Rise and Grind

This week has been very interesting. With the first week of classes since Spring Break, the race is on! “What race?” you may ask. The race to find a job. Spring break represents a time to rest and relax with friends and family but once you return from spring break, it is like the fourth quarter in a football game where everything counts. Although I graduate over the summer, the reality is that I seeking to have my career solidified by the summer. Why am I starting in March? To be honest, the best time to begin is “early.” While Spring break was in session I began my process of job seeking. Penn offers a useful search engine that you can utilize as a student to find different careers that fit your skill sets. However, using multiple search engines is beneficial because jobs may differ based on how each search engine identifies relevant links and keywords.

Tips to looking for a job:
Networking: Although searching for a job is a cumbersome process do not overlook the opportunities afforded by networking. Sometimes, knowing somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody who has an job opening can be the key to gaining access to your next position. I have met numerous people who currently have great jobs not because of “what they know” but because of “who they know.” Granted, nailing the interview and having a great resume is crucial to process of getting hired, sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door so you can work your magic. When it comes to networking, start from Day 1. Remember, every opportunity you get to meet with someone whether it is a professor, classmate, or other colleagues at GSE or other graduate schools is an opportunity to network. Please be sure, to always have a stash of your business cards in your wallet and backpack just in case an unexpected opportunity arises.

Be aggressive: Do not wait until you have “free time” to start the job hunt, begin as early as possible. Why? Certain jobs and fellowships have Fall deadlines, therefore you may miss a potential job opening because you were not looking periodically. Attend job fairs on a regular basis to see what the job market looks like and to keep practicing your self-marketing skills. Finally, speak to professors or set up phone meetings so that you can start meeting with people who are in your field of interest.
Remember the early bird, catches the worm!