This week I decided to write something personal. I have been blogging/tweeting for about five weeks now and I feel like I have developed a lot over these past weeks both personally and professionally. I have enjoyed experimenting with this blog and my Twitter activity, employing new tactics such as "TweetDeck" (which I highly recommend incorporating into your own social media activity if you have not already), tapping into resources like the Chronicle of Philanthropy's Daily Update and interacting with all of you out in the philanthropic sector of cyber-space.
As a recent graduate with a passion for philanthropy I am currently seeking a job in non-profit development. As we all know, the job market is not currently at its best so I have been trying to utilize all the resources available to me to create relationships, gain insight into the industry and continue developing my professional skills. There are a few extremely valuable things I have learned along the way that I would like to share for those of you who are seeking jobs yourself or perhaps have children, friends or siblings who are feeling discouraged in the job market (like I once was).
1. Every day is an opportunity.
I used to wake up in the morning, go through my regular job-listings, apply to what interested me (if there was even anything new available) and spend the rest of my day essentially waiting by the phone. But there is so much more you can do. It is easy to blend in with a pile of resumes, so what makes you unique? What are your strengths and how can you continue to build and emphasize these skills to your audience? Reach out to past employers, professors, even peers and co-workers. Whether they give you advice, the name of an organization, a reference or even a website where you can post your resume, these are all steps forward in promoting yourself.
2. Create a focus.
If you know what you want to do, think about the skills you need to effectively execute this position and continue your education. Make a list of strengths and weaknesses and turn your weaknesses into strengths. There are a plethora of books, classes, seminars, libraries and other resources dedicated to your field of interest, all it takes is that first step.
3. Make connections, everywhere.
When you are unemployed or just out of school, I know it can get tiring to continuously repeat your response to "What kind of job are you looking for?" However, trust me, it's worth it. I have a response that, although it sounds tired and over-used to me, is my quick summary of what I'm looking for. One day I was talking to a friend who works for UTA and he asked me the dreaded question and I just responded saying, "I'm really tired of talking about it, can we just talk about something else?" Later that night we were out with his friends who asked me the same question, I responded with my "spiel" and the next day I received an email from my friend with a list of job postings from UTA's Foundation. Needless to say, opportunities exist even where you might not expect to find them, so always be open to sharing your goals with others.
4. Take advice.
My parents have always been involved in philanthropy, which I believe has influenced my career choices. However, when it came time for me to find a job I was hesitant to heed their advice. Living in Santa Barbara, I was skeptical of what opportunities they would be able to connect me with in Los Angeles. However, I was wrong.
In business, private or public, networking is essential. One of the most valuable resources I have tapped into recently (thanks to my parents and their connections) has been the "informational interview." These interviews are so valuable because they can help you not only learn about a new job, but learn how someone who has the position you covet got on the other side of the desk. If you have the opportunity to get one of these prized interviews, don't be embarrased to ask for advice, and when you receive it FOLLOW it. I had an amazing meeting with Jonathan Zeichner of A Place Called Home who gave me some great advice on how to re-work my cover letter and tap into resources which would help me continue my development education. Speaking with him also helped re-ignite my passion for development work and reminded me why I am fighting so hard to pursue my dreams.
I have been told countless times, knowing what you want to do is a gift. I used to think bitterly that it was a futile gift if you were unable to use it. However, I now know what this truly means. A gift is not something we are entitled to, but something you must fight for and earn.
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the novel, High Fidelity by Nick Hornby:
"It's not a case of the glass being half full or half empty; more that we tipped a whole half-pint into an empty pint pot. I had to see how much was there, though, and now I know."
I hope that you will take this advice and any discouragement you might be struggling with and find a way to turn it into something positive. Because, if nothing else, that is what philanthropy is all about.
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