My house

It is Friday 10:10 AM, July 24th. I am sitting at my desk, sipping warm African Redbush Peach Yogi Tea and checking my emails. The quote on my Yogi Tea bag says: Truth is everlasting. My office is shared with my boss, Bruce, but he is out of the office right now at call time with Congressman Boswell. Our office is a befitting jumblement of art ranging from Lichtenstein to old vinyl records from Funkadelic, framed photographs of Bruce with the Clintons at the White House on Christmas day, to framed Woodstock tickets. This morning I woke around 7:30 (after pressing snooze for a full hour… thinking of every excuse why I shouldn’t get up and go for a jog or a swim). No excuses seemed relevant, other than the fact that I was still tired from a busy week… or should I say busy last few months. An hour later, after finding an appropriate outfit that wasn’t amongst the pile of laundry that seems to increase at an exponential rate in the corner of my room, tumbling out the little laundry basket that is evidently not sufficient for my lifestyle; I make my way down the wooden staircase to the main level of my house and into the kitchen. Upstairs and downstairs my roommates are rushing around also starting their respective days. I open the fridge to stare in to a miserable looking shelf that either resembles the onset of a starvation diet or the scene of crime after a thief has stolen all your goods. Once again I remind myself, as I have been for th past two weeks, that I am due for a grocery run. I grab the almost empty carton of rice milk and in a very unladylike fashion do exactly what I had always scolded Thomas for doing. As I make my way to the door, I double check my heels are in my handbag before putting on my flip flops. If there is one thing I have learned about DC, is that every one (and I mean EVERY ONE) has a secret stash of shoes in their handbag… who do you think the monster bag was designed for?

And in a flash I am hurriedly walking the 20 minute commute down Massachusetts Avenue towards Union Station (a block from my office). I walk through two parks on my way home and notice the children playing on the see-saw and reminisce about summer days like those. I arrive at the office and catch up with my colleagues, Caitlin, who works in Congressman Courtneys office and Amanda, who works with me. And the day begins. I check my mail, respond to requests or confirm appointments… all the general morning maintenance issues that everyone has to deal with. It is now nearly time for me to leave, as I have to pick up a check in the city. As a political consulting firm, we handle the congressmen’s fundraising and PAC money, so I am off to pick up a contribution to a certain clients campaign…

But I will be back shortly…

Well, after a icky hot metro ride from Union Station to Metro Center, I picked up the envelope and made my way back to the underground of DC. On my way back to the office I did my usual stop at the corner market to grab a coke and an extremely unhealthy lunch of Ritter chocolate nut bar. Bruce then called and asked me to come over to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for call time with one of our congressmen. I grabbed our call book, which consists of call sheets for the lobbyists that contribute to the specific client, as well as the amounts they have contributed. There are very strict rules and regulations that the FEC (Federal Election Committee) enforce. It is our job to ensure that these rules are adhered to. So, I grabbed my laptop bag, the file and my handbag (changed into my flipflops again) and hit the streets. My walk from our office to the DCCC is about 15 minutes, I walk past the Hart Building, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Canon Building and the Florida House (Yes, that is dedicated to you Floridians! I think of you all every time!). I arrived at the D-trip (as it is referred to) and set up for call time. I then had to run over to the Fairchild building. And then back to the D-trip, where I researched some lobbyist info and created some more callsheets. When they call votes, the congressmen have to go and vote on various bills – this obviously delays our schedule and we, on many occasions, have to sit around waiting for votes to end to continue with our call time. The Congressman arrived at 3:40 and we started making calls to various lobbyists, requesting campaign contributions by inviting them to events (this is per FEC rules on giving). It’s a great time, just Bruce and I and the congressman. I am not going to lie, I have my favorite Congressman that we work for. It’s an interestng dynamic as it is almost an insiders view as I get to know the Congressmen on a more casual level. Tonight I do not have any events, but Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally mean non-stop work from early morning to 7 to 8 PM. It’s fun work though and generally consists of cocktail parties and receptions.

A cocktail party with the girls from my office

So, it is now 4:45 PM, the day has flown by and it’s just about the weekend. These past few months have been a whirl wind. It’s amazing who I have met and the interesting jobs I have done. As my position specializes in special projects, I am involved in a number of  international political projects (something I am very passionate about). I have my daily routine of American politics, but on top of that my priority is the international aspect. That is a lot of fun and I feel as though we are making huge strides in that department. I can’t share too much on that aspect though, however, it is a part of my job that really motivates me.

My boss is absolutely amazing! I am the luckiest employee in the world… and he doesn’t even know I have a blog so it’s not as though he will read this. But, seriously, it is amazing how the people you work with can make or break your experience. In the past few weeks I have met ambassadors, had dinner with producers, had drinks with DC’s most powerful lobbyists and heads of multinational corporations. I have been to a series of great music events, ranging from King Sunny Ade to VIP and backstage at Jackson Browne. I have rubbed shoulders with the movers and the makers of the world and I owe it to Bruce for taking me under his wing and giving me a glimpse of what being an honest, kind and generous person can allow you to achieve.

