The Foot (that got stuck) In The Door
There are some people who, even before choosing a course on their college application form, already know what they want to be “when they grow up.” And you are lucky to be one
of them. You’ve probably known what shutter speed and tripods are before you learned to divide. Or you’ve been directing your own “commercials” using your trusty Handycam, you can swear Karen’s Lolo in that ad was a figment of your creative imagination before he appeared on the tube. Whatever it is, whether you’re taking on the family tradition of dissecting cadavers or the road less traveled by being a DJ, you’re sure of what field you’ll end up in—regardless of what appears in your diploma a few years from now. So why wait until graduation to gain experience? If you’re convinced your essay collection should be published, then it’s time to convince other people.
The Litany of Doubt: What if I change my mind after college? Will they consider me even when I’m young? I don’t have enough experience! If college grads can’t land jobs, what makes me think I can?
Baby steps to the BIG leap: Don’t be discouraged by the shrinking employment rate. It’s not that there is a scarcity of right jobs (or internships, for that matter). It’s that the right people don’t have the guts and patience to snag the jobs they were cut out for. Search online job markets, the classifieds, or the bulletin board in your tita’s publishing firm for internships. Make the right connections now; befriend the high-profile photographer who covered your cousin’s wedding, submit an article to your fave mag (like Candy!), or offer to assist your uncle when he directs one of his TVCs. You have nothing to lose by trying. And while you aren’t guaranteed a stint as the photog’s apprentice, having a feel of the environment plus the free tips you will receive make it worth the sweat. Be even braver by submitting a resumé for formal internship. Don’t make it fussy and fuchsia ala Elle Woods; be straightforward and precise. And when you do find yourself within the four walls of your dream company for an interview, make sure you dress the part. A crisp button-down shirt, clean-cut slacks or a knee-length skirt, and low closed-toe heels are your best bet. Now congratulate yourself for making it this far instead of hibernating in your room and writing scripts people will get to read “when you grow up.” Because last you checked, you already have grown up. Lastly, don’t even think of making your lack of experience an excuse to delay your goals. The way we see it, you will never get any if you keep it that way!
From The Candy Bulletin Community
