Today I accepted my first job...

This afternoon I accepted my first job, a Research Coordinator Position with the National Children's Study through the Brookings, Yellow Medicine, Pipestone, and Lincoln Study Location at South Dakota State University. I was hired as a Spanish-speaking team member who will have the capability to work with Hispanic participants in the study.

To learn more about the study, check out this link: National Children's Study Informational Video

My Response to Being Employed


Whoa! A College Education Actually Works?
When I graduated a little over a month ago, I really didn't think I'd be doing anything that utilized either of my majors. I had applied to the position at the National Children's Study thinking it would be a long shot. Contrary to my original belief, I will be using both my Spanish and Biology backgrounds and doing research that will be incredibly important to the health of future generations of children. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the study.

No Way! I'm Working in Brookings?
During the Spring of my senior year of high school, I would have told you that I had full intentions to attend any university other than SDSU. I thought college was for getting away, experiencing new things, and meeting new people. None of these things, I falsely assumed, would be possible by attending a university near home. It didn't take me four years (in fact it didn't even take me one) to realize that I was utterly wrong. I have never regretted attending SDSU. I feel that I got a solid education and irreplaceable experiences as a Jackrabbit; however, a month ago I would have told you I was nearly as certain as I was during my final months of high school that I would soon be leaving this town I have grown to love so much. In other words, I would not have hesitated to leave should a job opportunity in another city or area of the country have come about. I should have learned by now to never say never.
The fact is, I am excited about entering the workforce in Brookings. I am blessed with great network of family, friends, and professionals in this area who support me and who will be extremely beneficial in helping me make the transition to a new career successfully. Secondly, Brookings is one of the least affected counties in the nation by the recent economic struggles. Don't believe me? Check out this article: 20 Most Stressed, 20 Least Stressed Counties I'm not going to complain about this awesome statistic! Lastly, I have the amazing opportunity to be part of a study that will be conducted simultaneously in about 100 other locations nationwide. I believe the results from the National Children's Study will have a global impact. Jackrabbits and Brookings residents alike should feel proud to have a study center in our community, a community which I am personally proud to be a part of!

God is Good!
It's no secret that our country and many families worldwide are experiencing tough times in the face of economic adversity. I feel blessed to be employed, and thank God for giving me great opportunities.

Today, I'm Speaking with Dr. Tim Nichols, Dean of the SDSU Honors College

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 3 is an interview with the Dean of the SDSU Honors College, Tim Nichols.



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 3: Dr. Tim Nichols on YouTube

Today's Reflection: Interview Series Part #2 with Catherine Bigbee

Following each segment of my interview series, I'll be reflecting on the words of advice from my distinguished interviewees. My goal is to figure out what the future holds for me, so I'm hoping to gain some direction from these fabulous role models.

3 Highlights from Catherine's Interview


1. As the world becomes more global, understanding diverse cultures and empathizing with other people's experiences is evermore invaluable.

I love the way that Catherine summed up the importance of striving for understanding of backgrounds different from our own. Individuals need not be from another country to have had a different upbringing and set of experiences, and therefore a different way of looking at the world. There is nothing more detrimental to teamwork than failure to empathize with those one is working with. A great way to purposefully experience other cultures is traveling to new places and attempting to see the world through the lens of a native. The most significant part of my two study abroad experiences to Granada and Pamplona Spain was the opportunity to live with a host family. Right off the bat I was forced to communicate in Spanish, and I learned more about Spanish culture from experiencing it than would ever be possible to gain from a text book. I asked for travel tips from natives, ate in restaurants recommended by the locals, and minimized interaction with other students from the United States. Though communication was at times a struggle, and new surroundings were often initially uncomfortable, I will treasure my experiences more because I broke free from the tourist zone.

2. Build up areas that you are naturally talented in.

Catherine spoke about her experiences with Strengths Based Leadership using the Clifton StrengthsFinder. I was privileged to learn about this program from Miss Bigbee, and have found it to be extremely useful in developing my leadership and career skills.