Jackson Browne and I backstage after his show

If I look back life over the past few months, I cannot believe how much has changed – how I have changed and grown. A few weeks ago I was sitting at Starbucks applying to countless jobs; today I am an associate at a political consulting firm. I owe a big thank you to Lynn University for funding me to attend the ATHGO global forum last June. If I hadn’t attended the forum, I would never have met Bruce (my current boss) and wouldn’t have my job! I actually interviewed Bruce on camera at the forum and he thought I was a professional reporter. He stumbled over the interview and asked if he could do a retake… not realizing that I was just the media intern. I guess I made a good impression because every time someone asks how we met, that is the story he tells.

And now I start the next stage of my life as a professional in DC. And sadly my position as a blogger has come to an end. If there is one thing I can leave you with is grasp every opportunity that comes your way and reach for those that have not. During your time at Lynn, get involved, try everything and remember that you may not end up doing what you study. Take advantage of all the speaker visits that Lynn has on campus. Get to know your professors – today I still get emails for Dr. Watson, Jim Brosemer and even Matt Roos (who contacted me regarding the Alumni Reception we’ll be having in DC in September). I want to say a big thank you to Anna Krift (one of Lynn’s most prized professors) and her mom for their encouragement and support in following my blogs. Thank you to the Marketing Department for giving me the opportunity to share my wonderful adventure and to Admissions for my first job on campus. Being a campus tour guide earned me invaluable people skills that I use every day. Thank you to Kevin Ross for treating each student as an individual, rather than just a number. Thank you to Lynn University – for shaping me into the person I am today. You taught me to believe in myself and that even the undreamed of is a possibility at Lynn.

And for the last and final time: Thank you to all those who have followed my blog. I hope that you may learn from my experiences and enjoy many of your own at Lynn.

That time has finally arrived. It’s the big announcement, the great ‘hooray!’ and the taste of victory…

My life is finally falling into place and it was well worth the ride. Last Monday, on my return from FL, I received a phone call from Bruce, whom I had been volunteering for. Without even seeing my resume, he said, I want to hire you. A week or so later, here I sit, at my desk in my new job as an associate in a political consulting firm. I couldn’t be happier! Those trecherous 5 months of job searching were well worth finding this gem of a position.

I’ve learned several things in my job search, firstly (as I have said many times before), it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. You have to put yourself out there. I am a prime example: I just volunteered for Bruce, he got to know me, I proved myself and when the time came for him to hire someone else, I was there. A few weeks of working for free can sincerely pay off.

Secondly, be positive -there are always going to be times that you feel as though your life is stagnant and you’re not going anywhere… but really you are even when you’re just standing still. People want to be around people who are happy, confident and positive; it makes them positive. So, if you’re feeling lost, take out a pen and write down five things you are certain about in your life at that very moment. Concentrate on those. And if you feel lost, it’s only because you have a lot of options.

Thirdly, you must always believe in yourself – I always say, if you don’t believe in yourself, then how can you expect others to believe in you?

Shoot for the moon and if you don’t get there you’ll land among the stars…

Things have finally come together. I have an amazing job, I work for the most amazing boss in the entire world. And I have so much to learn… I can’t wait! Last night I went to an Italian Education Gala at the Building Museum. Vice President Biden spoke, as well as Joe Montagne. Apart from having to go through secret service security, the event was very impressive. It was a black tie dinner and I had the opportunity to meet many directors of government affairs and other high profile individuals.

Next week voting on the hill starts again, so things are going to be extremely busy with fundraising events and such. Basically, we are a political consulting firm that assists congress persons (our clients) to raise Political Action Committee funds. It means going to a lot of events,  organizing events and networking. As there are only four of us in the office, there are great opportunities for me. Another side note, I have visa sponsorship! So, granting that everything goes through, I’m here to stay (at least for a while!).

The last bit of news… I’m moving! Actually, just a few blocks down the road, but into a safer ‘hood’. I will be right by Eastern Market, 2 blocks from my boss’ house, 12 blocks from work, 11 blocks from the Capitol and 2 blocks from the metro! It’s in a house with two other girls. It’s a beautiful victorian three-level row house with a back yard and garden and grill. The floors are all antique wood, stainglass windows and my room is on the third floor with a little attached study nook! I move in on Sunday! It’s half the rent I am currently paying, but a thousand times better.

Well, I am going to have to get used to supporting myself… I think a paycheck means I’m cutoff from mom and dad’s support. Of course when this happens everything falls apart – my car won’t start (alternator), I’ve gone way over my minutes, I need medical aid and it is due time that I purchase some formal wear for all these events (my prom dress just doesn’t cut it anymore!).

Plus… I lost my camera last night with all my photos from the gala… when I find it I will post some photos from last night.

