This semester, I find myself with more free time than I am used to. School and the homework load have been fairly easy on me, and my internship only takes up about 12 hours a week... having quit my job in order to make room for the internship (which I now find I didn't really need to do at all) I have so much free time that it makes me uneasy.
Take today for example. I have the luxury of having absolutely nothing to do on Mondays! This morning I woke up bright and early (though it wasn't so bright considering I woke up before the sun) in order to make it the the KPBS studio on campus by 6:30 to put in some volunteer hours. I spent three of them on the phones taking pledges. It really wasn't so bad, but I was hoping I would be able to make some contacts there for communication related positions but that doesn't seem to be the case. I suppose I should just volunteer for the sake of doing something good!
Anyway, now it is midday, and I have nothing left to do. I could work out, but I just lack the energy. I could do homework in advance but I lack the drive. I want to do SOMETHING but I just don't know what. I'm restless. I think I need to be pushed to be busy or I will eventually submit to laziness, which could be a hard habit to break. I definitely don't want that. I'm on the verge of graduation without a job, and therefore, I could easily be on the path to become a bum.
I think I'll look into that lifestyle. I wonder how happy they are.
On a side note, I have to mention, there is some hope for me after all. I have a call back today from a company that is Motivational speaking/ life coaching entity. I would be a part-time (very part, as in 10 hours a week maybe) social media/ pr intern. Really, it means I will be managing all their social networking sites and writing newsletters. How bad can that be? If the call goes well I will be called in for a "potential interview". I will let you know how it goes. My only concern is, if I commit to this, and then also have the prospect for a full-time job, what will I do? Better not mention that in the interview...
Good day to you all.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Generation Y Not
I am a Gen Y kid. I am happy to be one, but am often concerned by the bad wrap we have, and feel, like any stereotype, it is not universally true, and cannot always be applied.
I am frustrated when old-timers like to point out how we have it so much easier these days. You’ve all heard those recycled lines, “I used to walk up hill both ways in the snow…”, or “We didn’t have these confounded contraptions,” and what not.
Please, don’t get me wrong here, I have the utmost respect for my elders. I am fortunately close with a genius of a grandfather, with so much experience that I am lucky enough to learn from. He has published a memoir of his life and trials for his grandchildren that I can take with me for life, and I am grateful.
What I am simply saying is that, although we have been given the luxuries of technology, we didn’t ask to be born here and now. I’d rather not be looked down upon for learning how to incorporate these technological discoveries into our lives. It is strange to feel punishing eyes on me when I harmlessly text in public…
We can’t choose our generation, and we can’t choose the morays of our time. We can take what generations before us have provided, learn from it, and mold in into something that suits the time. I can’t say I am always happy with society, but the youth of now didn’t single-handily shape it. We’ve only just dipped our fingers in. Can you blame us for dealing with the problems and progresses with what past generations have left? Is it not just what you did? We are a product of the past.
The demands placed on our generation are, in many ways, much stiffer and tougher than they once were. Life back then was simple – difficult, yes – but safer, and much less complicated. I can’t take the trolley home without a hand safely cradling my pepper spray. And every day that I go to my college classroom, I reflect on the sad fact that even this degree alone won’t get me a job. The necessity of grad school is pushing its way into my mind. To think there was a time when you could drop out of high school and still be successful…
I am happy to be born where I am, in a generation that is optimistic, strong-willed and passionate. Yes, we may have increased expectations, but we have been given the capabilities to view the broad world. Through technology, we are able to see EVERYTHING that is out there. Can you chastise the dreaming youth?
A new study has been done that shows our generation is more narcissistic than the past- a phenomenon due to a mix of reasons: Soft parenting, social media, reality shows and celebrities. There is truth in this, I’ll admit, but I would also like to push that it cannot and should not be applied to everyone. Optimism is not always narcissism. We may not be the best, but what is the harm in striving for that?
Some characteristic about Generation Y:
• We are Internet gurus, and in the next few decades, will show amazing and unthinkable growth with this tool. (I’ll go as far as to say, it does make us a little impatient and demanding, “We want it here, now!”)
• We care about the world and its problems. Our initiative to “Go Green” will surely have an important positive impact for our planet’s future. The idea of “globalization” is only going to grow.
• We were born into a culturally-diverse environment and are more tolerant of differences (race, gender, sexual orientation) than our parents' and grandparents' generations.
• Our vote has power! We will have a huge part in international affairs
Anyway, what do you think? Hostile, destructive and egregiously demanding, or sympathetic, ambitious, and progressive?
I am frustrated when old-timers like to point out how we have it so much easier these days. You’ve all heard those recycled lines, “I used to walk up hill both ways in the snow…”, or “We didn’t have these confounded contraptions,” and what not.
Please, don’t get me wrong here, I have the utmost respect for my elders. I am fortunately close with a genius of a grandfather, with so much experience that I am lucky enough to learn from. He has published a memoir of his life and trials for his grandchildren that I can take with me for life, and I am grateful.
What I am simply saying is that, although we have been given the luxuries of technology, we didn’t ask to be born here and now. I’d rather not be looked down upon for learning how to incorporate these technological discoveries into our lives. It is strange to feel punishing eyes on me when I harmlessly text in public…
We can’t choose our generation, and we can’t choose the morays of our time. We can take what generations before us have provided, learn from it, and mold in into something that suits the time. I can’t say I am always happy with society, but the youth of now didn’t single-handily shape it. We’ve only just dipped our fingers in. Can you blame us for dealing with the problems and progresses with what past generations have left? Is it not just what you did? We are a product of the past.
