JOB SEARCH: Reminiscing yet Moving Forward

(via www.jvskc.org)

Cleaned out some emails and saw all the jobs/internships I applied for while living in New York.  Emails to a variety of public relations agencies - boutique agencies, global companies, agencies focused on technology, sports, beauty, food/hospitality and more.  Emails to MTV.  Emails to magazine companies.  Emails to restaurants.  Emails to stores.  Honestly, I was looking for work everywhere.

After organizing my email, I was inspired by my boldness and willingness to work in different places.  I understood that I needed to start somewhere, working from the ground up. 

As the job search continues, I need that same attitude again...

On the flip side, I also found an email chain about an internship with Benvenuti PR.  I interviewed with them but disclosed my concerns about scheduling.  That eliminated my opportunity to work with them.  Looking back, I'm sure I could have done it, balancing two unpaid internships and a job at Macy's.  Possibly getting a full-time job out of it.

(via One Degree of Separation)

If you're looking for job experience, internships are definitely a great way to accomplish this.  In addition, they allow you to explore the industry you're interested in.  While it is easy to turn your head away from unpaid internships, they provide great job experience, especially if you have an excellent mentor to help you and support you as you grow in the position and prepare for your career.  Just be sure the unpaid internship is legit and follows the legal guidelines.

Enough of looking in the past, it's time to keep moving forward and keep searching for my ideal job/internship...

JOB HUNT: Good but NOT good enough...

When I first read this on tumblr, I reworded it:

If something is not happening for you, it doesn't mean it's never going to happen...it means they're not ready for YOU!

 I twisted it to make it more optimistic for me, but thinking it over, maybe I am the one who isn't ready...

After yet another rejection, I realized that this statement is true as is.  

With all these rejections, one thing has stayed constant.  All of them said that I have a good resume and good experience, BUT...

The exception is my lack of enthusiasm, my lack of experience, my lack of interest in that particular industry in public relations.  My problem is that I want to try out different areas of public relations to see what I like and what I don't like.  I guess being well-rounded isn't a good thing in this case.

I need to focus, but with so many interests (having yet to discover others), it's been difficult to figure out where I want to go in public relations.  So far I have experience in a non-profit organization that focused on community programming through its park system and experience in a boutique food and hospitality agency.  I loved working in both, but I want to be exposed to, learn more about, gain experience in:

• Corporate communications
• Fashion/beauty
• Entertainment
• Travel
• Digital/Social Media
• Technology (consumer-based)
• Museums

While I want to be part of a bigger global picture, I need to start off somewhere. I enjoy making people happy, which is key in public relations right? Making your clients/patrons/media partners/community members happy?  I like being behind the scenes, making things happen, getting stuff done and reaping the rewards afterward - mostly just the sense of accomplishment will do. 

So how do I go about trying to figure out what path to go on in public relations? Apparently the experience route is out of the question. Textbooks? Blogs? Websites? I have no problem with research, so let's go!  I'll record my thoughts on yet another blog that will solely focus on public relations material: http://tmmpr.wordpress.com (it's still under construction). Hopefully this method will help clear this vague picture I have of public relations and all its different facets and take me down a path worthwhile.

With this new game plan, I still ponder this question (referring back to the quote)...

It may be true that I'm not ready for it, 

but how will I be ready without a chance?

P365: Thank You! [049]

Following good etiquette after finishing an interview by writing thank you cards!  It’s courtesy and helps you stand out in the interview process.  Hopefully these do the trick! ;)

P365: The Meatball Shop [041]

While interning at Baltz & Co., I learned of a restaurant called The Meatball Shop.  I was always wanted to try it because I thought the concept of it was quite interesting.

“Pick your balls and then your sides…”

Luckily, I did get a chance to go with my friend, Elena.

This picture is of their sliders.  We ordered:

1. Classic Beef with Tomato Sauce
2. Spicy Pork with Mushroom
3. Chicken with Parmesan Cheese
4. Reuben with Thousand Island Sauce and Sauerkraut

P365: Burger Heaven [031]

Lunch time with Sin! Yay! It was so great to meet up with her and talk to her about my decision to move home among other things.

I had a Burger Heaven Burger Special, while Sin had a patty melt.

Really hit the spot! Yay for the classic combo of burgers and fries! :)

P365: Central Park [030]

Over the last 10 months, I have taken this exact picture several times, documenting how the landscape has changed through the seasons.

It is summer now.  The grass is green and crowded with park goers catching some rays.  The trees are full of green leaves, providing wonderful shade.

Once inside Central Park, you lose the sense of being in such a large city as nature just surrounds you, blocking out the sights and sounds of New York City. It’s rather amazing!

