Well, here I am again - pretty much 4 months after the last post, having been so caught up in my job and life that I forgot about putting a post up every now and again. But here I am again nevertheless, and it's time for an evaluation for the job.
It's about to turn the new year - January 2012, and I will say at this point the job has come together, and I've started to discover what it's all about. Some people it takes awhile - to learn exactly what they need to do to be successful in a job, others it comes quicker. Me, I've taken my time, and now I'm at a comfortable pace where I know what I'm doing, and I know I'm good at it.
So an important thing to keep in mind here: no matter what profession you take, no matter how long your training program is, or whatever new responsibility comes your way, you learn on your own time. Take what you learn to heart, store it in the memory bank, and keep moving forward.
So now, since this position has been part-time, and I feel I've gained a lot of valuable experience from this job, I feel its time to start looking for a full-time, salaried position. I want to stay in the media-field of course, but I want to add onto what I've already learned as a promotions assistant. I'm thinking a job at a news station, working as an associate producer, or multi-media journalist will help me to achieve the goal of having my own show one day.
So now begins the browsing. Start calling up people again, sending out emails, all that jazz. So, here we go!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Reaching the Mid-Way Point
If that's not a better way to sum up the current state of affairs, I don't know what is. It is now August 17th, and I started work on June 23rd. So it's almost been 2 months since I've started. Hard to believe, but time does fly doesn't it?
The job in promotions definitely has its ups and downs, but just like any other job, that's expected, but most of the time its very enjoyable and I work hard at it. I go out to a client's business and do what's called a remote. Which is where I bring the station vehicle - (whichever station that runs the spots or does business with the client you are going to), set up the speakers to play the music of that station with the sound system in check, set up a tent with table and a cloth with the station logo on it! I also give stuff away to the people that come out to the remote that day - like cds, subway cards, movie tickets, and get them registered for a big promotion we have going on with the client.
For example, this upcoming Saturday will be our final giveaway promotion we will do with a Boat N RV Megastore located in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and we will be registering people to go to the NASCAR Star Event called the Advocare 500 in Atlanta. People I have called that qualified will come to the Boat N RV this Saturday - which is when we will be out there with the station vehicle from 11-1. People have to register between 11-12 in order to win their chance of a pair of tickets to the Advocare 500, and they will also have access to a luxury RV that will be provided by Boat N RV.
Pretty exciting stuff, I must say, and its great experience too. I just heard one of my spots over the air on one of our stations - Magic 103.9 yesterday, and it was a commercial on Dunkin Donuts. That was such a great feeling - hearing my own voice over the air, and knowing that I can record more and more to get my voice out! I'm on my way to securing an on-air position on one of our stations! I'm so excited, and happy to be working on something that makes me feel good.
The job in promotions definitely has its ups and downs, but just like any other job, that's expected, but most of the time its very enjoyable and I work hard at it. I go out to a client's business and do what's called a remote. Which is where I bring the station vehicle - (whichever station that runs the spots or does business with the client you are going to), set up the speakers to play the music of that station with the sound system in check, set up a tent with table and a cloth with the station logo on it! I also give stuff away to the people that come out to the remote that day - like cds, subway cards, movie tickets, and get them registered for a big promotion we have going on with the client.
For example, this upcoming Saturday will be our final giveaway promotion we will do with a Boat N RV Megastore located in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and we will be registering people to go to the NASCAR Star Event called the Advocare 500 in Atlanta. People I have called that qualified will come to the Boat N RV this Saturday - which is when we will be out there with the station vehicle from 11-1. People have to register between 11-12 in order to win their chance of a pair of tickets to the Advocare 500, and they will also have access to a luxury RV that will be provided by Boat N RV.
Pretty exciting stuff, I must say, and its great experience too. I just heard one of my spots over the air on one of our stations - Magic 103.9 yesterday, and it was a commercial on Dunkin Donuts. That was such a great feeling - hearing my own voice over the air, and knowing that I can record more and more to get my voice out! I'm on my way to securing an on-air position on one of our stations! I'm so excited, and happy to be working on something that makes me feel good.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Starting the New Job(s)
Well here I am again, on the day that I start my new job(s), note that I put in the (s) because I will be working multiple jobs at the radio station, thinking to myself of what I should be going in with when I start the job(s).
And here's what I've come up with over the past couple of weeks, and more importantly the last couple of days.
It's important to know that everyone can experience some type of anxiety or fear of unknown sensation before starting a new job. You can ask all those questions that make the prospect seem forboding. Like, What if this doesn't work out? What if I don't do well? I might struggle with my efforts...all that stuff can take up space in your mind and will bring you down if you let it.
I've learned you need to push those fears aside, and go in with a positive mind and a confident attitude. If you believe its not going to work out, than it won't. If you believe and trust it will work out, then it will. Going in with a 100% positive attitude from the very start will direct the course of which you take when you start your job.
Secondly, remember your strengths. You know who you are, and you know what you can do. Focusing on applying your strengths to your job will affect your job performance greatly, especially in your supervisor's eyes. He will be able to see what you can do, and how to add you to the team of contributors he's closely working with.
Third, keep a broad, open mind at all times. Look at the whole picture on the projector screen instead of the slide under the microscope. Know who's who in the business, and familiarize yourself with every facet of the business. Then you will know where you fit in the business.
Fourth, its very important to have people in your corner. Your team players, your supporters, or whatever you like to call them, they are vital to helping you achieve your goals and applying your strengths to the job and the organization.
On a note here, you are always going to meet the people you don't like, the ones who oppose you, the ones who try to bring you down because of whatever reason, and you will always have your critics. I know because I've been through them. We all have. But its important to listen to what a critic has to say because you can take the bit of information they give you to help you improve on a weakness of yours. Look at it that way, and your working space with that person will be different and less strained.
My final bit of information I've come to in this, is that you have to just go with the flow when you start new prospects like this. Don't spend time on grating on yourself because you didn't do something right, just pick up and keep moving and learn as much as you can. Ask questions when you have them, pay attention to what's going on around you, and take copias notes.
Other than that, Have Fun! It's a new you starting to come out!
And here's what I've come up with over the past couple of weeks, and more importantly the last couple of days.
It's important to know that everyone can experience some type of anxiety or fear of unknown sensation before starting a new job. You can ask all those questions that make the prospect seem forboding. Like, What if this doesn't work out? What if I don't do well? I might struggle with my efforts...all that stuff can take up space in your mind and will bring you down if you let it.
I've learned you need to push those fears aside, and go in with a positive mind and a confident attitude. If you believe its not going to work out, than it won't. If you believe and trust it will work out, then it will. Going in with a 100% positive attitude from the very start will direct the course of which you take when you start your job.
Secondly, remember your strengths. You know who you are, and you know what you can do. Focusing on applying your strengths to your job will affect your job performance greatly, especially in your supervisor's eyes. He will be able to see what you can do, and how to add you to the team of contributors he's closely working with.
Third, keep a broad, open mind at all times. Look at the whole picture on the projector screen instead of the slide under the microscope. Know who's who in the business, and familiarize yourself with every facet of the business. Then you will know where you fit in the business.
Fourth, its very important to have people in your corner. Your team players, your supporters, or whatever you like to call them, they are vital to helping you achieve your goals and applying your strengths to the job and the organization.
On a note here, you are always going to meet the people you don't like, the ones who oppose you, the ones who try to bring you down because of whatever reason, and you will always have your critics. I know because I've been through them. We all have. But its important to listen to what a critic has to say because you can take the bit of information they give you to help you improve on a weakness of yours. Look at it that way, and your working space with that person will be different and less strained.
