FRESH OUTTA COLLEGE? THEN READ THIS!
The Alumni Struggle
It was March 2011, and I had just completed my last two courses at Portland State University, Stage Makeup and Marketing Creative Strategy. My Advertising Management class was chosen as finalists to present a Multi-channel Marketing Campaign to executives of Butler Shine Stern and Partners as well as Chief Motorer of Mini Cooper, Jim McDowell. I was set to be one of three presenters to go before the judges. It was my time, my almost “after college life” was finally about to begin.
I graduated, we competed, we tied first place with the University of Georgia, received a lofty check for compensation, that was donated back to the school for the program to further advancement in future competitions. We ate at a restaurant in Jersey (where chef named a dish was named after me). To top it off, I got to spend a week in the Big Apple. It was such an amazing experience. I was living the dream life, until reality set in and I had to go back home to Mom's on the west coast.
The summer of 2012, I was in the library religiously- what seemed like everyday trying to find jobs that were in my field. I searched high and wide on Indeed, networked at job fairs, even applied for jobs in New York. Joined every job site imaginable and low and behold, nobody wanted me. Talk about rejection!
Even with all that experience in Marketing two degrees, and the work I put into Portland State, it didn’t seem like it mattered.
My hopes went up when I finally landed a job interview with the prestigious University of Washington, (which hardly EVER happens for people.) Thought I'd be a good fit for position because I had background in Student Government as the Multicultural Affairs Director of my college. Sadly, when I didn't hear back from the interviewer, I knew that I wasn't their ideal "candidate".
Opportunity after opportunity, job doors were closing in my face. It wasn't until I seen a friend's mom who ran a daycare that I finally felt like I caught a break. Watching children was a piece of cake for me, since I practically helped raise my nephew and other kids around me. I was just grateful somebody wanted me. Although working at a daycare wasn't my long term goal, it worked for where I was at the time.
The job denial is real. I mean, entry level wasn’t even hiring. Overtime, I began to notice many colleagues and peers continuing their education because simply having a Bachelors degree wasn’t “enough”. Now, I’m all for furthering education. Since college, I’ve gone to two trade schools so I know the hunger pains for more knowledge, the desire for better pay and the ‘want’ to leverage one’s experience and time.
>> Fast forward: the many jobs I did receive came from temp agencies. My college career didn’t necessarily include an internship but my work experience on campus definitely helped.
Thankful for the opportunities I received through contracted work. When I couldn’t find anything, the temps helped add to my resume. It was through the agencies that I was able to work for fortune 500s such as Microsoft, NIKE, and Delta. As well as receiving offers to work for smaller start ups like, zulily.
Being proactive is a sure way to get you to where you need to be. As a contracted temp worker, it has served me well. I recommend them to anyone as it opens the door for you to potentially work with the actual company.
But I’m sure you already know that.
For those of you that have lost hope, please don’t be discouraged. Trust me, you’ll get there. Keep pushing and being persistent. The right company will matchup with your desires and you’ll be the right ‘fit’.
**This perspective was originally written in 2018, published in 2020.
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Portland State University EFFIE PRESS RELEASE
https://current.effie.org/downloads/2011_Collegiate_Effie_Awards_Journal.pdf