This was definitely one of my favorite places to explore, especially while interning for the City Parks Foundation, located in Central Park!

Taken on Sony Cybershot.

P365: Letters of Recommendation [020]

As the job search and application process continues, I had to ask for some letters of recommendation.  So why not from my previous internship?! :)

I miss interning for City Parks Foundation…

NYC: 9 months (and counting...?)

Today marks my ninth month in New York City.  Kinda funny because nine months ago, I arrived in New York at LaGuardia Airport at night, and today, I arrived at JFK early in the morning. 

But anyway...almost a YEAR?! What?!  However, the question isn't how long I've been here, it's what have I accomplished since I've been here...

• I've completed two public relations internships, giving me a glimpse of the non-profit and agency worlds.  I'm leaning more toward non-profits because it was such a fantastic experience.  The programs that we promoted were awesome and the people I worked with were truly a blessing and appreciative of my work, while helping me gain vital PR skills.  
• I dabbled in quite a few part-time jobs, more than I ever had back home or in school.  It's been interesting and fun doing those jobs, but I know it is not what I want to do for a career.  They are part-time for a reason.
• I've made some new friends, but I wish I got to hang out with them more often. 
• I know more about navigating through this large city but continuing to discover more every day. 

It has been an amazing adventure thus far, even with its ups and downs; it's all part of this journey of the post grad life.  However, something has been bothering me.  Although I feel accomplished in a way, there's a part of me that feels like I haven't achieved anything.  I think it's the lack of a full-time job in public relations, communications or marketing that's bringing me down.  A full-time job would truly exemplify an achievement, after completing all those hours of interning and working. 

I feel like I'm in the same place I was last year after I graduated.  I thought I would get hired immediately after completing college, and this time, I thought I'd get hired immediately after completing my internships.  You think I would have learned from the first time around that that's not how it works.  Patience and optimism is key. 

So the job search and my time in NYC continues...

Blog: SLACKING...

You know you're thinking it too...

Hey there followers!

I know. I've been slacking on updating my blog about my post grad life.  It's definitely been a good couple months since I've done some actually updating.  Honestly, a lot of things have happened too, concerning jobs, internships, movies, books, and life in general.

So I promise to make a better attempt to get back to writing and posting things more regularly.  I may also venture into the realm of Project 365, if time allows for it.  If you haven't seen one of those kinds of blogs, check out Rick's Project 365.  It is pretty fantastic, and he's quite the photographer too! :)

I sincerely apologize for not having written much lately...

NYC: New Year Brings New Hopes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! It's 2011! :D

For the first time ever, I actually celebrated New Year's Eve.

Every year, my family keeps it low key...and by low key I mean seriously low key. We're usually just playing on the computer or the Wii for most of the day, and then when it's the last 30 minutes or so, we'll watch the NYE TV coverage (aka the video of the ball dropping 3 hours before).  Then we'll eat some kind of snack and bust out the sparkling cider.  Totally low key...

There are several reasons to celebrate 2010 and to welcome a new year.

1) Graduation from the University of Portland - Those last couple months as a Portland Pilot will definitely be cherished, even with all those sleepless nights and papers I wrote.  There are so many awesome memories that I made with my friends that shadow those lows, like when they kidnapped me to VooDoo Donuts, when we ventured downtown, when we went to the many successful CPB events, when we made those hilariously fun dance videos and soo much more! :D

2) Summer Travels - Although it was a summer without studying abroad, it was fun to travel to Colorado, different places in California, and back up to Oregon.  And what made it better was being able to spend time with my family and friends.  It was such a chill summer.  However, it really sucked applying for all those jobs and not getting any response back until...

3) NEW YORK CITY! - I know I've probably said this a million times, but honestly, I definitely was not planning to be in New York City 6 months after graduation from college.  It has been a whirlwind of success so far, and I'm excited to see what the new year brings...

Here's to 2011!!

To welcome in the new year, Ben and I went to Times Square and waited for a good 8 hours for the ball to drop. We ended up on 49th Street and 7th Avenue.  The view isn't bad from there, but we definitely wish we were closer to get the sweet hats and streamers.  Definitely good to know for the next time I go on this escapade to Times Square on New Year's Eve!

The experience was one to remember.  I don't know how many times I thought about how surreal this is.  Everything about being here in NYC has been surreal.  It's like living a dream, which reminds me...

Our theme for 2010 was the year of chasing dreams! I'm positive Ben and I have accomplished the theme, especially by ending up in NYC to actually chase those dreams and TCOB. Because of this, 2011 has so much promise for us...