My final bit of information I've come to in this, is that you have to just go with the flow when you start new prospects like this. Don't spend time on grating on yourself because you didn't do something right, just pick up and keep moving and learn as much as you can. Ask questions when you have them, pay attention to what's going on around you, and take copias notes.
Other than that, Have Fun! It's a new you starting to come out!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Much Overdue
A much overdue post is in order - it being June 4th, only 9 days shy of the 13th...haha. Not much news other than the new job I'll be starting on June 21st for the radio station in Savannah. I am excited, and ready to leave to start a new chapter of the current job market and as well as my own professional experience.
To give a helpful hint, I believe familiarizing yourself with whatever job or industry you are going into is crucial to your success as an individual in the career you choose. To tell you what I am doing, just to give you an idea of what I mean - I'm listening to a radio station that's in the same office complex as the station I'll be working for. It's Magic 103.9, by Cafe Mocha, and I'm listening to it right now as I write.
Listening to how the professionals do it, what they talk about when its their time to talk, what kind of music they put on, etc. is a great way to give you a learning experience about what to do when you are on the air. My advice to you: apply this strategy to your job. Take your job seriously if you want to make it the best you can ever do.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
An Old Friend
Well, its been awhile, and its been hard to sit down to just write a post again, but here I am with some news. Yesterday while eating ice-cream at Coldstone with a friend of mine, I recognized a girl I was friends with way back in High School. Her name is Jessica Parola, and I knew it was her right when I saw her. My eyes literally lit up upon seeing someone I recognized from those high school days, because I think you never truly think you are going to see these people ever again, but when you do, its a nice moment.
Anyway, at Jessica's permission, I will be able to talk about what she's been doing to find a job in the current market. She is a sophomore at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, and she's majoring in Liberal Arts with a minor in History. A historian is what she tells me she wants to be, and she's working very hard to see that she gets a job in that field. Right now, she is home after finishing up her spring semester, and looking for a part-time job around her house. She tells me she is doing stuff like going online looking and applying for jobs, calling up people, following up, and getting her name out there. Can I just say I give you kudos Jessica for all the hard work you are putting into it.
On a point of knowledge, I know how difficult and challenging it can be to just find one decent job that you can work for part-time just to save a little money. Me, I've gone through sales, marketing, retail, tried tutoring with not much success, and now I'm about to be done with my babysitting job. So trust me I know its tough, but if you keep at it, something will come through.
I will pick up on Jessica either later this week or next week, depending on when she's available to talk more about her experience. Right now, I need to get a move on researching for my family's England/Scotland trip which I am so excited for!
Talk to ya'll later!
Anyway, at Jessica's permission, I will be able to talk about what she's been doing to find a job in the current market. She is a sophomore at Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, and she's majoring in Liberal Arts with a minor in History. A historian is what she tells me she wants to be, and she's working very hard to see that she gets a job in that field. Right now, she is home after finishing up her spring semester, and looking for a part-time job around her house. She tells me she is doing stuff like going online looking and applying for jobs, calling up people, following up, and getting her name out there. Can I just say I give you kudos Jessica for all the hard work you are putting into it.
On a point of knowledge, I know how difficult and challenging it can be to just find one decent job that you can work for part-time just to save a little money. Me, I've gone through sales, marketing, retail, tried tutoring with not much success, and now I'm about to be done with my babysitting job. So trust me I know its tough, but if you keep at it, something will come through.
I will pick up on Jessica either later this week or next week, depending on when she's available to talk more about her experience. Right now, I need to get a move on researching for my family's England/Scotland trip which I am so excited for!
Talk to ya'll later!
Friday, April 29, 2011
IT'S OFFICIAL - I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep, you read it right - IT'S OFFICIAL - I HAVE A JOB! YAY! I'll be working the part-time board operator position in Savannah, Ga at the radio station - WIXV I-95 aka "The Rock of Savannah"! I'm so excited and can't wait to start! This will give me the chance to start in radio, practice my on-air voice, do some promotions and work for the morning show, and possibly learn some marketing and sales in the radio business. I could learn how to sell anything to the advertisers and sponsors of the station.
This will be a valuable experience, and will help me graduate into a full-time position in a career I find rewarding, fun, and thriving with opportunity. This is one of those, so I'm going to give it my all and make the most of it. I've realized that writing in journalism is a good thing for me to do, but its more like a hobby, and eventually I get tired of doing the same old thing. This is new, fresh, exciting, and gives you room to try out different things. So I'm thrilled - least I can say is that - I'm thrilled.
So now I recommend for those of you reading my posts, find that job you could really see yourself doing - and one that you will enjoy. Work your butt off, keep a positive attitude, and you'll get there! Not only that, but you can move out of the house too!
One final thing before I have to go....I did say at the very beginning I was going to be getting other people's stories about what they are doing after college and finding jobs. Well, I haven't done much of that obviously since I've just been writing about me week after week, but now since I am moving to another location, I'll find more kids to interview and get their stories on. This I promise to you all.
Have a great day everyone! And keep at it! :)
This will be a valuable experience, and will help me graduate into a full-time position in a career I find rewarding, fun, and thriving with opportunity. This is one of those, so I'm going to give it my all and make the most of it. I've realized that writing in journalism is a good thing for me to do, but its more like a hobby, and eventually I get tired of doing the same old thing. This is new, fresh, exciting, and gives you room to try out different things. So I'm thrilled - least I can say is that - I'm thrilled.
So now I recommend for those of you reading my posts, find that job you could really see yourself doing - and one that you will enjoy. Work your butt off, keep a positive attitude, and you'll get there! Not only that, but you can move out of the house too!
One final thing before I have to go....I did say at the very beginning I was going to be getting other people's stories about what they are doing after college and finding jobs. Well, I haven't done much of that obviously since I've just been writing about me week after week, but now since I am moving to another location, I'll find more kids to interview and get their stories on. This I promise to you all.
Have a great day everyone! And keep at it! :)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Update on the Two Prospects
Update for the prospects I just mentioned - I had the phone interview, and he said the next step would be a face-to-face interview. Meaning of course I'd have to go down there to Warner Robins to see if I wanted to do this. Quite honestly, just thinking to myself, I'm not thrilled its a sales job. Sales is not what I want to do, it wasn't fun for me, so I think I'd be better off not doing it if I already know I'm not wanting to do it.
As for the second prospect, I have the interview tomorrow at the station in Savannah - and that will be fun seeing the town, exploring a bit, then get to meet some of the folk at the station itself. I am looking forward to it, and I'd already be considering another part-time job in Savannah if I felt this radio job was worth it. So far, I'm feeling it is. Good stuff.
So keep your options open I say, and when the right thing comes along, you'll feel it, and you'll know. Until next time, have a Happy Easter everyone!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Two Prospects
Hello again everyone, it is about time for me to break for lunch because I'm starving, but thought a quick post was in order for the day. Who am I kidding, I've been planning this since last week just to sit down and do a post...haha. Anyway, two new prospects have come my way - one in warner robins, and one in savannah, ga.
Warner Robins has a station called WRWR - they are an AM radio station along with television and a news show that has an open sales position for full-time employment. I emailed my resume to one of the radio show's hosts - Kris Vermillion, and he in turn forwarded it to the general manager, David Hileman. Dave emailed back to me saying they have a possible position opening and would love for me to come down to the station to meet him. I asked what it was, and whether it was full-time or part-time. He said it was a full-time sales position. Now mind you, I have done sales before - I did the commission sales thing selling braves tickets to B2B. That was okay, but I only did it for a summer job. I don't think I would make it a career, so that's why I left, plus it was only commission-based, no salary or benefits. Tough luck there.
