I recently graduated from Mount Royal University with a bachelor of applied communications degree. I loved the program, and have never doubted this is the right career path. I mean, it became crystal clear after taking seven years off, working at what some would call a dead end job in retail. Anyways …I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I probably wouldn’t have been half the student I was if I had been accepted to the program earlier.
Anyways, back to why my dad is right…he always told me to build contacts, call people, meet with people and let them know who I was. I guess I never understood exactly what he meant. Upon graduation my dad said, “most people don’t get a job through any kind of job board, they get them through people they know and the networks they have made.” Oops…I forgot to make those networksJ
Over the last few weeks, I have been using the contacts I am oh so fortunate enough to have, and have been meeting with people about their experiences and advice. It has been hard, awkward and sometimes really uncomfortable but mostly it’s been amazing. I can’t believe that perfect strangers care about me, and care about my career and my passions. These meetings have given me the confidence to keep on going, be patient and the right opportunity for me will come along. Damn my dad was right…
Geez my dad is smart…imagine if I had listened to him years ago. I would have lots of people to meet and would probably have a full-time job. For now, I am taking things one day at a time, applying to postings, meeting with as many people as possible and working part-time at a great company that has taught me so much and I am grateful for every single second they have chosen me to work with them.
One thing I am definitely going to do when I become established or should the need arise sooner, is pay it forward…I’m going to help recent graduates, or people in the public relations program. I appreciate what so many people have already done for me and soon it will be my turn.
A couple other pieces of advice provided by the FaJ (that’s what we call him):
· Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair; it will give you something to do but won’t get you anywhere. ( I worry a lot, so I hear this a lot)
· You often regret the things you don’t do, but rarely regret the things you do do. TRUE
Thanks FaJ and you know how much I love you!
XO
K
