New Beginnings

What I’m about to say, I’m not proud of. And once it’s written, I can’t take it back. However, I’m going to say it anyways: I just might be the worst blogger ever.

Here I am, writing a blog about my experience “From College to Career,” and I don’t share my happy ending…or should I say, beginning.

Well, here it goes. I’m going to make up for lost time and share this beginning that has changed my world upside down – in the best way!

For a little over a month now, I have joined Kforce as the Communications Coordinator. And let me just say: I absolutely love it! I love the environment. I love the people. I love the work. (Yes, it’s possible.) It is truly the best way to end my path from college and begin a new one with my career. The position has already challenged me in many ways, and is helping me to blossom into the career woman I always hoped to be.

I am currently part of the Corporate Communications team at Kforce. For those who don’t know a whole lot about Kforce (don’t worry, that will change very soon), its a professional staffing agency headquartered in Tampa. With 63 offices nationwide and in the Phillipines, Kforce is one of the leaders in the staffing sector. The Firm represents great values, too. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect company to work for.

So, what’s my next step? Let me take you on the journey with me! I will share what you’ve missed while I was away, and give you insight on what I’ve learned along the way. Life is changing by the minute, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!

Living and Learning

I’ve learned a lot about myself the past two months of job searching. I’ve been keeping myself busy with mentoring youth at my church, building relationships with peers and learning new hobbies. For example, I most recently began sketching and learning to paint with watercolor. I picked up my guitar last week and started playing again. (I got it when I was 13!) I’m trying new foods, going new places and making new friends. I quite like the time I’ve had to myself. It’s really allowed me to discover who I am.

I’m ready though. I can feel it. I’m really ready for not just a job – but a career. July 7 will be the two month mark since graduation. I truly believe there was and still is a reason for that. I’m following blogs and learning new social media. I’m reading an array of books, fiction and non-fiction.

Today I had an interview with an amazing company. The position would be a Communications Coordinator, and I’m up to the task. It seems that everything I have learned so far has led up to this point. I would be thrilled to get this position. I can see myself learning and growing here!

I’ll keep you updated on my new adventures and job opportunities. My new venture is organic food. To some, this might not be too thrilling, but I’m learning to cook with broccoli like you wouldn’t believe. (Pastas, Omlettes, Sandwiches…you name it!) I’ll share a few recipes along the way, too. You’d be surprise – you might like it too!

My “Job Search To-Do List”

It’s been a while since I’ve written. In some ways I feel like a lot has happened, while in other ways, its “a whole lot-of-nothin’.” For example, I’ve gone on a cruise to Cozumel, visited Busch Gardens, celebrated Mother’s and Father’s Day, and the whole sort. But one small detail still lingers – no job. I’ve applied to over thirty places so far, from PR to Marketing to Administrative work. I’ve gotten call-backs, emails notifications and rejection letters, but still no bite.

While I’m not losing hope, I’m beginning to become impatient. All of my “after-grad plans” have gone out the window. I wanted to have a good paying job and be able to call a one-bedroom apartment my home by now. Meanwhile, I’m still stuck in Campus Lodge until August 7, with no apartment or job lined-up.

Of course, this is all part of the Master Plan for my life, but its so hard to predict the future. I’ve been given notice that it could take up to six months to find my fit, but I have bills to pay! So today, I’m creating a “Job Search To-Do List” to keep myself motivated and help others out in their job search as well. You ready?

1) Don’t lose hope. It’s so easy to get unmotivated and stop job searching. After the applications have gone out, find something to keep you busy and take your mind off of stressful things. Of course, the activities should be near-free. Rememeber, you are trying to save money, too.

2) Set a goal. My goal is to put out an application a day, on each day of the week. Catering your resume and writing a cover letter can be time consuming, so make sure you set aside a time each day to get it done. When you have set a goal (and be realistic), it will keep you accountable in your job search.