Until then, it’s back to work for me

Dear Class of 2009,

Firstly, my sincere congratulations! You do not deserve to be graduating during this time, so don’t get yourself down about the job market – it’s not a reflection on your achievements, but rather a reflection on the economy and mismanagement. As my friends always say, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!’

So, be strong and be brave because after every down there is an up and you aren’t the only one on this stressful roller coaster. You know that for the past 5 months I have been job searching and believe me, it’s only the beginning for a lot of you.

I have a few words of advice though. Don’t sit still… keep moving. It’s honestly about who you know not what you know (obviously a degree is a requirement) but put yourself out there. If you want to work in politics, move to DC. Take the jump, volunteer, get involved, sacrifice yourself because it will benefit you eventually. Now is not the time to be picky, if your internship requires you to fetch coffee, make the best coffee you’ve ever made in your life. If you have to pick up xerox stuff, do it with a smile on your face. When it comes to them reaching out to a new candidate for a position, who do you think they are going to choose?

There is a link to a video my dad sent me (be sure to press play) but it is really interesting and may give you some insight into where to go, and why you shouldn’t beat yourself up over the fact that you are one of the 82% of graduates graduating without a job.

Be brave, hold your head up high and good things will come – I promise.

http://tipstrategies.com/archive/geography-of-jobs/?ref=patrick.net

So, this is the view from my desk… Life could be worse- I could be that poor chap dangling from the 11th floor!!!

Sooooo… I know the news is slightly delayed, but in my defense, I have been extremely busy! So, what is it? What is this world-shaking, sky-lighting news?

I am proud to announce that I, A&E, am the proud intern at The Corporate Council on Africa. I went for an interview on Friday and they hired me on the spot. I work in their new communications and marketing team. The office is located in the most ideal spot in the city, just above the Institute of Peace, and across the street from National Geographic and the ever-famous Mayflower hotel.

Well, let me backtrack a bit. I went for the National Geographic production assistant interview and all went splendidly. They said that the position would give me growth potential, that I wouldn’t just be doing administrative tasks and they would allow me, if all the admin was complete, to get more involved in editing etc. So, they called on a Wednesday and offered me the position (not that I am complaining, but with a salary that I wouldn’t be able to survive on, no medical etc.). So, I jumped at the opportunity regardless, as National Geographic would be such an awesome place to work. I said I just wanted to do some numbers in my head and I would give them a commitment the next day. When I called the next day, the hiring director said to me that she had to be very honest, that I was over-qualified and she feared I would get bored of the position, that there was no growth potential and my work would merely be excel spreadsheet formation and budgeting. Talk about putting a spanner in the works! We all decided I probably wasn’t the right fit, as they also wanted me to sign a 6-month contract! And with my visa situation and having to get sponsored for my H1B by Feb, it didn’t seem like a logical or wise choice.

So, the next day (after a severe meltdown) I got off my chair and decided I am going to get the internship. I was hired on the spot and started Monday 9 AM! At first I wasn’t completely sure about how I felt about doing an internship, but after day 1 they started giving me more work and more responsibility. I thrive best under pressure and yesterday was extremely busy! I loved it! I would like to move more towards the HIV/AIDS sector of the council, however, there is more opportunity in the communications division. I have so many great ideas to share with them, but am waiting to settle in and learn more about the inner workings of the council.

The CCA basically promotes trade between Africa and the US, through membership, government partnership, global summits and so forth. It’s a smallish non-profit with about 20-30 staff ranging from research assistants (what I want to do) and country specialists. My office is shared with another research assistant and the view is so beautiful. It’s on the 11th floor and looks over the city. Many of the past interns have been brought in full time, so hopefully (fingers crossed) I can prove my value to them! I really really really love the position and the cause.

Basically, I want a position that will allow me to travel to Africa, aid Africa from the US and make a lasting, meaningful difference. I am a firm believer in systemic change and sustainable development. I don’t believe sending aid to Africa without a long term benefit is the correct way to do things. I believe that through investment, whether it be in the financial, agribusiness, health, power or other specialized industries, Africa can grow and learn to support itself. It’s kind of like a child, metaphorically. If you keep on giving a child money every time he spends it, he’s never going to learn to save. However, if you give a child an investment, for example an investment or financial contribution to their education, then they can use that to create their own money and learn to be self-reliant.

I’m getting a little theoretical here!

Well, it’s Friday (my day off) and I’m off to scour the streets for a full time job (although I am slightly reluctant because I really love working at the CCA). Oh dear!

A friend recently directed me to an article that was in the LA Times, Crafting a resume that will grab recruiters. It has some great pointers and I have reevaluated my resume construction. It seems that with the failing economy it’s better to add a little flair to your portfolio as the competition is high! So put on your game face and get creative!

I basically tried to figure out what makes me different from every other applicant and then stressed those points to the ninth: African, African, African! I knew my nationality would eventually be a positive thing!

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.