JOB HUNT: Employment Fair

I was surprised to find out there was a job fair taking place in my hometown today, but I decided to check it out.

When I got there, a huge line wrapped around the building and ended in the parking lot! It was packed! So many people are unemployed in this area; it's actually over 10 percent!  In the U.S., 9.5 percent of Americans are unemployed.  I'm not sure if this number includes recent graduates but it might.  That number is extremely high, especially since unemployment should be half as much.  I know this recession and current state of the economy is still hindering the job market.

While waiting in line, a lady came out and said there was a lot of companies and great opportunities available.  It really lightened our spirits as we waited in the beaming heat.

I was really hoping to find some good information, but alas, it seemed jobs are still a bit scarce in this area.  Plus, there wasn't really anything for the industry I'm interested in.  No wonder I need to eventually relocate.  In addition, some companies and organizations that I was hoping to speak to were not there either.

Anyway, on the plus side, I got to see one of my high school classmates, Hanna Baek! She was actually helping out with Frontier Communications because she's an intern. So lucky!

Well, even though I didn't find what I was looking for at this job fair, it was still a good experience.

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...

TRAVEL: Portland

For all my friends up in Portland (or heading that way in August for the commencement of school), I'll be visiting from August 24 to 30.

Please let me know if you're available and want to hang out.  I have a list of fun things I want to do while I'm in town, but it would be awesome if you were apart of it.

Can't wait to see you all! Hope you're doing well. :)