3) Quality vs. Quantity. While you may set a goal (for me, five apps a week), take your time in filling them out. Profread even the smallest details. For me, it can get repetitive to fill out the same information over and over again. But, I’ve often found mistakes long after I’ve submitted the application.

4) Make a Portfolio. I have an online portfolio that I submit with every cover letter. I check the stats regularly to see if and when employers have looked at the Web site. I’ll be honest, I get discouraged when see that no one has visited it for weeks, but at least I know what to expect. Make a physical portfolio, too.

5) Do a follow-up. If the job posting does not say “no phone calls,” I’d like to believe it’s free reign. However, I haven’t followed this step much myself. It’s very scary to call an employer and ask the progress on your application. But, if you have a physical portfolio ready, try offering to drop it off for them to view. The one time I did this, I scored an interview. I haven’t gotten called back for an interview since, so you do the math.

Making this list is definitely going to help me in the “self-motivation” category. I hope that if you are in the same boat, you find these helpful as well.

EPILOGUE Coffeehouse THIS FRIDAY!

If you’re my friend on Facebook, you’ve probably seen me post quite a few event mentions of the upcoming EPILOGUE Coffeehouse. But what exactly is EPILOGUE? That’s what I’m hear to tell you…

An “epilogue” is defined as a speech delivered by actors at the conclusion of a play. For 15 local musicians, poets and performers, EPILOGUE will be the celebration of their long journey towards completing original pieces.

EPILOGUE is a family-friendly coffeehouse that is open to all members of the community. This one-night performance event will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday, May 28, in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace. It is one of the many Late Nite Unplugged events that will take place this summer.

This complimentary coffeehouse will exhibit local talent, including musicians, poets and performers, and use alternative forms of art to build better community among Tampa residents.

The goal of EPILOGUE is to promote community through supporting local creativity. Many other coffeehouses exhibit only musicians who only play cover songs. Epilogue calls for original works and gives non-musical writers the chance to exhibit as well.

Jessica Luttrull, local artist and recent graduate of the University of South Florida, is coordinating the show with a few creative minds (Justin, Champy, Melo, Mandy, Rahmankhah and myself…to name a few!). She previously coordinated two IMAGE art shows that have brought local artists from USF and the Tampa Bay area together for group exhibitions at this venue. She hopes that this show can be one of many others that change the face of the arts in Tampa and give residents something to share.

EPILOGUE coffeehouse will be held at 10002 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, Fla., 33617. This event is free and open to the public. There will be a raffle, and coffee and cookies will be provided.

Hope you can join!

Rebranding Myself

Today I attended the PRSA Professional Development Day, titled ”Brand Aid: First Aid for Your Personal Brand.” It was all about, well, rebranding yourself. Perfecting your brand, your client’s brand, and your employer’s brand. And since I’m not exactly employed yet, I found the “your brand” section most helpful.

Josh Hallett, Director of Voce Connect at Voce Communications, spoke on “Defining Your Brand Using Social Media.” I found this helpful because while I use social media, there is always room to grow. He provided the group with helpful tips that pointed me in the right direction. In fact, he opened my eyes to how much I could do with social media. He will probably read this post sometime before the next week – that’s how in tune to his own “brand” he is. It inspired me to do the same – to Google my name more often (we’ve all done it), and use this blog tool more effiently. In a nutshell, I’m motivated.

Jenny Schade, president of JRS Consulting, talked on “Bullet-Proofing Your Career.”  It was helpful to think of the skills I have as valuable to an employer, rather than solely being defined by what I am able to do. A lot of people can have the same skills in the mass job arena, but I’m the only one who knows what value I provide others with. And I should share that more often.

After a yummy lunch, we were taught presentation skillls by success coach Annetta Wilson. She was great. She taught us how to do a one minute presentation with no preperation. We had to chose a topic that we could easily present on. However, I didn’t expect that she would make us get in a group of strangers and present on the topic of choice. All nerves aside, I walked away with more confidence in knowing that I was an “expert” in the subject I was presenting on, and no one knows otherwise! What a concept.

