Saturday, April 4, 2009

Getting Ready to Find a Job

Given the fact that finding a job is so difficult nowadays, I decided to start a blog with my thoughts about getting ready to jump into the real world. Technically, I am not a "recent graduate" yet, but I thought the title was appropriate given the fact I will be graduating in about a month. So, before I go into detail, let me update you on my college experiences until now.

I am currently a senior advertising major at Boston University. I am very involved with AdLab, our on-campus, student-run advertising agency. I began as an Account Executive my junior year and was recently promoted to the position of Account Supervisor. My main responsibilities include supervising eight client account teams to ensure there are as little problems as possible. I have worked on a variety of accounts ranging from record labels to non-profit organizations. I really enjoy what I do and hope to work in an ad agency as a career.

Lately, I have been searching extensively for job opportunities at various agencies, but so many are laying off as a result of companies cutting back on their marketing budgets, causing agencies to lose major accounts. I recently attended an Agency Night at my school and learned some tips when it comes to applying for jobs.

Anyways, I am sure many of you feel discouraged. Do your homework. Try to network with some of your professors, and see if they know anyone in the field who may be able to help you. Make sure you really understand the company, including any recent news. Try to get an informational interview if you can. Get your resumé and cover letter critiqued.

I may have an interview, but it will be strictly informational.

3 comments:

  1. Hi! I just found your blog by accident by googling "grad blog". I've had this idea of creating a blog about career advice, the search etc. for recent grads/students.

    I'm a recent grad as well from Canada (yup, up north) and recently finished a contract with a large corporation in their marketing department. So right now I'm in between opportunities. It's good though, enjoy the time you have to look for a job and really focus on what you want to do. Sounds like you're doing the right thing by doing informational interviews. Read the latest FORTUNE Magazine "How to Find a Job" dated April 13, 2009 (though I'm not sure if it's the Canadian version). It talks about how to find a job by being creative.

    I wish you all the best in your search. The working world is very different from university/college. Enjoy it as much as you can.

    E-mail me at jenmy.huynh@gmail.com if you're interested in connecting. Or add me on LinkedIn (which you should get if you haven't signed up yet)

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  2. Hi...I have been busy lately and have not had a chance to write in the blog the past few days. I will add you on LinkedIn. Thanks!

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  3. By the way, do you have a blog on Blogger that I could follow?

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