On the Search for New Beginnings

Picky. The word to describe my job search: picky.

After much contemplation and numerous agreements from people I trust, I gave my 2 weeks and booked a quick, head clearing vacation to Colorado.

What came of it? I found a part-time opportunity much closer to home I thoroughly enjoy and hope to continue even when I accept a full-time offer. The owner appreciates and listens to what I have to say. And I’m learning more than I’ve ever.

With the little experience I have, I still have much to offer and I now know what I need from my next occupation and employer. I apply only to places I can see myself and the company succeeding. If the interview doesn’t work out the way I planned or the job description is not what I’m looking for – then onto the next!

It’s a competitive field, but I’m ready to play.

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First but not Last

What my first job has taught me about myself and my career:

• My first job is just that, my first job. I’ll have a second, third, fourth, etc.
• Did I enter the right field for me?  ABSOLUTELY! I found a new love for marketing/advertising that I did not already have .
• Work-life Balance: Keep my work at my job and personal life at home; I am less stressed and much happier! (My first month, I used to answer emails and take calls at home — never again!)
• Balancing classes, RSOs, a social life and an internship/part-time job DO NOT equate to balancing a full-time job and a social/private life; I am dead and tired by 8 PM.
• Keep my good friends close and drop the toxic ones, only keep those who add value to your life.
• Language barriers are DIFFICULT TO OVERCOME BUT ARE MANAGEABLE
• I am not a fan of interviewing and training but will train someone when a task needs to be done right.
• I do not need social media or a television. Now I spend an hour or less on each!
• $AVE, $AVE, $AVE THE GREEN STUFF
• Being an adult is expensive — not that I did not already know this but woof!
• It is possible to befriend colleagues. We mean business during work hours and are friends after hours.

Only a small list of what I have learned and believe I have so much more to explore. I cannot wait to see where my career takes me!

First Job & Beyond

As I approach my first day of full-time work post-graduation, I have thought about what I want in the future more intensely. Do I continue my professional career in marketing/advertising/pr? Do I still see myself working in a major league sport? What do I want to receive my masters in and how do plan to pay for the possible $70,000+ worth of debt that comes with that degree?

There are unanswered questions that I will find in my journey. My first “big girl” job will (hopefully) aid in the process of finding my professional self. So, in my search of uncertainty, I came across some helpful articles.

If you’re looking for more money but are unsure if you’ll recieve the pay you want, click HERE & HERE

The perks of pursuing a master’s and advice managing work-life-school balance & some more tips.

Short-term vs. Long-term Goals

In our society, we focus too much on our short-term goals that we do not realize the long-term consequences we are creating. The United States is often guilty of immediate gratification. A term, in which, I can be found acting out when I am shopping. I’m someone who prefers to try-on clothing and buy it on the spot. I like to buy a product and bring home my purchase on the same day.  There are few times I have added something in my virtual shopping bag and  gave my credit card number.  Though, the point of this post isn’t to point out my issues with immediate gratification. It’s the fact that business owners are asked: where do you see the company in 20 years – and their answer is to be successful. Well, obviously, you don’t want to fail.

The questions to have answers to are: Do you see your business having more than 50 employees in 5 years? How much revenue do you expect to have earned by 2030? Are you planning to provide more environmentally sustainable products in the upcoming years? and so on.

Instead, we find powerful companies that choose to provide fossil fueled energy (*cough cough* Warren Buffet) rather than research alternative ways to compete with solar junkies like Elon Musk. We need to find new ways to earn money that can encourage good long-term affects. Before Buffet knows it, Berkshire Hathaway will no longer be in the energy business because they’ve used up all of the Earth’s natural materials and Musk will be the one running across the finish line.

Edit, April 2018: We and Amazon has come a long way. Free 2-day shipping? Yes, please!

American Eagle Soars

Since I spent over three years with the American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) brand and the company has worked hard to remove the media’s idea of a “perfect body” – I thought it was worth the post to mention the company’s recent successes. Towards the end of my Aerie career, the company launched their Aerie Real campaign.

As a woman, it was empowering (men included). It was amazing to see displays of women untouched by photo shop and the spread of inspirational quotes on mirrors like “the girl in this mirror has not been retouched” – along with the dispersion of promotional materials such as shopping bags and stickers relaying a similar message. Aerie’s ongoing campaign has not only increased the company’s brand image but revenue, too. American Eagle has, also, been doing well. Regardless of the retail industry’s decrease in revenue, the company has been able to increase its sales. How? The organization changed with change. Ideas of beauty and style were altering and AEO decided to change their clothing according to the consumer tastes unlike their competition, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch.

I will never regret working for the company because they treated their employees well, I gained a work family, adored the management team and received some of the best work experiences.

See American Eagle’s success HERE and HERE