So, I've decided to have a phone interview with this guy Dave - ask him all kinds of questions about what he knows in the radio business, then get back to my coach - Sam Weaver to see if this would be worth it. Honestly, I wouldn't work a sales job if it meant I wouldn't be given a shot to go on the air - cos that's what I want to do. So we'll see where that goes.
In Savannah, I've been emailing this guy Don Scott, who is the Program Director for "The Rock of Savannah" aka WIXV. He said he'd have an opening for a part-time board operator - and that's right in the radio station itself. If I got that job, even though its part-time, it'd be a way in to the radio business. Then I could get another part-time job. That's what I've been doing non-stop...finding another part-time job that would go fine with this part-time job.
So keep doing what you gotta do folks - and something will come up.
Warner Robins has a station called WRWR - they are an AM radio station along with television and a news show that has an open sales position for full-time employment. I emailed my resume to one of the radio show's hosts - Kris Vermillion, and he in turn forwarded it to the general manager, David Hileman. Dave emailed back to me saying they have a possible position opening and would love for me to come down to the station to meet him. I asked what it was, and whether it was full-time or part-time. He said it was a full-time sales position. Now mind you, I have done sales before - I did the commission sales thing selling braves tickets to B2B. That was okay, but I only did it for a summer job. I don't think I would make it a career, so that's why I left, plus it was only commission-based, no salary or benefits. Tough luck there.
So, I've decided to have a phone interview with this guy Dave - ask him all kinds of questions about what he knows in the radio business, then get back to my coach - Sam Weaver to see if this would be worth it. Honestly, I wouldn't work a sales job if it meant I wouldn't be given a shot to go on the air - cos that's what I want to do. So we'll see where that goes.
In Savannah, I've been emailing this guy Don Scott, who is the Program Director for "The Rock of Savannah" aka WIXV. He said he'd have an opening for a part-time board operator - and that's right in the radio station itself. If I got that job, even though its part-time, it'd be a way in to the radio business. Then I could get another part-time job. That's what I've been doing non-stop...finding another part-time job that would go fine with this part-time job.
So keep doing what you gotta do folks - and something will come up.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
My Birthday!
Hey Everyone! Today I officially turn 24...OMG! Can't believe it! And I've got an interview to think about - for a sales position within a radio/tv station. It'll be in Warner Robins, Georgia, which is a bit of a drive - so I'll have to work out the details, but it'd be do-able. This sales position would be full-time, I'd be probably start right away - once I got an apartment down there of course - that's the exciting part in my opinion.
Of course - sales isn't my chosen profession in my opinion, what I want to do is be on the air at the radio station. That's what I'm working toward. So I'll do the only logical thing I know right now. I'll contact my radio coach to talk about this.
If any of you are in this position - contact the mentor if you need help. That's my piece of advice for today. See you all next week for the update!
Of course - sales isn't my chosen profession in my opinion, what I want to do is be on the air at the radio station. That's what I'm working toward. So I'll do the only logical thing I know right now. I'll contact my radio coach to talk about this.
If any of you are in this position - contact the mentor if you need help. That's my piece of advice for today. See you all next week for the update!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Oopsy!
Hey peeps, sorry I forgot my blogpost for last week - but this is my make-up recovery post as I like to call my "Oopsy!" Haha, get it? Well anyway, job search is goin just like usual. I'm looking into Radio jobs, possibly a corporate job within Target, and in the meantime I'm taking up babysitting for my afternoons to get some money in the bank!
Yeah, that's right - sometimes you have to find a part-time job like waitressing, hostessing, or babysitting in my case and do that for a bit while working on finding that career in your field of study....or whatever it is you have to get into. And the important thing to remember is to apply yourself during the course of finding a full-time career so that the part-time job is literally only a part-time job. You have to look at it as a temporary boost to help you get some money and to motivate yourself to getting that full-time job. Once the full-time job opens up and you're in, you can look back and say, yep, babysitting was something I had to do for a time until I got this job.
So, bottom line - keep at it. Do what you gotta do!
Yeah, that's right - sometimes you have to find a part-time job like waitressing, hostessing, or babysitting in my case and do that for a bit while working on finding that career in your field of study....or whatever it is you have to get into. And the important thing to remember is to apply yourself during the course of finding a full-time career so that the part-time job is literally only a part-time job. You have to look at it as a temporary boost to help you get some money and to motivate yourself to getting that full-time job. Once the full-time job opens up and you're in, you can look back and say, yep, babysitting was something I had to do for a time until I got this job.
So, bottom line - keep at it. Do what you gotta do!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Back to Radio!
Okay, so I have a bit of a confession to make, and I am late in doing this, but better late than never right?
So I did this radio practicum my senior year of college just for some fun, and to have 1 credit on my hours for the last semester. My show was called: NewsAlerts with Abby....and what I did is basically go on the air between 2-4 p.m. on Sundays to give some news updates, what were some stories on campus and in the community, mixed with some popular songs on my iPod. It was fun, and I had a great time - and I seriously did think for a time or two that I could make it a career - being a radio personality host.
But you know how things happen sometimes. You forget that liked doing that, and get caught up thinking you should try sales, or write for a newspaper or magazine - which is fun, and I like it, not going to lie, but if I had the chance to be On-Air, I would definitely do it! I have the personality, the structure and organization, cute friendly voice, personable, and I like talking of course! I can keep up to date with the news and trends, I can multitask, and bring a positive vibe to the station I'd be on! Isn't that exciting? Knowing you have all the tools necessary to make it in a business, and loving it at the same time? What more could you ask for? Nothing in my opinion.
So now I've decided to get back in touch with a guy I contacted while I was doing the radio practicum - his name is Sam Weaver, and he's a radiocoach. He helped me before with my aircheck, and now he's willing to help again get me started in radio. I believe I can learn a lot from him, so I'm going to try this out because I could make this a job one day! And it'd be SO MUCH FUN!
Maybe I'm going all over the place with this job business - and sure I've made mistakes, but who doesn't? You have to make mistakes in order to make things right for yourself. You have to realize that its a process in finding what it is you really LOVE doing, and figuring out what you're going to make of it. I'm young and I'm still figuring it out, but I know that there's a lot of you out there in the same boat as me.
That's all I have for now. See you all next week!
So I did this radio practicum my senior year of college just for some fun, and to have 1 credit on my hours for the last semester. My show was called: NewsAlerts with Abby....and what I did is basically go on the air between 2-4 p.m. on Sundays to give some news updates, what were some stories on campus and in the community, mixed with some popular songs on my iPod. It was fun, and I had a great time - and I seriously did think for a time or two that I could make it a career - being a radio personality host.
But you know how things happen sometimes. You forget that liked doing that, and get caught up thinking you should try sales, or write for a newspaper or magazine - which is fun, and I like it, not going to lie, but if I had the chance to be On-Air, I would definitely do it! I have the personality, the structure and organization, cute friendly voice, personable, and I like talking of course! I can keep up to date with the news and trends, I can multitask, and bring a positive vibe to the station I'd be on! Isn't that exciting? Knowing you have all the tools necessary to make it in a business, and loving it at the same time? What more could you ask for? Nothing in my opinion.
So now I've decided to get back in touch with a guy I contacted while I was doing the radio practicum - his name is Sam Weaver, and he's a radiocoach. He helped me before with my aircheck, and now he's willing to help again get me started in radio. I believe I can learn a lot from him, so I'm going to try this out because I could make this a job one day! And it'd be SO MUCH FUN!