As we begin enterprising - boldly going where we have not gone before.  (Go ahead and laugh at my inner geekiness....). But it is true. This is the first time in my life where school doesn't dictate my year.  In fact, I don't even know what the year looks like beyond the first couple months with my internships.  It is exciting, and I know this year has a lot in store.  It's just a matter of continue having that drive and motivation to accomplish everything and reach that end goal of having a career in PR/Marketing.  2011 will be the year to make it happen!

The path is already being paved with my continuing internship with City Parks Foundation and a paid internship with Baltz & Company, a boutique PR agency that specializes in food and hospitality.  I'm so excited to get started with them.  I'm also stoked to continue my internship with CPF, especially as we prep for their biggest event of the year - SummerStage.  With these two internships, I will be able to gather the knowledge and skills needed to excel in PR whether that is in the non-profit or agency setting.

But yes, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Make 2011 an awesome year! I wish the best for you! :)

NYC: What's next...?

The return to New York City draws ever nearer as the hours, minutes, seconds tick closer to my departure from home.  While I am excited about returning to the Big Apple, it also dawns on me some of the biggest decisions of my life. Well, I'm not sure if they are that huge, but right now, it seems that way. 

Most of these decisions surround my career path in public relations.  I have so many opportunities unfolding in front of me, particularly in the realm of internships, but I'm worried about taking the wrong step or going in the wrong direction.  I'm not sure if this is even possible in this industry, especially in NYC, but that's the thing - the whole uncertainty of the situation as well as making the decision without advisory, worries me.

I'm so accustomed to talking to someone through my decisions.  It reassures me that I'm making the right decision. Yes, I know I have talked to several close friends about this situation and many of them have been very supportive (thank you!).  However, these decisions still rest on my shoulders.  It's not a team effort; it's mine.

I guess this comes with living in the "real" world.  It's time to make your own decisions and hope for the best.

I know wherever I go, it'll hopefully be a rewarding experience and hopefully have both short term as well as long term benefits for my career path.

The song "Firework" by Katy Perry has been pretty inspirational!  It just makes me feel good. It makes me think that with whatever choice I make, I will be amazing because I believed and trusted in myself in making this decision.

 

Wish me luck. Decision day is coming soon...

P.S. Speaking of internships, I know I mentioned before I'm an intern for the City Parks Foundation, which hosts community building events through the parks in all five boroughs. This internship is pretty amazing because it is a good fit for me as an event planner. Things somewhat overlap from my CPB experience, but I really enjoying learning new things every day.  It also gives a different perspective of event planning since it's mostly about publicizing the events and such.  In addition, it's really neat having an internship in Central Park. It's kinda chilly on those brisk fall mornings, especially now as the temperature drops, but it's lovely seeing the scenery...

Lovely fall colors in Central Park (Nov. 2010)

The Arsenal - it kinda looks like I work in a castle. SWEET! :D

NYC: Milestones

Alright, it has been a really long time since I've last updated, but honestly, I have been super busy with work and my internship (yeah, forgot to write a post about that).

But yeah, here's some quick milestones that have happened while in NYC.

October 5 - I started my internship with the City Parks Foundation.  It reminds me of CPB but for parks.  It's all about building community through events and activities in the parks located in the five boroughs.  It's been good so far. I'm excited about working on the project to promote the "Three Bears Holiday Bash," which is a marionette puppet production for children.  

October 5 - This date also marks my first month in NYC. How time flies!

October 9 - First time in New Jersey. I got lost, and can someone please tell me why this state doesn't believe in sidewalks? Now Shel Silverstein's book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" makes sense...

October 17 - This date marks my first month working at Macy's. I can't believe it's already been a month.  I feel like it has been longer...probably because I'm there all the time.

I guess that's all the milestones thus far! There are times when I'm walking around the city, and everything just seems so surreal.  It's so weird when I'm watching TV and recognize a place or realize I was just there.  For instance, Vh1 did their Top 20 Countdown in Max Brenner's chocolate shop, and I was there eating some chocolate pizza only days before. How awesome! haha

You try sneaking a picture in the library.

But yes, life in NYC is considerably different from California, but I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had out here.  I definitely want to make the most of it while I have the chance.

I'm heading back home for a short bit in December. It'll be nice to be home. :)

Well, it's back to those job applications in the library (where else?). Yes, even though I have a job and internship, I'm looking for something else to do. You know how I am. Busy busy all the time! ;)

NYC: 3 days

Sacramento

New York City

With three days left until I leave for New York, I'm starting to feel a bit apprehensive about leaving the Golden State for the Big Apple because...

1) I have a lot to do before even preparing for the trip, like celebrate my mom's birthday, apply for jobs/internships in NYC, run errands, visit relatives and more.

2) After getting a job interview with Macy's in NYC, I thought I'd be happier, but then I started having those feelings of being stuck and not being able to come back to California. Terrible thoughts, right?

