Tesar-Reynes

With my internship ending in June, the next few weeks will present a unique challenge: a job search in the worst job market since the Great Depression.

My roommate, a film student who also buses at the Cheesecake Factory, remarked yesterday how happy he is just to have a job. “8 percent of this country is unemployed,” he said. “That’s basically 10 percent. That’s a lot of people. I have no room to complain.”

He’s right. For me, this is the first time I’ll face a job search in adulthood, meaning rent and bills loom on the horizon. I consider this a true test of valor. Either I emerge from this hunt triumphant or will have to face the pride-swallowing alternative – a call to mom and dad for some financial assistance.

The next few weeks will be filled with phone calls, e-mails, and Web searches trying to find that next opportunity. I look at it like media pitching. I’ll build my list of employers, practice my 30-second pitch, write a pitch letter and send my resume over to anyone hiring.

Tony reviewed the first draft of my 30-second pitch. He thought it could be better.

“I’m a recent college graduate in marketing with a background in health care, entertainment and social media. In me, you’ll get a thought leader and problem solver, who has spent his college career seeking opportunities to build a sizable portfolio. I have media placements with major media outlets and a social media history that will assure you of the asset I can be to your company.”

So after talking it through, I revised it with his suggestions:

“I graduated Columbia College Chicago with a degree in marketing communications. Through internships with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Carolyn Grisko & Assoc., a strategic communications firm, I’ve discovered my passions, which are health care and social media. I think you’ll find I’m a worker with a dogged determination, insatiable curiosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.”

Tony knows me better than most. I can come off as brash and arrogant sometimes. He’s good at helping me scale it back, which we did in the second version.
I’m anxious to get started. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.