The demands placed on our generation are, in many ways, much stiffer and tougher than they once were. Life back then was simple – difficult, yes – but safer, and much less complicated. I can’t take the trolley home without a hand safely cradling my pepper spray. And every day that I go to my college classroom, I reflect on the sad fact that even this degree alone won’t get me a job. The necessity of grad school is pushing its way into my mind. To think there was a time when you could drop out of high school and still be successful…
I am happy to be born where I am, in a generation that is optimistic, strong-willed and passionate. Yes, we may have increased expectations, but we have been given the capabilities to view the broad world. Through technology, we are able to see EVERYTHING that is out there. Can you chastise the dreaming youth?
A new study has been done that shows our generation is more narcissistic than the past- a phenomenon due to a mix of reasons: Soft parenting, social media, reality shows and celebrities. There is truth in this, I’ll admit, but I would also like to push that it cannot and should not be applied to everyone. Optimism is not always narcissism. We may not be the best, but what is the harm in striving for that?
Some characteristic about Generation Y:
• We are Internet gurus, and in the next few decades, will show amazing and unthinkable growth with this tool. (I’ll go as far as to say, it does make us a little impatient and demanding, “We want it here, now!”)
• We care about the world and its problems. Our initiative to “Go Green” will surely have an important positive impact for our planet’s future. The idea of “globalization” is only going to grow.
• We were born into a culturally-diverse environment and are more tolerant of differences (race, gender, sexual orientation) than our parents' and grandparents' generations.
• Our vote has power! We will have a huge part in international affairs
Anyway, what do you think? Hostile, destructive and egregiously demanding, or sympathetic, ambitious, and progressive?
Confidence Overrules Hopelessness
I was surprised to find that yesterday, the 23rd of April, meant that I have one month of college remaining until I graduate - of course, I would love to continue on to grad school, but was hoping to get some experience under my belt first. Now I am wondering: Did I make the right decision?
In public relations, you can and should always have some sort of plan. This I did for my life: Intern in school, graduate on time, get an entry level job in San Diego, work there fore three years or so, go back to school and earn my masters. It sounded like a good plan to me. However, I neglected to follow the common rules of any savvy PR practitioner - I did not adjust to my environment.
It is no secret we are facing a recession right now. And, unfortunately, public relations is often considered an expendable resource, especially when the going gets tough. We are a cost to companies, they just don't understand our value. My dilemma is now this: No one is available to hire...
That places a definite rift in my plan and right from the start! However, my new plan is to remain strong in the face of the depressed economy. Yes, I have applied to numerous places, no, I have not yet had much luck. I did get call backs from "marketing" agencies, that with a little research turned out to be scams.
However daunting it may seem for those of you trying to get a job right now, my only advice is, don't be discouraged. Keep that head up, shoulders back, and have persistence. The graduates of 2009 have worked hard, and have something to show. I'm not giving up hope yet, and even if my plan is somewhat skewed, and I may not immediately get that dream job, I know that I have some value for someone - it's just a matter of finding them.
Best of luck to all those seeking jobs!
In public relations, you can and should always have some sort of plan. This I did for my life: Intern in school, graduate on time, get an entry level job in San Diego, work there fore three years or so, go back to school and earn my masters. It sounded like a good plan to me. However, I neglected to follow the common rules of any savvy PR practitioner - I did not adjust to my environment.
It is no secret we are facing a recession right now. And, unfortunately, public relations is often considered an expendable resource, especially when the going gets tough. We are a cost to companies, they just don't understand our value. My dilemma is now this: No one is available to hire...
That places a definite rift in my plan and right from the start! However, my new plan is to remain strong in the face of the depressed economy. Yes, I have applied to numerous places, no, I have not yet had much luck. I did get call backs from "marketing" agencies, that with a little research turned out to be scams.
However daunting it may seem for those of you trying to get a job right now, my only advice is, don't be discouraged. Keep that head up, shoulders back, and have persistence. The graduates of 2009 have worked hard, and have something to show. I'm not giving up hope yet, and even if my plan is somewhat skewed, and I may not immediately get that dream job, I know that I have some value for someone - it's just a matter of finding them.
Best of luck to all those seeking jobs!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Confessions of a Graduate
According to my calendar, there are approximately 42 days until I graduate, (6 weeks) and that means about 12 days left of school for me, as I technically only have class about two days a week if you don't include my internship. What does this mean for me? It means that for the first time in my 21 years of existence, I do not know my next step.
We are in a recession, and the job market is horribly tough. I don't know where I will work, I don't know where I will live, and I don't know if I will have any money at all. I am in a situation that I think many of my fellow graduates are facing as well. It is scary. It is uncertainty that makes me uneasy as May 23 creeps closer and closer...
Please let me find a job.
We are in a recession, and the job market is horribly tough. I don't know where I will work, I don't know where I will live, and I don't know if I will have any money at all. I am in a situation that I think many of my fellow graduates are facing as well. It is scary. It is uncertainty that makes me uneasy as May 23 creeps closer and closer...
Please let me find a job.
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