3) Applying for jobs/internships is still crazy.  Anyone apply for jobs on Craigslist have any advice??

4) Only having less than a week to prepare for this transition has been anything but relaxing, which doesn't help at all.

This is a huge opportunity, and I know I should take it with open arms because seriously, it's not every day you get a chance to go to New York to try to find your dream job. I think it's just those natural feelings before making a big move in life, like going away for college.  I probably just got so comfortable being home that I'm trying to find reasons to stay but know that NYC is where I should go if I want to gain that experience I'm looking for. 

Plus, I really want to help my auntie with her new baby. I can't wait to meet my cousin. I think this reason for going to NYC makes up for all the horrible, apprehensive thoughts I've been having.

With three days to go, I hope I find time to do everything on my to-do list.

NYC: 1 week

You might say I'm pulling a Ben Taketa - buying a one-way ticket to New York City, but it's true...

In one week, I'll be heading to the Big Apple with my Lola (grandma) to help my Auntie Junelle take care of her new baby girl.  I'm excited to meet my new cousin and to help out my family.

It's just so surreal this is happening.  I never would imagine going to NYC out of the blue like this, but I'm really excited! :D

While I'm in NYC, I'm hoping this might be an excellent opportunity to find a job/internship.  Checking out the CraigsList job listings, I'm overwhelmed with how many places are looking for interns and such.  It's great news though, especially compared to the opportunities available in Sacramento. Hopefully things will look up, and I'll finally gain that experience I've been looking for.

I'm not sure how long I'm staying in NYC because I only bought a one-way ticket, but hey...this post grad life just got an interesting twist! ;)

P.S. Pilots - NYC for Fall Break?!

JOB HUNT: New Directions

Just need to keep looking!

After much consideration and frustration with applying for jobs solely in public relations, I've decided to start applying for jobs at restaurants and stores.  It sounds like a step down from my main goals, but thinking it over, I feel like I need to do an internship before actually getting into PR.  So here's the new game plan for my job hunt: apply for internships and part-time jobs.  I need the experience from the internship and the money from the part-time job.

Do you think I'm making the right move?  I feel good about it, but at the same time, I have my doubts.

I'm a little worried that my education might be a bit much for these places, but I know of recent grads working at Nordstrom and such after graduation.  Higher education shouldn't be a factor.  Sometimes you just need a job for the time being while reaching for higher dreams and aspirations.

So far from this new plan, I've been rejected by American Eagle.  It was an Assistant Store Manager position, so I understand, especially since I don't have experience in retail but I do know how to manage people from CPB.

All the other applications are still on file.  Do these online applications actually work?  I hope so because I've submitted so many already.

As for the internship search, I'm looking for public relation agencies in the area, but it's pretty difficult.  This search might take me elsewhere which means my other search will have to relocate as well.

I want to stay close to home to save money on housing and such, but with a limit of jobs in this area, it might be more beneficial for my future to relocate.

I really did not expect all this stress and frustration after graduation.  I hoped that getting a Bachelor's Degree would mean that I'm a shoe-in for getting a job, but that certainly is not the case.  It seems that much more is needed nowadays; most importantly, you need to know someone.  It's all about networking.

Have you seen the movie POST GRAD? I feel exactly like the main character in that movie, except the whole falling in love with her neighbor deal.  That wouldn't happen here.  Anyway, it's somewhat inspiring, but only because I know exactly how it feels to be a college grad and not finding a job.

Sure, it's only been a couple months, and I know there are people who haven't found a job for years. I hope that doesn't happen to me, but if nothing comes up soon, I may need to devise another plan.

JOB HUNT: Info Interview with Burson-Martseller

Today I got a chance to talk to an HR Manager from Burson-Martseller, a PR agency in San Francisco, Calif., among other offices around the world.  It was an excellent opportunity to get some information about PR as well as what I need to do to boost my chances of landing a job.

From this chat, I realized that I need to get some more experience in PR by completing an internship or even some basic job experience.  I think it might be easier to get an internship first, but I'm up for anything.  I want to learn more about this field and see if it really is something I want to do.  From what I learned in my PR class and from what people have told me, it sounds like a field perfect for the skills I have, but it's just a matter of finding out myself.

I know I need to work on my interview skills, which is really important for the whole job applying process.  I've been so used to being the interviewer that I haven't worked on being interviewed in a while.  I just need to be more prepared and not so nervous.  I know my stuff, but sometimes I stumble over my words. Ah! Nerves! But with practice, I know I can do this!

So for now, my job hunt has turned into an internship hunt with some jobs thrown into the mix.

It's already August, and I'm still jobless in this post-grad life...