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Degree and Year: BJ '05 (Strategic Communication) Company: Teach for America Company Web Site: http://www.teachforamerica.org/ Title: Recruitment Fellow City and State: New York, N.Y.
During the beginning of my senior year, I met with one of Teach For America's Recruitment Directors. Initially, I decided not to pursue the program in favor of going straight to graduate school. Then, during April of my senior year, they contacted me again over email about a one-year fellowship with their national staff. I applied on their Web site (with a cover letter, resume and writing sample) and went through three interviews. I was later offered the job and moved to New York City shortly thereafter to start working! What is your job like? My job has been incredibly challenging, but also very rewarding. As a recruitment fellow, I am responsible for setting really ambitious goals and doing everything in my power to reach those goals. Learning to overcome obstacles and develop the skills necessary to achieve is difficult, but it has prepared me to be successful in whatever endeavor I pursue in the future. What is the best part about your job? The fellowship program is comprised of 35 recent college graduates from all over the country. So, the best part of my job by far has been getting to work side by side all of these young individuals from different backgrounds. No matter what job you hold, the culture within your office and group of colleagues you work with can play a large role in determining your happiness/success. Additionally, I have also had the opportunity to really explore how a non-profit works and learn about the different sectors that drive a non-profit (varying from marketing to development). What is your best job seeking advice? Consider every opportunity that you come across even if it doesn't look like the perfect starting point or the exact position that you are looking for. Often times, you won't find the perfect job right out of college. And, you will probably be pleasantly surprised with what you do find and where it will lead you. Just be open-minded and try to have as many options as possible on the table. How was the transition from college to the real world? I held a steady job throughout undergrad, which helped ease the transition from college the real world. But, it is definitely difficult being the low person on the totem pole again. As a senior in college, you are acclimated to being in charge and independently managing all the different aspects of your college career. At your first job out of college, you have to prove yourself all over again and work your way back up to the top. What resume tips do you have? The resume is important, but the cover letter is where you really sell yourself. Spend the time crafting well-written cover letters. You'll be surprised how far your journalism skills will take you. What about interview tips? Always think of a really intelligent, thoughtful question to ask at the end of your interview. (They will always ask if you have any questions at the end.) The last impression you leave is important. Also, memorize the job description and the skills needed for the job, so in your interview you can tailor your answers and craft responses that address the skills needed for the position. What was an interview question you most remember from this particular job interview and why? One question I was asked for this position and a previous internship position I applied for: "Tell me about a time when you dropped the ball on something or something slipped through the cracks and how you rectified the situation." What is one of your favorite J-School memories? During my first semester in the J-School, I coincidentally had every single one of my classes that semester with another particular J-School student. That person ended up becoming one of my best friends in college! I love how you take the same classes with the same people in the J-School. You kind of develop camaraderie within your sequence and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. What is something about you that might surprise people? I have seen probably every baseball movie ever made. I grew up with three brothers, so during movie time (and any other time pretty much), I was always out voted 3 to 1. What makes you laugh? Anything Maureen Dowd writes (columnist for the NY Times). Her sarcasm and wit put a smile on my face when I am reading the paper. And, anything my brother Joe says or does. He is incredibly charismatic. Where would you like to travel? Everywhere! I love to travel and hope to spend time exploring many different parts of the world. 
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| Revised: 23 April 2007. Copyright © 2008 The Curators of the University of Missouri | Contact the J-School | |