For those of you who have not had the Strengthsquest experience, I would advise you to visit the website or any major book store and purchase the program. It will be the best $15-$20 you have spent this month, and will offer you endless insight and personal development. StrengthsFinder is an online questionnaire that takes about 30 minutes. Responses are evaluated, and the program determines the top 5 themes of talent the user possesses.

Before knowing my top 5 Strengthsquest themes, it was often extremely easy to agonize over areas in which I am not naturally strong instead of focusing on taking on experiences which enhance my natural talents. I will reveal my top 5 strengths and how they are applicable in my life in a future post.

3. "Cast your net" wide and seek jobs which you will have a passion for.


I developed two personal goals after hearing this piece of advice:
1. Apply for an average of 10 jobs per week (2 per weekday) until I have obtained a job.
2. Because I am in the early stages of my job search, I will set the bar high as I choose positions to apply for. Inevitably, I will have more passion for a job I am challenged and fulfilled by, so I will continue to seek jobs with those attractive qualities.

Today, I'm Speaking with Catherine Bigbee, SDSU Program Council Advisor

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 2 is an interview with the Advisor of the South Dakota State University Program Council, Catherine Bigbee



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 2: Catherine Bigbee on YouTube

Today's Reflection: Interview Series Part #1 with Nick Wendell

Following each segment of my interview series, I'll be reflecting on the words of advice from my distinguished interviewees. My goal is to figure out what the future holds for me, so I'm hoping to gain some direction from these fabulous role models.

3 Highlights from Nick's Interview


1. Student involvement experiences can shape you and teach you the value of teamwork.
So, how have my student leadership experiences shaped me as a member of a team? Overall, I think I have learned that it takes individuals with many diverse talents for a team to function most effectively. Working in a student leadership role taught me to seek out the unique strengths of my peers and to go to them for advice in areas that I don't necessarily excel in. In future careers, I will be surrounded by co-workers who have had a vast array of experiences. It will be necessary to seek input from my co-workers. My student leadership experiences have taught me the value of team interactions.

2. Student leaders have already proven themselves.
Nick reminded me of the fact that gaining student leadership experiences is a competitive process in itself! Students who have been involved have had many experiences that other students entering the workforce with a fresh degree lack. I hope to gain the talent of reflecting on skill sets I have gained from my unique leadership experiences and highlighting how those skill sets can be applied in the workforce.

3. Network, network, network!
I'd be willing to bet you've heard the saying, "It's not what you know, but who you know." Instead of resenting the validity in these words, why not embrace them? I think the success of young professionals depends on their ability to form valuable relationships. The first step in doing this is understanding and respecting co-workers and peers, whether or not you agree with their working styles. You never know where your peers will end up in the future or how they may be able assist you professionally.

Today, I'm Starting an Interview Series

As part of the process of figuring out what's next for me, I'm starting an interview series with professionals who enjoy their careers. I'll be questioning them on how their undergraduate experience has impacted their professional life, and how they made the transition from student to professional. Part 1 is an interview with the Assistant Director of the South Dakota State University Student Union, Nick Wendell.



Post-College Experience Interview Series, Part 1: Nick Wendell on YouTube

Today, I Got My First Rejection Call

Reflection on Experience vs. Potential

This morning I received word that after Friday's interview, Job Position #1 was filled by an individual with more career experience. Let me start by saying that this is not a "pity me" post, but rather documentation of the first bump on the road that is my job search.

The Good News: I was informed that in comparison to other college graduates who applied, my experience in student leadership and event planning was a step ahead of the pack.

The Big Frustration: It's not possible to have career experience as a college graduate, and nearly every job opening is searching for an applicant with at least two years of experience.

The Plan: In future application processes, I have found it will become necessary to frame my experience as an undergraduate as "Real-Life" work experience, because, after all, that's exactly what it is.

From an employer standpoint, I can understand searching for candidates with adequate experience. On the other hand, everyone has to start somewhere. As an employer, I would see huge benefits in filling entry-level positions with motivated self-starters who've just finished college.