Maybe I'm going all over the place with this job business - and sure I've made mistakes, but who doesn't? You have to make mistakes in order to make things right for yourself. You have to realize that its a process in finding what it is you really LOVE doing, and figuring out what you're going to make of it. I'm young and I'm still figuring it out, but I know that there's a lot of you out there in the same boat as me.
That's all I have for now. See you all next week!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Paul Basken
I just had a phone interview with reporter Paul Basken, of the Chronicle of Higher Education. That is a newspaper stationed in Washington, D.C. in case you all did not know, and he's had 25 years of experience in the journalism industry.
From what I understood from this interview, he said that people have been saying that jobs in the journalism/media industry are hard to get. People have been saying that for a long time - since the 80s and before. The industry is a bit dodgey, but there are still jobs within the journalism industry. A sign of hope for those of us trying to find jobs in journalism.
The important thing to know is the model for journalism to make it in the economy should not be based on geography or advertising - but subject-matter. Therefore, no matter where you are writing for a newspaper, magazine, online, or tv broadcast, the subjects and content talked about in the media outlet are the sole most important factors the organization has to offer to the public.
He brought to light that if you know what you want to write about, or have an idea of what you want to specialize in, now is the time to do your research, find the articles you find appealing or that you would want to write, and contact the editors. Freelancing has a stronger and much higher percentage of success for you when it comes to thinking about how you are going to make it as a journalist or reporter.
He just said to keep on writing - do what I'm doing, get some more content or topics to write about (i.e. politics would be a great thing to get into right now) and narrow your subject-material with the more experience you get.
I'll have more to add later, because it's good to have a mentor in my opinion.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Weekly Post
Okay so here I am, like promised - giving my weekly blogpost update for the week. This morning I had a telephone interview with the Atlanta Metropolitan College about a Project Coordinator position I applied back in December. The person in charge of the interview process for this position was Dr. Cunningham, the vice-president of the department of Institutional Effectiveness. The interview went well in my view, short and to the point, and at the end I was able to ask a few questions which is nice to have prepared in case the opportunity presents itself.
I applied for this position way back in December - which really wasn't that long ago, it only feels like it was long ago. I was doing some research and surfing the internet one day for tutoring, teaching, administrative jobs in an educational environment, and that's when I came across the Project Coordinator position offered with Atlanta Metropolitan College. I read the description, did some research, narrowed down what they were looking for, and came to the conclusion I'd be a great fit for the job. So, I applied.
Yesterday was when I received the call they wanted to have a phone interview with me. She asked if Wednesday March 2nd (which is today) at 11 a.m. would be alright. I said yes, and they called me this morning for a short 10-minute interview.
Now, here's the part where I could tell you everything that happened, and make it very easy and predictable about what you guys should be doing when you're in an interview. However, interviews are, by nature, unpredictable. It could lead anywhere - you could go off on a tangent of some story you had thought up before they called which may or may not have any relevance whatsoever to what they are talking about. They could decide if they want to keep you or cut you after the first 5 seconds, or it could go as smoothly as possible. A lot of things can happen in the time of an interview, so while I can't tell you everything - I can give you a few pointers from what I have learned from previous interviews, and of course this one.
Number One - Always Be Prepared. You don't want to come off as a fool or someone who doesn't know what they are getting into. Do your homework and be prepared for their questions, write it down what you want to say if you have to.
Number Two - Have your research notes ready. What you know about the company comes in handy when answering their questions. Make a point of showing them that you did your homework because they will be pleased to know you took the time to do that before the interview.
Number Three - Role Play. Look for someone to play the interviewer, and you as the interviewee. Have them ask you questions to get you warmed up for HOW you are going to answer them. (Note: the word HOW is very important because you don't want to give off the wrong impression during the interview).
Number Four - Be honest. Don't lie or make up some story they can totally tell is not true. To an employer, honesty and integrity are one of the most important things to have in an employee. You don't want to make the mistake of turning your back on an important quality like that.
Number Five - Use Anecdotes. A story from your previous work experience can highlight certain attributes about yourself that might be appealing to some employers. Be careful not to make it too long, just focus on the main points of it, and always make sure it is relevant to the conversation you are having with the employer.
Number Six - Always leave a Positive Impression. It's very important for them to know you are very interested in the opportunity they have to offer. If you come off positive, they will remember you in a positive light.
That's what I have for now, I could go on, but the list would be too long. These were just some main points to keep in mind before an interview. Best of luck to you all out there!
I applied for this position way back in December - which really wasn't that long ago, it only feels like it was long ago. I was doing some research and surfing the internet one day for tutoring, teaching, administrative jobs in an educational environment, and that's when I came across the Project Coordinator position offered with Atlanta Metropolitan College. I read the description, did some research, narrowed down what they were looking for, and came to the conclusion I'd be a great fit for the job. So, I applied.
Yesterday was when I received the call they wanted to have a phone interview with me. She asked if Wednesday March 2nd (which is today) at 11 a.m. would be alright. I said yes, and they called me this morning for a short 10-minute interview.
Now, here's the part where I could tell you everything that happened, and make it very easy and predictable about what you guys should be doing when you're in an interview. However, interviews are, by nature, unpredictable. It could lead anywhere - you could go off on a tangent of some story you had thought up before they called which may or may not have any relevance whatsoever to what they are talking about. They could decide if they want to keep you or cut you after the first 5 seconds, or it could go as smoothly as possible. A lot of things can happen in the time of an interview, so while I can't tell you everything - I can give you a few pointers from what I have learned from previous interviews, and of course this one.
Number One - Always Be Prepared. You don't want to come off as a fool or someone who doesn't know what they are getting into. Do your homework and be prepared for their questions, write it down what you want to say if you have to.
Number Two - Have your research notes ready. What you know about the company comes in handy when answering their questions. Make a point of showing them that you did your homework because they will be pleased to know you took the time to do that before the interview.
Number Three - Role Play. Look for someone to play the interviewer, and you as the interviewee. Have them ask you questions to get you warmed up for HOW you are going to answer them. (Note: the word HOW is very important because you don't want to give off the wrong impression during the interview).
Number Four - Be honest. Don't lie or make up some story they can totally tell is not true. To an employer, honesty and integrity are one of the most important things to have in an employee. You don't want to make the mistake of turning your back on an important quality like that.
Number Five - Use Anecdotes. A story from your previous work experience can highlight certain attributes about yourself that might be appealing to some employers. Be careful not to make it too long, just focus on the main points of it, and always make sure it is relevant to the conversation you are having with the employer.
Number Six - Always leave a Positive Impression. It's very important for them to know you are very interested in the opportunity they have to offer. If you come off positive, they will remember you in a positive light.
That's what I have for now, I could go on, but the list would be too long. These were just some main points to keep in mind before an interview. Best of luck to you all out there!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Beauty Contest Shines Focus on Forests
Forsyth County hosts inaugural Miss Forestry Pageant
By: Abby Wood
Saving and preserving the state's forestry industry was front and center at the competition held at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.
Winners on Saturday received crystal crowns, custom-embroidered green and white satin sashes, trophies and a paid entry fee to the 72nd annual Miss Georgia Forestry State Pageant to be held in June in Tifton.
"This pageant is more about teaching the girls and bringing awareness to themselves as well as the environment," said Dadrienne Belisle, the pageant director. "I think the forestry industry and what trees actually do for the environment and for Georgia as a whole is often neglected."
The newly crowned queens will receive hands-on experience about trees and their importance to the environment from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
"They will go to a lumber yard and learn how a tree is processed," Belisle said. "They will learn what all goes into the process of lumber and why it is important to plant seeds and grow trees."