Overall, it was good day. I learned useful information that I will definitely be applying to my personal brand. Look out PR world, here I come!

I’ve Been a Slacker

I’ve been slacking. I literally haven’t blogged since the week before graduation. I’m not sure why this has been the case, considering that so much has happened in my life between now and then! I graduated from USF, celebrated, caught a cold (in summer?), got a call-back, celebrated Matt’s birthday, went to a Rays game, had a picnic, was still sick, went to see Blue Man Group in Orlando, visited home, celebrated Ed Wahlbeck’s life, went on a job interview…so on and so forth…

Highlights? Graduation was great, but it was nothing like I expected. I thought that I would have a magicial feeling overcome me and I’d feel like a new person. But in reality, I’m not. I just feel like I’m on vacation or winter break (I haven’t had a true summer break since high school).

My graduation party was a fiesta. My sweet Nana cooked amazing food and my aunt Janet and Mark opened up their beautiful home to host the party. My Nana even made me a pinata. Yes, MADE! It took her four days, and it was a blast to break open (and I’m sure watch, too). It was great to visit with friends and family and celebrate four years of hard work. I was so thankful to have so many people support me during this time.

Then, I got sick. Sick for about a week. At first I boycotted medicine, but after two days of moaning and groaning in my bed, I caved. I couldn’t be more happy about failure. Thank you, Alka Seltzer cold, for making me feel better.

After the sickness started to fade, I took Matt on an adventure for his birthday. We hit up the Waffle House on Treasure Island (his fav place) and headed to the beach. The water was great, and did wonders on my head cold. After a little nap, we met up with his parents and they took us to a Rays game. Talk about an eventful day – we continued to have an eventful weekend! Saturday we had a picnic at Lettuce Lake with Paul and Alisha, and on Sunday after church, the four of us headed over to Orlando to see Blue Man Group. They have this $30 ticket deal, and it was totally worth a trip to O-town. And the best part? We got poncho seats, which means we were three rows back from the stage!

Tuesday I went home and celebrated the life of Ed Wahlbeck. He has such a wonderful family, and I’m so glad that I could be a part of this hard time in their life. Dana sang and played a beautiful song, “Cielo” by Phil Wickham, and I’ll admit I can’t stop listening to it. I’m happy that I can celebrate Ed’s life in heaven everytime I hear it.

Last, but not least, my job interview. I’m happy to say it was my first interview that I’ve gotten since graduation. It felt great to be called back and asked to come in. I’m not sure that I’ll get the job, but it was good practice for future ones!

So, now that I’ve updated readers on life via blog, I’m going to clean my room. And, no, not just the “normal” clean. I need to clean out the junk I’ve stored from my mass hoarding problem. Cross your fingers for me! Oh, and maybe I’ll post things that I don’t want If you’re interested, it’s all yours!

The Home Stretch

It’s officially 4 days until graduation.

Because of this detail, I have not blogged in quite a while. It’s not that I didn’t have anything interesting going on, it’s just that I believe I might have been a little overwhelmed by school in general.

I picked up my honors sash earlier today, so my graduation outfit is officially done. Well, I still need shoes…but my gown, cap and garnishes are complete!

I still don’t have a job lined up after graduation, but I’m staying positive. I know there is that “perfect fit” out there for me, and I just have to be patient.

I honestly can’t believe I’m almost done with school. I’ve been in school for about 17 years now, and I don’t know that I’m ready to be completely done yet. (Of course, that all depends if I go back to grad school…) I AM looking forward to no assignments, no tests to study for and no classes to attend at random times throughout the day. 

I’ll miss the freedom, though. I’m not sure that I’ll ever have the opportunity to wake up at 10 a.m. on weekdays again. I’ll be accountable for the near $30,000 dollars in loans that I took out for school. But, it’s a nice tradeoff. I’ll be “all grown-up” and ready for new responsibilities.

So the countdown begins. It’s Monday. I graduate at 6 p.m. on Friday. Can’t wait.