I have never been so in love with the USD MBA program as I am right now. Part of our program is a mentor relationship that the wonderful career services department sets up for each student. We write down the desired profile of our mentor, and then the career services director uses every contact available to her to match us with the right person.
If E-harmony or Match.com could do even half as good of a job at matching dating partners as our career services department did with my mentor, everyone with access to the internet would have found their soul mate by now. I was matched with the internal recruiter at the exact organization I want to work for who recruits specifically for the position I want to get at that organization. And she was brought in to be my friend and mentor for the next two years. I'd like to know what other MBA programs offer this kind of personalized service.
USD, my hat is off to you!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Waiting Game
I finished my second interview with someone from the marketing team and followed up with the hiring manager immediately to see what would happen next. What happened is he went on vacation! I did a little investigative research, and to the best of my knowledge, it seems that the final decision is up to the HR gods, and I won't hear anything for another week. Interviewing for jobs is like a bad dating experience. As the applicant, I am the one who is in love and doting on my potential employer. My world revolves around this relationship, and everyone knows it---especially the faceless corporation who happens to be the object of my affection.
Admittedly, I am terrible at dating. I lose all concept of how to play the game in the first week or two. I come across as clingy and over-eager. For some silly reason, I always try to follow the golden rule. I want to make a guy feel secure that I like him and am not out talking to other boys. I want to compliment him to make him feel good about himself because these are the things I would want in return. As you can imagine, this usually works to my disadvantage.
BUT perhaps there is a silver lining. Perhaps the qualities that make me a terrible man hunter are exactly the qualities that could make for a great job hunter. Could it be that what a hiring manager wants to hear is something like this, "I know all about you, and I'm eager to learn anything I don't already know. I love you. You're the only one for me, and I'll do anything for you. I'm here for you and want you to succeed in life. My life's goal is to help you be the best that you can be because I just love you that much!"
I'll let you know in a week.
Admittedly, I am terrible at dating. I lose all concept of how to play the game in the first week or two. I come across as clingy and over-eager. For some silly reason, I always try to follow the golden rule. I want to make a guy feel secure that I like him and am not out talking to other boys. I want to compliment him to make him feel good about himself because these are the things I would want in return. As you can imagine, this usually works to my disadvantage.
BUT perhaps there is a silver lining. Perhaps the qualities that make me a terrible man hunter are exactly the qualities that could make for a great job hunter. Could it be that what a hiring manager wants to hear is something like this, "I know all about you, and I'm eager to learn anything I don't already know. I love you. You're the only one for me, and I'll do anything for you. I'm here for you and want you to succeed in life. My life's goal is to help you be the best that you can be because I just love you that much!"
I'll let you know in a week.
Friday, February 26, 2010
The First Interview!
Perhaps my luck is changing. 20 applications and 60 man hours into the job search process, and I've finally gotten a nibble from one of my prospects. Of course this means I am one of maybe 50 applications the company is considering, but I feel the greatest sense of vindication! This is exactly the boost I need to keep job searching instead of hanging my head in shame and filling out an application to work as a barista over the summer. To all other MBA students and future MBA students, times are tough, but there just might be some hope for us all.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
What do you do when it rains in San Diego?
My parents are coming into town this weekend, and it's supposed to rain here in San Diego. Since it's warm and sunny here almost every day, I have no idea what to do to entertain them. Who wants to stroll down the boardwalk, go to the zoo, or hike on the cliffs overlooking the ocean in the rain?
The downside to living in a sunny place is that the whole city is built up around sunshine. Buildings don't have awnings to cover pedestrians, malls are all outdoors, bars don't have coat checks, and no one knows how to drive in the rain.
The downside to living in a sunny place is that the whole city is built up around sunshine. Buildings don't have awnings to cover pedestrians, malls are all outdoors, bars don't have coat checks, and no one knows how to drive in the rain.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"Others More Competitive"
I think I've hit a low point in my job search efforts. In response to an application I sent out for a position as an administrative assistant, I got three little words from the UCSD job board: "Others More Competitive." I'm getting a masters degree, but I don't have the necessary skills to be a secretary!
Job hunting officially feels more hopeless than ever!
Lesson Learned:
A tight economy means that a lot of companies are trimming the fat. Low skilled and low productivity employees are the first ones to go, so I guess this is why each administrative assistant or janitorial position receives 1000 resumes in two days. It's probably best to stay away from those applications if you have any other possibilities.
Job hunting officially feels more hopeless than ever!
Lesson Learned:
A tight economy means that a lot of companies are trimming the fat. Low skilled and low productivity employees are the first ones to go, so I guess this is why each administrative assistant or janitorial position receives 1000 resumes in two days. It's probably best to stay away from those applications if you have any other possibilities.
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