The pageant was made up of 18 contestants divided into separate divisions by age group – ranging from 0 to 24 years old. Categories were Baby Miss, Teeny Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss and finally Teen Queen.
Kaitlin Fowler, 6, was crowned Tiny Miss Queen. Fowler, a student at Matt Elementary School, was one of the few contestants from Cumming.
Amanda Fowler, Kaitlin's mother, said they have been participating in pageants since Kaitlin was 6 weeks old.
"My hope is that she learns self-confidence and eventually the meaning of taking care of the environment," said Fowler.
Winners received up to $1,000 in scholarship bonds.
One of the judges, Victoria Lovett, of Warner Robins, said she would like to see the older girls become advocates for the forestry industry.
"It's not all about the crown," Lovett said. "It's about getting out in the community and helping with the forestry industry."
By: Abby Wood
February 28, 2011
CUMMING — Beauty was not the most important message at the inaugural Dawson/Forsyth County Forestry Scholarship Pageant held Saturday, Feb.19.Saving and preserving the state's forestry industry was front and center at the competition held at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.
Winners on Saturday received crystal crowns, custom-embroidered green and white satin sashes, trophies and a paid entry fee to the 72nd annual Miss Georgia Forestry State Pageant to be held in June in Tifton.
"This pageant is more about teaching the girls and bringing awareness to themselves as well as the environment," said Dadrienne Belisle, the pageant director. "I think the forestry industry and what trees actually do for the environment and for Georgia as a whole is often neglected."
The newly crowned queens will receive hands-on experience about trees and their importance to the environment from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
"They will go to a lumber yard and learn how a tree is processed," Belisle said. "They will learn what all goes into the process of lumber and why it is important to plant seeds and grow trees."
The pageant was made up of 18 contestants divided into separate divisions by age group – ranging from 0 to 24 years old. Categories were Baby Miss, Teeny Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss and finally Teen Queen.
Kaitlin Fowler, 6, was crowned Tiny Miss Queen. Fowler, a student at Matt Elementary School, was one of the few contestants from Cumming.
Amanda Fowler, Kaitlin's mother, said they have been participating in pageants since Kaitlin was 6 weeks old.
"My hope is that she learns self-confidence and eventually the meaning of taking care of the environment," said Fowler.
Winners received up to $1,000 in scholarship bonds.
One of the judges, Victoria Lovett, of Warner Robins, said she would like to see the older girls become advocates for the forestry industry.
"It's not all about the crown," Lovett said. "It's about getting out in the community and helping with the forestry industry."
Midget Race Makes Pit Stop in Cumming, Ga.
Burning Rubber for a Good Cause
By: Abby Wood
His face lit up.
Gay, a racer in the North Georgia Quarter Midget Association, will be among those burning rubber in the upcoming 8th annual Spring National Kids Racing for Kids Charity Race on Saturday, March 12 at the Cumming Fairgrounds racetrack on Castleberry Road.
His parents, Amy and David Gay, said Dawson developed a passion for the racetrack from the moment he joined the racing club in April of last year.
"He just loves it. He gets in there, and he just loves it," said Amy Gay, a volunteer for the Quarter Midget Association in Cumming.
Dawson and other drivers, ages 5 to 16, will compete in order to raise donations for two charities -- Victory Junction Gang Camp and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Race registration fees, concessions and T-shirt sales on the day of the race will all go toward the charities, said Amy Gay.
The Region 3 race will bring drivers from out of town to compete at the racetrack. In 1999 and 2005, there were 36 different states represented in the races.
"We try to draw more people in to have a big race," said Bill Thomas, a racetrack builder. "We hope we have a good turnout this year."
There will be about 15 drivers representing Cumming.
"We usually have 25 drivers, and each driver can drive two different cars," said Eric Kimbarl, president of the North Georgia Quarter Midget Association.
The race is free and open to the public.
"It gives me a sense of pride to see my son race for this cause," Kimbarl said. "There's a deep satisfaction inside me to see him do good."
By: Abby Wood
February 28, 2011
CUMMING, Ga. — Eleven-year-old Dawson Gay pulled his covered car from the driveway to reveal a black tubular-framed, single-cylinder racecar.His face lit up.
Gay, a racer in the North Georgia Quarter Midget Association, will be among those burning rubber in the upcoming 8th annual Spring National Kids Racing for Kids Charity Race on Saturday, March 12 at the Cumming Fairgrounds racetrack on Castleberry Road.
His parents, Amy and David Gay, said Dawson developed a passion for the racetrack from the moment he joined the racing club in April of last year.
"He just loves it. He gets in there, and he just loves it," said Amy Gay, a volunteer for the Quarter Midget Association in Cumming.
Dawson and other drivers, ages 5 to 16, will compete in order to raise donations for two charities -- Victory Junction Gang Camp and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Race registration fees, concessions and T-shirt sales on the day of the race will all go toward the charities, said Amy Gay.
The Region 3 race will bring drivers from out of town to compete at the racetrack. In 1999 and 2005, there were 36 different states represented in the races.
"We try to draw more people in to have a big race," said Bill Thomas, a racetrack builder. "We hope we have a good turnout this year."
There will be about 15 drivers representing Cumming.
"We usually have 25 drivers, and each driver can drive two different cars," said Eric Kimbarl, president of the North Georgia Quarter Midget Association.
The race is free and open to the public.
"It gives me a sense of pride to see my son race for this cause," Kimbarl said. "There's a deep satisfaction inside me to see him do good."
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Updates
Okay, so been putting this off for a bit, now its time to catch up with what's been going on!
1. I'm thinking about going into radio - like a live dj or talk-show person. I did a practicum in college, and thought it was really fun, so that's a prospect.
2. Thinking of doing more things than just writing for a local newspaper. Now I'm turning more options on what I can do to get my name out there. So, I've decided to write articles for the Atlanta Parent Magazine for their "just for kids" section, and hopefully make a little money from doing it.
3. I kept in touch with a radio-personality voice professional named Angelique Perrin, and asked her what I'd have to do to get into the talk-show business. She gave me a lot of ideas, and the one I'm most interested in doing is this one...
4. Pick a topic to talk about - i.e. "finding a job after college" and get kids stories on videos about what they're doing after college. Create a demo reel like Angelique's, put it up on YouTube and other social networks, then shop it around to local news stations to see if anyone bites. I could get into podcasting as well for this kind of thing.
5. Considering jobs in Atlanta before heading to NYC....need to establish myself and get my feet wet before going up there in my opinion.
Ultimately what I'm saying is I'm going to do all kinds of things in the media to get my work published and out there for people to see. Who knows? I could be a talk-show hostess one day....because I'd love to be one!
From now on, I'll be putting up 1 post a week. As far as the choosing of days, I'll decide on the post I'm currently writing. So for this week - last little bit of February and beginning of March - my next post will be on Wednesday.
Night ya'll!
1. I'm thinking about going into radio - like a live dj or talk-show person. I did a practicum in college, and thought it was really fun, so that's a prospect.
2. Thinking of doing more things than just writing for a local newspaper. Now I'm turning more options on what I can do to get my name out there. So, I've decided to write articles for the Atlanta Parent Magazine for their "just for kids" section, and hopefully make a little money from doing it.
3. I kept in touch with a radio-personality voice professional named Angelique Perrin, and asked her what I'd have to do to get into the talk-show business. She gave me a lot of ideas, and the one I'm most interested in doing is this one...
