the content I have shot and edited for Lynn and for my coursework, I had a portfolio of my work and experience to showcase. I think it went extremely well and they seemed like a very down-to-earth team. I wasn’t actually nervous at all, but I am pretty competent about my videography skills… I mean I did study it for 5 years!

Other than that, I have been volunteering for a communications firm and have been attending all the PAC events. It is a wonderful way for me to learn all about lobbying from the inside out. My days have been filled with informational interviews and this evening I am going to a Ladies in aid Happy Hour, which is a networking event for women who work at the World Bank and various other NPO’s.
I hope to make some valuable contacts, which I assume will lead to a bunch of informational interviews.

I think this is the new DC job market word – ‘Informational Interviews’. I am starting to compare DC’s job market to the ever annoying dating tactics. An informational interview implies that there is little commitment and that ‘we’ll just see where things go’. Both parties are eager to get together and share themselves, their mission, and their cause with the other, but the one party is slightly unavailable. However, hopefully when they start looking around for a partner they will think of you first, and they will also keep their eyes open for any friends who are looking for long term relationships. So, it’s kind of like speed dating! I won’t comment on what volunteering is! I’m in the mindset that it is an opportunity to exploit myself – show them what a great partner I could be, how dedicated I am, and hopefully others will see and wish they were ‘dating’ me, possibly even make a move!
Like my love life, my job life is single! But, what was I saying about good things are worth waiting for?

I am back in DC and the search continues! My day is non-stop. Unlike what one would expect, I wake up bright and early, the same time as normal job-goers. I don’t want to get into a routine in which I lie in bed because I have nothing to do. So, it starts with checking my mail, getting showered and up, I then pack up my laptop and my little booklet of business cards from contacts I have made, and head to Starbucks. After a good strong morning coffee I can start my day. I fire up the lap top and I start with bookmark one on my browser - mediabistro.com. If you keep up to date, it’s really easy to go through the available jobs, and there are jobs available. Basically, systematically I search through the sites, applying to relevant positions, restructuring my resume for each opening and hoping I will stand out as a candidate.

A few hours later it is time for coffee number two. As a jobless being, you quickly learn ways to cut costs. Register your Starbucks card and you get free refills!

Job searching at Starbucks

Notice the bloodshot eyes from too much job searching!

And then it’s back to the search, re-emailing people you have been in contact with in the past, sending follow-up emails, searching sites and job boards and going through my business card folder and contacting people I have been introduced to in the past few days. It’s a tedious, long task that consumes an unimaginable amount of time.

Volunteering is the next step. I currently volunteer as a Consultant for Special Projects, which mainly involves me attending evening political events and helping out. This is a fantastic networking opportunity. I am taking this time to gain experience in areas that positions I am applying for require specialization. I am currently looking in to HIV/AIDS organization volunteering opportunities, as I am interested in African relations. This is a great way to get a taste for what you are interested in.

And before I know it, it’s close to 5pm and time to find dinner. Living on a $15/day budget is not impossible, but not entirely easy either considering transportation costs and such. My walking shoes are well-worn, and I’ve most certainly become a coupon-cutter.

It’s strange, I never thought I’d still be jobless! Every one who looks at my resume is highly impressed and can only sing my praises, but this doesn’t help if your looking to get hired when everyone around you is being fired!

So, I leave Starbucks, join the rat race of professionals on their way from the office, wondering if tomorrow may be my lucky day.

A bit of spontaniety + a truly wonderfully amazing best friend + cheap tickets dot com = Back in Boca!

Right now, 10 AM on Monday morning, I, Ashlea Evans, Master of Science in Communication graduate, sit in the comfortable little office in the Office of Marketing and Communication on the beautiful Lynn University campus. Oh, how I have missed this place! I do feel truly at home.

Well, clearly this was not a planned trip, and I do fly back to DC first thing tomorrow morning, but being back makes me realize how many things I miss.

1. The weather!!! (yes, I am nicely bronzed after a day on Delray Beach)

2. Summer clothes

3. My Lynn Family! It is so great to walk around campus and see people you know. I have had atleast 50 hugs today (and I do expect more)

4. Support – That is one thing the Lynn Family gives you: Tons of support, people who believe in you and lifelong friends

5. In D.C. I walk the entire city and no one even sees me, at Lynn I walk to Christines and back and have to stop several times for an update

6. Did I mention how beautiful this campus is? One takes things for granted when you see them everyday, but arriving on campus this morning, all the flowers in bloom, the fountain fresh and sparkling in the sunlight, everyone bustling to class from the caf, security guards smiling and waving as you enter… these are these mundain things one takes for granted.

I am not going to lie, I have seriously considered not jumping on that plane tomorrow, but I have to. I have to stand on my own two feet and go off in to the big wide world and make my little Lynn family proud. I miss Lynn so much! I think it’s the wonderful faculty and staff that make Lynn so special. You know, my professors still keep in touch, regularly ask about my job search and how I am keeping. I am absolutely certain that I would not get that treatment anywhere else! I think another great thing is that one gets support from Alums too, In D.C. Nelson Lewis and I get together every few days. It’s nice to have someone else that went to Lynn so close by.

I have seriously considered enrolling again! I wouldn’t mind doing the whole thing over. mmm… I may just go and check out the application process all over again I could do with an MBA.

Well, I am off to Christine’s for some tea… it’s just too convenient having a coffee shop on campus (and the fact that I don’t have to bundle up to walk over there!).

One thing I miss about going to college in Florida: the sun!