My journey into the real world began 22 years ago on a hot Friday in late September, but it really took off this fall. I didn’t think this particular online job search was any different from my normal daily searches, but on the Hunter College Career Development Services site I found something that caught my eye. An editorial internship for the Spring 2008 semester. It was at a well-known weekly and it was paid. I pumped out a cover letter and sent my application over.
I was called in for an interview within two days of applying and I was so excited. The interview went perfect–except for the last few minutes. They wanted someone to start right away and I already had a fall internship so that wasn’t doable at all. But their positive words allowed me to leave still feeling confident. They said they would contact me that week to let me know if I was hired for spring.
A week passes from that time and I send a follow up email, checking on the status of my application. That was in early October. Two weeks pass–still nothing.
I went to Paula Wicklow in CDS and explained what had happened. She informed me of the news I already knew: that Spring internship was not mine and they didn’t even email me to let me know.
Now I wasn’t devastated but I was discouraged. I started to feel uneasy–that no matter what my GPA or my credentials, other things were at play in this job game. Timing, contacts and a little bit of luck are just as important as the work I’ve done.
I didn’t feel too great after I realized this. I “knew” it was true and had been told, but it made my heart sink a little when I actually understood it.
It is April now and my view of this “real world” has changed. Instead of trying to beat it, I just joined it. I am embracing luck and connections and I’m getting out there. And I better be because I will be really out there come May when I have my B.A. and the “real world” slaps me again.
As I venture out into the wild wild web, I want to inspire and inform while I document my trip through the land of higher-ups that wear jeans instead of suits. Let’s watch my journey together.
I know exactly how you feel. I had a job offer. Full-Time. Great Pay. Great Benefits. Problem. I would have to drop out. 2 months left until I graduate and they expect me to drop out. Obviously I didn’t get the position, but … that’s the “real world.”