4. Pick a topic to talk about - i.e. "finding a job after college" and get kids stories on videos about what they're doing after college. Create a demo reel like Angelique's, put it up on YouTube and other social networks, then shop it around to local news stations to see if anyone bites. I could get into podcasting as well for this kind of thing.
5. Considering jobs in Atlanta before heading to NYC....need to establish myself and get my feet wet before going up there in my opinion.
Ultimately what I'm saying is I'm going to do all kinds of things in the media to get my work published and out there for people to see. Who knows? I could be a talk-show hostess one day....because I'd love to be one!
From now on, I'll be putting up 1 post a week. As far as the choosing of days, I'll decide on the post I'm currently writing. So for this week - last little bit of February and beginning of March - my next post will be on Wednesday.
Night ya'll!
Monday, February 14, 2011
New languages a click away with Mango
FCPL launches a new software for learning 22 foreign languages |
| ||||
February 11, 2011
CUMMING – Going on a trip to Italy, but no parla Italiano? Dining at restaurants, taking taxicabs around the city and checking into a hotel when you don’t speak the language can be frustrating.Denise Leeson, the youth services specialist at the Cumming branch of the Forsyth County Public Library, said the recently launched Mango program can teach the basic phrases to prepare a library patron before a trip.
“Travelers can use it on a short-term basis, and what’s great is you can choose your lessons,” said Leeson.
Leeson said Mango can be accessed for free at any of the three public libraries, or at home at the convenience of a user’s computer.
“Most of the people use it at home, because it is easy to use,” said Leeson. “The website had 877 hits in the month of January alone.”
There are two ways to do it. A user can choose from either the basic course, or the comprehensive course, said Leeson.
For users who want to learn from the comprehensive course, the language is compiled in a number of lessons.
The Forsyth County Schools system has embraced the new software.
“This is an excellent learning resource for students,” said Genise Tworek, workforce development director for county schools. “Students can learn languages that are not currently offered in our school system.”
A local woman who recently adopted a teenage girl from China was among the first to try Mango when it was first offered online, Leeson said.
The adoptive mother will be learning Chinese in order to communicate with her daughter, while the daughter will be learning English to communicate with her mom.
“This is a way for parents to add to the children’s languages they learn at school. We wanted to find a way to accentuate that in order to help them out,” said Leeson.
There are basic or comprehensive courses set up in languages such as Spanish, French, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Mandarin Chinese, Greek, Italian, Russian and more.
A headset is all a user needs. Then click the “start learning” tab to speak the words of the chosen language, said Leeson as she demonstrated the program to the Forsyth Herald.
“I especially like it because it shows your voice recognition bar and the comparison from your voice to the narrator’s voice you heard,” said Leeson.
A user can easily depict the difference between how they said a word versus how the narrator said the word.
It costs $6,400 for the library to be able to offer Mango to the community, said Jon McDaniel, the county’s public library director.
The Friends and Advocate, an organization that supports county library programs, donated $2,000 to the purchase.
With the donation, the library was able to buy the extended package, which offers 22 foreign languages and 15 “English as a Second Language” courses.
“Not only does it help the library patrons, but also workers within the international companies that want to improve their English,” McDaniel said.
The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce will be able to use this program as a marketing tool to help their workers from international companies gain a clearer understanding of English, McDaniel said.
“It was worth it. We hit the jackpot on this.” McDaniel said. “We were surprised at how many people responded so quickly.”
Happy Valentine's Day!
So, Happy Valentine's Day Everybody - hope you all are doing something special with that special someone! Me, I'm going out on a date tonight with a guy I've been talking with for a couple of days now, and I know we'll have a good time tonight, and I wish nothing less for all of you out there!
Anyway, it has been awhile - 13 days to be exact, a 2-week gap there, but no worries! Picking up where I left off, turns out the Mango story was MUCH better than I thought it was going to be - and it is published today in the paper, so I'll be putting it up in a new post shortly after this. And what's more....I just handed in another story to my editor about a local prom fashion show at the South Forsyth High School.
That was a fun thing to go to - absolutely loved the dresses, I mean, who wouldn't? Every girl wants the prettiest dress she can find for her prom. And that's exactly what these dresses were. Definitely will post the finished article as soon as its published next week!
On another matter entirely - I've recently concluded that during the extent of my research in finding jobs in journalism, I've come to the conclusion that most entry-level jobs for journalists start in New York City. That's where you go if you want to be a journalist, and I don't doubt it. So, what I've decided to do is make up a list of editors, writers, publishers in New York City to get interviews, ask for advice, where to look for jobs, networking, etc. And I'm planning on making a visit to New York City to meet these people in person.
Of course its going to take some time - setting appointments, figuring out times, locations, all that jazz....but I find this a fun and exciting enterprise. I mean, who wouldn't want to go to New York if you had the opportunity to do so? And not New York the state - I mean THE CITY!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely looking forward to that! I'll let you all know how it goes of course, but this trip is for business - not pleasure.
Meantime, I encourage whoever is reading this, please post some comments! I want to hear your feedback!What do you think about all this? What should I be doing? Or is there something I can help you with? It doesn't matter if I know you - I still value everyone's opinion and feedback here!
Anyway, it has been awhile - 13 days to be exact, a 2-week gap there, but no worries! Picking up where I left off, turns out the Mango story was MUCH better than I thought it was going to be - and it is published today in the paper, so I'll be putting it up in a new post shortly after this. And what's more....I just handed in another story to my editor about a local prom fashion show at the South Forsyth High School.
That was a fun thing to go to - absolutely loved the dresses, I mean, who wouldn't? Every girl wants the prettiest dress she can find for her prom. And that's exactly what these dresses were. Definitely will post the finished article as soon as its published next week!
On another matter entirely - I've recently concluded that during the extent of my research in finding jobs in journalism, I've come to the conclusion that most entry-level jobs for journalists start in New York City. That's where you go if you want to be a journalist, and I don't doubt it. So, what I've decided to do is make up a list of editors, writers, publishers in New York City to get interviews, ask for advice, where to look for jobs, networking, etc. And I'm planning on making a visit to New York City to meet these people in person.
Of course its going to take some time - setting appointments, figuring out times, locations, all that jazz....but I find this a fun and exciting enterprise. I mean, who wouldn't want to go to New York if you had the opportunity to do so? And not New York the state - I mean THE CITY!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely looking forward to that! I'll let you all know how it goes of course, but this trip is for business - not pleasure.
Meantime, I encourage whoever is reading this, please post some comments! I want to hear your feedback!What do you think about all this? What should I be doing? Or is there something I can help you with? It doesn't matter if I know you - I still value everyone's opinion and feedback here!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Nothing special today. Just attempted to contact a person on the other line of some 'prayer hotline' where I'm guessing people call in to ask someone pray for them for whatever it is they need to pray for. But that didn't work out because the number I tried was NIS, and the next number I got from the operator kept ringing past 2 minutes.
On point of reference: never ever stay on the line past 2 minutes. That should be a requirement for all of you out there who try to get someone else on the other end to pick up. After 2 minutes, they've had enough time to pick up the phone. So don't bother holding on any longer, its a waste of time if you do.
So now I've got this new story due by Thursday at noon to my editor about a new language software program called Mango. Anyone ever heard of it? Because I haven't until this day, and it looks like a great program if you want to learn the basics of a language before you go travel to that country. So I basically spent today researching and getting an understanding of this program and what it does. Tomorrow will be the hectic day because I got 3 appointments with people I have to meet for the day.
I can share the experience tomorrow, because in a few minutes, I feel a good story-time is in order.
