Job Fair #2, Interview #1

It has been pretty busy for me in terms of trying to find something to do with my life after college, which is always a good thing.

Last Wednesday I went to my second job fair, this time much closer to campus since it was at ISU. I visited exactly three employers, all social service agencies serving troubled youth. I considered going to the FBI booth (only due to my love of Criminal Minds, a fantastic show). The first organization I visited was very matter-of-fact and encouraged me to apply online, which kind of defeats the purpose of job fairs, in my opinion...at the next one I spoke with an employee, not a HR representative, so he seemed slightly nervous and flustered when I started asking him questions. I liked that he was very earnest and that left me with a good impression of the place. At the last agency I definitely engaged in a great conversation with the rep and I think if I follow up I might have an interview over spring break...we'll see!

Last Thursday I had an on campus interview with the Peace Corps! Since this is currently my #1 choice I was very excited and wanted to do my best. I think (hope, pray!) that I did. I was able to utilize my wide (and slightly strange yet intriguing) range of experiences in answering all of the government mandated questions. We weren't able to finish the interview due to time restrictions, but after I send in the necessary documents (if they ever get here!) my recruiter will contact me to follow up.

Last Friday I had the opportunity to speak over the phone with a national recruitment director for Teach for America. I asked her questions about the training (how do I become an effective teacher?) and she emphasized how this is a great program and why I should join if I somehow get through the application process. I then proceeded to call my brother-in-law to ask for advice in writing the letter of intent - the conversation ended up being an hour long! Come March 2nd we'll see if I made it to the next round.

Oh, options! I hope I have at least one upon graduation, but who knows what I'll do if I have more than one good one!

Stepping away for a moment...my Korea-obsessed friend (here's to you, Kara!) and I have been attempting to cook Korean food, and I must say that all of our experiments have been pretty tasty! So far we've made 김치찌개, 비빔밥, and 잡채. Anyone remember these dishes from my previous posts?

Job Fair #1

Last Friday I attended the ISCPA CareerFest 2010. Job fairs are what you make of them, I quickly learned. Beforehand I researched the places I wanted to visit online and formulated some potential questions to ask (to show my interest) and also got my resume looked at (it was not quite up to par). The night before I got a suit (from my mom, thank you!) and a leather briefcase (of sorts) so I could try to look professional.

The day of I talked to 10 organizations, gave away 9 resumes, and sent 8 thank you follow up emails. In return I got 3 personal responses and 1 automated message. Not too shabby, right? Most of them were non-profits children's orgs recruiting Sociology majors.

That weekend I finally finished my Peace Corps application after putting off the essays for two weeks. I'm excited to have finally submitted it but am definitely anxious at the same time. All of my references came through for me, thank goodness, but will I be able to live up to expectations if I get an interview, the position? That is what is worrying me most. In related news, I also attended a workshop on how to utilize my study abroad experiences on a resume and in an interview. Yay for cross-cultural communication and adaptation skills! In all seriousness, I really should think of things I did abroad that would translate well in the real world. Ultimately I'm going to leave it in God's hands and try not stress out about my future too much. There's still homework to do and papers to write!

On a happier note, I got a free cup of coffee, a free chocolate bar, and my paycheck today! I may be using that money to go to Vancouver this July for Gatecon . . . you're judging me, dear reader, aren't you . . . hehe.