A year out of college, I want to share with you my story of how I snagged my dream job at the age of 20 - for which, I do not claim all the credits, without my family and the Lord, I am nothing.
I must emphasize that it has not been an all happy and stress-free journey. That gap of time between graduating from college and landing your first job can truly be jam-packed with confusion, self-doubt and exhaustion. There are just so much expectations from family and friends and impeccable standards that we envision for ourselves.
We fret so much about our first job knowing pretty well that it will set the course for our career and it will leave a mark on our resumes. Do not forget that our first job, our first taste of the real world, will also shaped some of our principles and give us knowledge and skills that can further us up the ladder.
Firsts are always the hardest. My rehearsed answer of “fast-learner with a positive attitude and goal-orientated nature” could not vouch for the fact that I lack experience, being a fresh graduate. Most companies will throw at you questions, such as “… but do you have experience?” They love that question and it is very important to employers. Still, here are some insights, and I hope they will help lighten your load and give you something to look forward to.
The right attitude
The word “yes” will truly bring you to many places, like say “Yes, I am willing to learn.”
“Yes, I am willing to try.”
One essential thing that I learned from one of my wisest professors is to say “yes” now and learn the craft later. It works for me. It really helps if you have a positive take on things – set your mind that you can do it, exert your 100% and show genuine interest to learn. There will be people to help you out. If none, then hey GOOGLE!
Either way, when you are already in and hired in the company, you can always consult with your supervisors if prior arrangements or delegations are not working for you.
What I love about my job
Back in college, I have participated in volunteer works as a part of the Institutional Network for Social Action (INSA) of Miriam College. I have interacted with the deaf, the indigenous and the marginalized. I wanted to help. Looking back, I never thought then that I would find a job that also has a public service aspect.
In many ways, everything that has been going on seems so surreal.
I get to practice and utilize the knowledge and skills that I acquired throughout my years in school. I get to travel to far and isolated areas of the country – most of which have the most picturesque and breath-taking sceneries, richest culture and kindest people. As of writing, I have gone to a total of 31 provinces (out of 81) in our country, and my work has helped a lot to bring it to that number. I get to serve the Filipino people, who are from the poorest of the poor communities. I get to interact with and learn from people from different walks of life. I get to fall in love with our country – one province at a time. I get to have a second family, in the form of my co-workers, and lastly, I get to be trained and to work alongside some of the brightest and experienced people in their field.
My job hunting experience
A month before our graduation in April, I had begun job hunting. I subscribed to several job portal websites, such as JobStreet.com and MB Classified Jobs. I came to know of these sites during the Job Fair at Miriam College (my alma mater). I printed and made plenty of copies of my resume and passed them to more than half of the booths present.
I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree Major in Communication, and we have a very diverse array of field that we could enter.
Almost two months after graduation and several interviews, I still have not been offered or accepted into any company. It was frustrating, because I would pass the exam, ace the interview and get invited for a final interview, and then they will never call me again. To add to my exasperation, these companies I am talking about are not even in the big leagues.
I did not lose hope. I sincerely prayed to God that I may be guided to where He wants me to be. Then BAM! I was called in for an interview at the GMA Kapuso Foundation, took an entrance and writing exam, got interviewed by Ms. Mel Tiangco, got hired, and worked hard for my regularization.
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| Ms. Mel actually gave me this copy herself! |
It was not an all awful and scary experience. I was actually thrilled – learning the best route to go to their office, sitting alongside other giddy and anxious applicants, taking a peek of the employees and their office and grasping a bit of the company culture, and more. Enjoy the experience while it lasts, you will miss it, too, once you get hired – choosing the right killer outfit, rehearsing interview answers, researching about the company, printing more resumes, you get the picture.
Realizations
Back in college, every good work is equivalent to a high grade, a perfect score, or other forms of commendation. Out in the real work, no matter how hard you work, you must come to terms that there will only be a few times that you will actually be praised or rewarded. You may not even be able to take credit for some successes at all.
It is actually hard to standout or to be recognized, because you are expected to perform at your best capability at all times.
Tomorrow is a new day. Do not be anxious that you did not change the world today. Hope for the best tomorrow!
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