To be advised: any lesson or point of reference, fact, expression I put in the post usually is always related to stuff you could be doing to get yourself a job. Lessons learned today: don't stay on the phone past 2 minutes, get your research and facts together before you make or take interviews, and stay focused on your task(s).
On point of reference: never ever stay on the line past 2 minutes. That should be a requirement for all of you out there who try to get someone else on the other end to pick up. After 2 minutes, they've had enough time to pick up the phone. So don't bother holding on any longer, its a waste of time if you do.
So now I've got this new story due by Thursday at noon to my editor about a new language software program called Mango. Anyone ever heard of it? Because I haven't until this day, and it looks like a great program if you want to learn the basics of a language before you go travel to that country. So I basically spent today researching and getting an understanding of this program and what it does. Tomorrow will be the hectic day because I got 3 appointments with people I have to meet for the day.
I can share the experience tomorrow, because in a few minutes, I feel a good story-time is in order.
To be advised: any lesson or point of reference, fact, expression I put in the post usually is always related to stuff you could be doing to get yourself a job. Lessons learned today: don't stay on the phone past 2 minutes, get your research and facts together before you make or take interviews, and stay focused on your task(s).
Monday, January 31, 2011
A New Deadline
So with this new opportunity, I believe there must now be a deadline associated with this blog. A requirement, per say. Not just about finding a job, but my own experiences as well as friends and people I have contacted who know more about finding this job after college. So the requirement I'm setting for myself is to have 1 blog post a day from now until I feel the cup is full.
First off, I'll tell you how I came to get this opportunity with the paper. I decided to follow the advice of a career counselor I've been seeing by getting a bunch of periodicals, newspapers, and magazines and making a list of people to contact from these publications. Mostly editors, publishers, associate editors, writers, etc. were the people I contacted through phone and email. I just asked them whatever advice and/or recommendation they could give someone like me in order to break into the industry. And they responded.
I've gotten emails, people calling me, all asking what I'm looking for, what I want to do, what I can be doing, etc. and from this day I'm grateful that I had such a good response to the first flow of emails I sent out there. So now I'm collaborating and working with those people who did contact me to say they may have an opportunity for me to build some experience in journalism. For that, I'm extremely grateful.
So how this opportunity with the paper came with me following up with the editors of the papers from my local community. The papers are owned by Appen Newspapers, Inc. and their papers cover Forsyth County, Roswell-Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton. The editor who contacted me was from the Forsyth Herald. So now I'm writing articles for the editor of that paper - the Forsyth Herald. And I know I'm going to learn a great many things from this.
So for those of you who are doing what you can to get yourself out there - applying for jobs, going online to research, set up profiles, etc. there's one tip of advice I can give you after doing all this. Start calling and emailing them! Ask for their advice about what you can be doing to get into the industry you want to work for - and keep at it! Persistence is a huge factor to let people know you're serious about finding your profession in the field you want to work in. And keep up to date with those people you contacted from that list. Keep a record of people - and prioritize who's who.
I'll be seeing you tomorrow - whoever you are reading this.
First off, I'll tell you how I came to get this opportunity with the paper. I decided to follow the advice of a career counselor I've been seeing by getting a bunch of periodicals, newspapers, and magazines and making a list of people to contact from these publications. Mostly editors, publishers, associate editors, writers, etc. were the people I contacted through phone and email. I just asked them whatever advice and/or recommendation they could give someone like me in order to break into the industry. And they responded.
I've gotten emails, people calling me, all asking what I'm looking for, what I want to do, what I can be doing, etc. and from this day I'm grateful that I had such a good response to the first flow of emails I sent out there. So now I'm collaborating and working with those people who did contact me to say they may have an opportunity for me to build some experience in journalism. For that, I'm extremely grateful.
So how this opportunity with the paper came with me following up with the editors of the papers from my local community. The papers are owned by Appen Newspapers, Inc. and their papers cover Forsyth County, Roswell-Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton. The editor who contacted me was from the Forsyth Herald. So now I'm writing articles for the editor of that paper - the Forsyth Herald. And I know I'm going to learn a great many things from this.
So for those of you who are doing what you can to get yourself out there - applying for jobs, going online to research, set up profiles, etc. there's one tip of advice I can give you after doing all this. Start calling and emailing them! Ask for their advice about what you can be doing to get into the industry you want to work for - and keep at it! Persistence is a huge factor to let people know you're serious about finding your profession in the field you want to work in. And keep up to date with those people you contacted from that list. Keep a record of people - and prioritize who's who.
I'll be seeing you tomorrow - whoever you are reading this.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A NEW OPPORTUNITY!
I am now on the threshold of a NEW OPPORTUNITY! After following up with an editor from a local newspaper - I am now officially going to start writing stories for a paper! Yay! Jump for joy! Get Excited! For now, I'm receiving assignments from the editor of the Forsyth Herald newspaper - and I'll get my own byline and published in the paper! I'm not usually one to brag, but I just couldn't resist sharing that bit of information! How thrilling is it to find out you're going to be published?
So now I've finished my first story - which I admit wasn't my best, but I know in time my skill will get better and better. Practice makes perfect, as they say.
Gosh is this a wonderful thing! Finally for the first time after leaving college in May 2010, I'm back in the thing I love doing: writing. Reporting is a fun thing too - work, but work I enjoy doing. Setting up interviews, asking questions, getting some research, grabbing my beverage from Starbucks, and sitting down at my desk to write the story. I love doing that.
This is going to help me get my foot in the door. For some decent advice I can give you all out there - take baby steps, and work your way up! That's what I'm doing! :)
So now I've finished my first story - which I admit wasn't my best, but I know in time my skill will get better and better. Practice makes perfect, as they say.
Gosh is this a wonderful thing! Finally for the first time after leaving college in May 2010, I'm back in the thing I love doing: writing. Reporting is a fun thing too - work, but work I enjoy doing. Setting up interviews, asking questions, getting some research, grabbing my beverage from Starbucks, and sitting down at my desk to write the story. I love doing that.
This is going to help me get my foot in the door. For some decent advice I can give you all out there - take baby steps, and work your way up! That's what I'm doing! :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
My experience thus far
Well putting together the articles is going to take some time obviously. But while we're on the topic of finding a job, I've decided to share with you some of my own experiences in finding a job.
I'll admit - finding a job is not easy. Its actually a full-time job if you think about it in order to land that job that you actually want. It takes time, research, prowling on the internet for people, job descriptions, locations, salaries, all that goes into it, and at times, it can get to be - for lack of a better word - exhausting.
So here's what I've come up with after spending some "me" work, and of course what may work for me may not be the case for everyone else out there. But if you're trying to find you're way, might be in your best interest to see how someone else does it, and then try creating your own.
It's a schedule I've come up with, and I'm going to be dedicating at least a minimum of 40 hours a week on finding the job, so here it is:
I'll admit - finding a job is not easy. Its actually a full-time job if you think about it in order to land that job that you actually want. It takes time, research, prowling on the internet for people, job descriptions, locations, salaries, all that goes into it, and at times, it can get to be - for lack of a better word - exhausting.
So here's what I've come up with after spending some "me" work, and of course what may work for me may not be the case for everyone else out there. But if you're trying to find you're way, might be in your best interest to see how someone else does it, and then try creating your own.
It's a schedule I've come up with, and I'm going to be dedicating at least a minimum of 40 hours a week on finding the job, so here it is:
- Get up by 6 a.m.