3 Benefits to Hiring A Qualified College Grad:

1. Excitement- College graduates are excited to dive into a new job and show off their newly acquired skills.
2. In Touch with the Times - In today's society, technology and social media are increasingly important for businesses. College graduates have been living in a social media world for at least four years. They know how to connect with young people, and from an employer standpoint, they can be used to reach out to a target audience who is increasingly reliant on technology.
3. They Aren't Afraid to Work - To be blunt, college graduates work their butts off around the clock to get everything done throughout the college experience. Their days are filled with classes, homework, group work, study time, meetings, involvement opportunities, and attempting to fit in the occasional social experience (or maybe the frequent social experience). For college gradates who have been involved, a 40-hour work week sounds like a breeze.

Today, I'm Interviewing for my First Big Girl Job

While searching for a few last minute interview tips, I ran across this blog:

Life After College: 8 Ways to Organize Your Life with Google Docs

Google Docs offers a template called Job Interview One Sheeter. The template features 9 key interview question areas and space for brainstorming general answers to each. I figured it wouldn't hurt to review my answers to basic interview questions; after all, the more polished, the better!

Today, I'm Shopping for Interview Attire

Four days after graduation I've scored my first job interview. Let me just start by saying that a practical and financially savvy college graduate would go shopping for the perfect interview attire in his or her closet; however, I've given in to my craving for a fresh outfit, I'm going shopping.

Now, what to wear? Interviews are all about making a positive impression and giving the employer a sense of who you are. But just how much of a statement should an outfit make at an interview? I think I'll go for business chic; something that shows I'm professional without eliciting a yawn. I did some research on this Spring's trends and found that ruffles and pencil skirts are in.

Spring 2010 Office Trends: Elegant Shirts and Blouses

Summer Interview Style

I'm going to have to improvise with a few pieces I already own because a totally new outfit would break the bank (let's face it, it's pretty much already broken). However, here's my goal: a classic, clean look with a fun attitude that says I mean business and I'm ready to climb the ladder, even if that means starting at the lowest rung.

Today, I'm Tying Up Loose Ends

A Reflection on Student Leadership

After three years of holding student leadership positions, cleaning out my desk in the University Program Council office today was a sentimental task. Involvement opportunities at universities, I would argue, teach students as much or more than they can learn in the classroom. It is through leadership opportunities that students gain practical career experience.

My most valuable leadership development came from time on UPC. In two years, I had the opportunity to directly plan 20 community service events, oversee campus entertainment from concerts and comedians to our school’s homecoming, work with agents and contracts, manage a budget, and network with professionals in the community and throughout the university. These are skills my classmates didn’t have the opportunity to learn sitting in biology lecture.

So today, as I work on organizing binders and computer files to prepare future leadership for success, I offer a piece of advice particularly pertaining to those yet to enter college, but also relevant to those at any stage in life: explore opportunities and extend yourself past your comfort zone. I can confidently say that I feel three years ahead of the average student when it comes to preparedness for the workforce, and I owe it all to the unique experiences and inspiring mentors (both student and faculty) I’ve encountered through student leadership.

Today, I'll Stop Pressing The Snooze Button on Life

My diploma says I have degrees in Biology and Spanish, but truth be told the category in which I developed most at SDSU is skill in procrastination. I really mastered procrastination, in fact, I have a self-proclaimed doctorate in the field.

One incident of procastinatory behavior is especially clear in my memory. The episode occurred during the Spring semester of my Junior year. It was 10:00 p.m. on the evening before my first Physiology exam. I was headed upstairs in the Student Union after attending a concert put on by the University Program Council (UPC) that I served on. I ran into thee or four Physiology classmates leaving the Union, and we exchanged casual conversation. They asked me how studying for the exam was going, and I lied that it was going pretty well. When I returned the question, they answered that they had finally finished after a week straight of group study sessions. I smiled and said with fake enthusiasm, “Well, I’m sure it will go really well for you,” and then began to panic. Once I was safely inside the UPC office, I couldn’t think of anything to do but laugh. I grabbed my notes, opened to page one, and began cramming information. By test time, 6:45 a.m., I had finally made it through the slides – one time.