- Get yourself a healthy breakfast and shower
- Go to your work desk by 7 a.m. and be ready to take on the day as if you were there at your job for the first time after receiving your degree from college
- Check up on your Follow-Up list - who are the people you meant to call back, email back, or meet face-to-face for an upcoming interview? Make sure you have a list of these people, and a follow-up method of contact. Example: I called a Tammie Brooks, who was an editor of a magazine, to tell her who I was and that I was looking for a job in journalism. She asked that I send a resume so she can give it to the right people, and I did. The follow-up I made was the next day to make sure that she had gotten my resume. It's very important to make a follow-up to the people you actually spoke with when you were making your calls or emails the week or day before. Make priorities if necessary.
- After your follow-ups are finished, start scoping the web and broadening the search you had originally started in the first place. Example: if your search like mine was just focused on magazines in Atlanta, expand it by searching magazines in Georgia - or if you'd consider relocating, search other states too to find out what they've got.
- Draft a list of the search you've come up with, then find the contacts. Granted, finding the contacts can be the tricky part, but just typing in the magazine or place you want to work will only get you half-way. Conduct your research by finding people's names, emails, numbers, etc. on the web by finding out who's who in their organization.
- Find their method of communication. That's right - stalk. It doesn't matter whether if they know you or not, you've got to get that job remember? The job priority is the most important. One person is one stepping stone to your climb up the ladder. One of the best ways I got people's names and emails is by just getting a bunch of free periodicals from Borders and writing down the names of the editors and writers within that magazine. If they didn't give an email address or nothing in the magazine, I went home and plugged their name into Google. And it worked.
- Now here's where etiquette comes into play. Let the person know, in your best discreet manner, that you had found their name when you were researching, picked up an article, or however way you got a hold of their name. Tell them who you are and why you're emailing them - to find a job, internship, or to receive any kind of advice or recommendation from them about how to go about finding a job in your field. Remember - they've had experience longer than you, so let their influence do the trick.
- Okay, so you've made some calls, done some emails, now it's time for a break. If you've either reached 10 or 11 a.m. without stopping, you are on a roll! Take your lunch break when you know it's time to eat. Don't make the mistake to work through lunch - otherwise you'll be cranky that you haven't had something to eat.
- In my opinion, it's important to always have your email inbox open on 1 tab during your research. I employ tabs just so I can know what's going on in the different tabs I have up. Your email should be your 1st tab - that way in case you get a response from your first email, you can immediately read it and get back to them.
- So you're back from break, now it's time to keep doing what you're doing, but again make sure you are EXPANDING your search by checking out new places to work, what their about, who their people are, etc.
- Dedicate the rest of your day until 3 p.m. to finding that information about the jobs you want to pursue. Contacting people, sending emails, keeping follow-ups with the people that respond is very crucial and beneficial to finding that right job for you.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Mr. Kenneth Little
Well its been awhile since the last post, but with weather conditions and holiday jostling, its been hard to just find a time to really sit down and write without being preoccupied. But the snow is melting, the sun is out today, and I'm sipping my caramel brulee in my favorite Starbucks in town. So it's time to write.
This morning I had an interview with a man by the name of Kenneth Little - who is an assistant director for the undergrad and graduate Co-op Program at Georgia Tech. He has been there for almost 20 years now, and sets up undergrad and grad students with an internship or part-time job for 1 whole semester. He helps place the students in professional jobs, in other words. And all of them, these internships or jobs they take to get experience in happen prior to graduation.
He also talked about Georgia Tech having the largest co-op program in the United States, which is an advantage when you conisder how many students graduating with either bachelor's or master's degrees will have jobs when they graduate. These internships help a student decide and get a feel for the field they want to work in.
The advantage lies with the employer as well. They have a student for a semester, and if things prove successful for both the student and employer, they can be hired or brought on full-time after graduation. If not, they can have another student sent in to see if their a fit.
Students can see the future with this training program too - if it works for them, great, they know what they want to do. If not, try something else. The other thing he said is that students who have experience in the field to which they want to work in is that they will be far more attractive to the employer that is seeking that fresh new college graduate.
The unemployment situation in the country is not really a problem, he also mentioned. It's usually dependent on the student and finding that niche that they want to do, and if their aren't many jobs in their field, students will bide their time, he said, to get prepared for their career path. In other words, more specified training can come in handy when you're applying for that long-term career.
Kenneth said they hold workshops about jobs and what students should be doing for the interview process and applying for jobs. That includes: research, interviewing, resumes, cover letters, etc. There is no good or bad employer, he said, because the company that might work for Bob might not necessarily be the right fit for Dave. As a student, you have to learn how to thoroughly research the company you're interviewing at, and he's right.
Interestingly, to mimic a similar quote to the other interview I had with Emily Bennington, Kenneth Little had said it is important to know the culture of the environment you are going to work in. Emily said you have to make sure you are a cultural fit within the organization. Culture of the Organization is a BIG FACTOR upon deciding if you're going to work there or not.
So, that leads me to the obvious Question: How do you seek out the culture of the organization?
I could go all day thinking up answers for that puzzle, but I won't do that just yet. Let's get back to what I was saying here.
An internship, Kenneth says, is probably the most important thing a grad could do to build that strong sense of the organization he or she is working for. You "absorb" as much information as you can when you're in there. You will get a better understanding of what types of jobs are there, and what it will be like. A lot goes into an internship, not just for you, but for the future you - the person you'll step into.
Well, that's what I have for now, the article will be up soon.
This morning I had an interview with a man by the name of Kenneth Little - who is an assistant director for the undergrad and graduate Co-op Program at Georgia Tech. He has been there for almost 20 years now, and sets up undergrad and grad students with an internship or part-time job for 1 whole semester. He helps place the students in professional jobs, in other words. And all of them, these internships or jobs they take to get experience in happen prior to graduation.
He also talked about Georgia Tech having the largest co-op program in the United States, which is an advantage when you conisder how many students graduating with either bachelor's or master's degrees will have jobs when they graduate. These internships help a student decide and get a feel for the field they want to work in.
The advantage lies with the employer as well. They have a student for a semester, and if things prove successful for both the student and employer, they can be hired or brought on full-time after graduation. If not, they can have another student sent in to see if their a fit.
Students can see the future with this training program too - if it works for them, great, they know what they want to do. If not, try something else. The other thing he said is that students who have experience in the field to which they want to work in is that they will be far more attractive to the employer that is seeking that fresh new college graduate.
The unemployment situation in the country is not really a problem, he also mentioned. It's usually dependent on the student and finding that niche that they want to do, and if their aren't many jobs in their field, students will bide their time, he said, to get prepared for their career path. In other words, more specified training can come in handy when you're applying for that long-term career.
Kenneth said they hold workshops about jobs and what students should be doing for the interview process and applying for jobs. That includes: research, interviewing, resumes, cover letters, etc. There is no good or bad employer, he said, because the company that might work for Bob might not necessarily be the right fit for Dave. As a student, you have to learn how to thoroughly research the company you're interviewing at, and he's right.
Interestingly, to mimic a similar quote to the other interview I had with Emily Bennington, Kenneth Little had said it is important to know the culture of the environment you are going to work in. Emily said you have to make sure you are a cultural fit within the organization. Culture of the Organization is a BIG FACTOR upon deciding if you're going to work there or not.
So, that leads me to the obvious Question: How do you seek out the culture of the organization?
I could go all day thinking up answers for that puzzle, but I won't do that just yet. Let's get back to what I was saying here.
An internship, Kenneth says, is probably the most important thing a grad could do to build that strong sense of the organization he or she is working for. You "absorb" as much information as you can when you're in there. You will get a better understanding of what types of jobs are there, and what it will be like. A lot goes into an internship, not just for you, but for the future you - the person you'll step into.
Well, that's what I have for now, the article will be up soon.
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