After such a stressful situation, you’d think I would have learned, but that wasn’t my first all-nighter, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. I even started my days procrastinating, because lack of sleep had made it seem virtually impossible to get up without pressing the snooze button at least four times. Comedian Jim Gaffigan shares his thoughts on waking up in the sketch below:

Jim Gaffigan, "Waking Up"

“How many plans has the snooze bar destroyed?” He asks. I can relate. Every time I press snooze, one more morning task gets canceled. Snooze 1: I’ll shower later. Snooze 2: I don’t need breakfast today. Snooze 3: I went to that class once a couple weeks ago, I’m probably pretty caught up. Why do I procrastinate? Because I can. Because I want to fit everything in, and because so far it has worked for me. I always get the task done, and often times I convince myself it’s done better under pressure.

But let’s face it, procrastination isn’t necessarily a healthy lifestyle, so starting today I’ll stop pushing the envelope. Now, I don’t think it would be realistic to eliminate the snooze button all together, those extra 10 minutes are just too glorious, but I’m limiting myself to two snoozes. That might seem small to you, but it will be a major improvement for me. Also, no more pushing the limit on travel time. I know perfectly well that it is impossible to drive across town in less than 10 minutes, but I often convince myself that somehow I’ll be able to drive faster this time, and without fail I’m two minutes late. Starting today I’ll make a conscious effort to start tasks earlier. Starting today, I’ll stop pressing the snooze button on life.

Today, I'm Starting a Blog

The Goal: It all started with a question: “What are you doing with your life?” As a child I would have answered with ease and certainty that I had full intentions of being a veterinarian or marine biologist. How hard could it be? Through the years, the answer changed slightly, but even after 3 years of higher education at South Dakota State University, I was on a seemingly straight path toward entering medical school with the goal of becoming a physician. As the moment of truth, entering the real world, approached, I began to question my future, and then one evening as I grudgingly opened my M-CAT study book, I had a breakdown. I’d realized I simply could not do it anymore. I didn’t question my competency, knowing that if I set mind to completing a goal, I’d find a way to do it, but I questioned my passion. How was I going to put my heart into being successful in my career, if I couldn’t even find the motivation to study for a test? I called my parents, and was surprised to hear that they had thought I’d change my mind about medical school long before I did. Then they asked that question for the first time: “So, what now?” I was at a loss for words, something rare for me. I had no idea, but somehow I was more at peace than I’d been in three years. Over the next year, I heard that question countless times from family, friends, professors, administrators, employers, friends of family, friends of friends, people who truly cared about the answer, people who didn’t care at all and were just making conversation, and everyone in between. I still don’t know the answer, and first and foremost, I am okay with that.

The goal of this blog is to seek an answer to that question by asking myself what I’m doing with my life every day.

The Timeline: Two days ago, I walked across the stage and received my college diploma, and today was the first Monday in my educational career that I woke with literally no idea what the future holds. Stairs are climbed step-by-step, and I can’t expect to make a sound life decision in a day. On the other hand, reality is harsh, and in the words of one of my favorite contemporary poets Gabriela Garcia Medina, “You can’t light up the world until you’ve paid your light bill. You can’t bring forth change if you’ve got no change.” Therefore I’ll give myself a one-year deadline to at least have an answer to the question “What’s next for you?” In that time, I’ll embrace new experiences and reflect on them.

Why? Because I’m not alone. It’s no secret that the job outlook for college graduates is anything but rosy. If you don’t believe me, please see the articles and video below:

Job outlook for 2010 grads: Still Stinks

It's time to grow up - Later

Fresh Out of College: But Can't Land Work

Video: Bleak Job Outlook for College Grads


I’m not necessarily writing for an audience, but rather seeking a way to stay motivated in the search for opportunity. That being said, if even one person relates to my experiences, finds them comforting or inspiring, or simply takes from them a lesson in what not to do, I will consider this blog a success.