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Six lessons from my first six months in the real world


2010
06.01

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Posted in Growing up, Job search, Life as an AAE | View Comments

It’s official. I’m a grown-up.

Six months ago today, I started my first big girl job at Edelman Digital, and just over one year ago, I started my internship with Edelman. Safe to say at this point I’m officially out in the real world and being a real adult.

I know I’ve written about similar topics before, but I thought it would be appropriate today to reflect back on the last year (more specifically the last six month) and offer up a few lessons I’ve learned along the way. There are tons of new graduates out there, and I figured I’d jump on the advice-giving bandwagon.

Lessons learned from life in the real world

1. Timing is everything. I know I’ve said this before, but I give a lot of the credit for finally landing a job to my lucky timing. My internship was ending at the same time a position opened up at Edelman Digital, and I am convinced that if it had been opened a month earlier, I would not have been considered. One month later, and I would have committed to a six-month gig in Switzerland. Trust me, when the right position comes along, you’ll know it because the timing will be eerily perfect.
2. It’s not all about you. OK, so this one may be pretty obvious, but it’s still worth harping on. You’re not the only one who is having a rough day, you’re not the only one with deadlines. So don’t act like it. It’s more about the team and the company than it is about you.
3. Make time for you. While it isn’t all about you, no one else is going to look out for you. OK, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but the lesson is still a good one. It’s up to you to find a few hours of “me” time to catch your breath. Pass up that extra project at work once in a while and go for a run instead. Make sure to take time to do something that makes you happy every day. Otherwise you’ll just drive yourself crazy.
4. Speak up about your passions. I know the word “passion” has been a bit overplayed lately, but stick with me. Odds are when you’re hired on as an intern or full-timer, you were hired for a specific position or project, right? Don’t let that define you. If you have other passions or interests, speak up! Tell your boss, and chances are they’ll be happy to try to find a project that incorporates all your talents.
5. ‘Tis far better to be late than sloppy. For me, this one has been a tough lesson, and honestly, one I haven’t completely internalized. The more I’ve worked on hard deadlines and projects with quick turnarounds, I’ve noticed that it is far better to finish something 5 minutes late if it means giving it one last read and catching some silly errors. Give a heads up that you may be a few minutes late for one last chance to proofread. Your boss will thank you in the long run for this, trust me.
6. Do what makes you happy. Don’t let the cliché stop you from listening to me on this one. Find something (anything) that is going to make you happy. My job is tough. Some weeks I work ridiculous hours, and some weeks I feel like I have 1,000 deadlines and 100 people to answer to. But you know what? I love it. I love every minute of what I do, and it makes it worth it. If you can’t say the same when times are rough, then find something that will make you happy and satisfied, even on your worst day.

    I know that I got lucky, but I definitely learned some hard lessons during my job search last year, and I hope y’all know I’m always happy to lend an ear. Just leave me a comment, send a quick e-mail or say hello on Twitter, and I’m happy to listen or help any way I can.

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    DR. WHAW? – March 25, 2010


    2010
    03.25

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    Posted in DR. WHAW?, Job search, Rachel, Social Media, Twitter | Comments Off

    This post was written by DR. WHAW? Contributor Rachel Boyman.

    It’s been a long week for this East Coaster but I’m looking forward to a little 4-day staycation in NYC – here’s what I Didn’t Read While Hard at Work today (but of course, really wanted to!). Enjoy!

    DR. WHAW? – March 25, 2010

    1. The Eight Types of People to Unfollow on Twitter or Defriend on Facebook by Brian Moylan

    The headline on this one caught my attention immediately, and though the tone is a bit crass, the point is well-taken (it is Gawker after all). I’m most active on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and though I have different “standards” for each social medium, there is a certain guilt I feel when I ignore or deny a friend request or have to relegate someone to a blocked/limited view list after receiving the 14th invite to Farmville (you know who you are). Moylan’s piece made me feel less guilty, because as he states, “Guess what, if we cared about stopping the deforestation of the Florida panhandle, we would seek the group out and join it ourselves.”

    2. Advertisers Gather Around as Publishers Tout Bells and Whistles of Apple’s iPad – WSJ.com by Shira Ovide and Suzanne Vranica

    The iPad is coming! I’m supremely tempted to buy one (now you know I prefer Apple products to flowers…well, actually, I like both ;-) but would want to see how some of the content models will shake out for consumers. This WSJ talks about some of the uncertainty still out there, as well as some of the advertising deals that have already been inked with well-known mags like Time, Esquire & Men’s Health.

    3. Why the Industry Needs You to Fill Out the Census – The Big Tent – Advertising Age by Bill Imada

    A lot of money is at stake for state and local communities based on this year’s Census results, so if you haven’t taken a few minutes to fill yours out yet, perhaps this piece will give you an extra nudge. For those who work in the advertising industry, (or any industry that depends on advertising dollars, which is, well, a lot of industries) Imada gives another reason to stand up and be counted – your industry will benefit. Check out how your state/city is participating here

    4. When Success Follows the College Rejection Letter by Sue Shellenbarger

    Whether you’re anxiously waiting to hear from an admissions office or trying to figure out the next step in your professional or personal life, I think it helps to know that some of the most successful people face difficulty—even rejection—at some point.

    5. Beware: Social Networking Cops Are Here by Bill Snyder

    Last week, I wrote about geotagging and how I’m hesitant to participate in location-based social networking sites. This post by Bill Snyder basically reminded me that it doesn’t really matter whether I invest time in geotagging or not because in the

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    DR. WHAW? – March 23, 2010


    2010
    03.23

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    Posted in DR. WHAW?, Job search, Melissa, Mobile, Social Media | View Comments

    This post was written by DR. WHAW? Contributor Melissa Cafiero.

    I’m really enjoying my week off from work and thus was a bit late getting this post to Rebecca – apologies to her and everyone eagerly waiting for the day’s post (I know you are anxious to get caught up on the day’s top articles)! I put myself on a Twitter time-out for the week, so hopefully I’m not missing anything huge… besides March Madness trash-talking.

    DR. WHAW? – March 23, 2010

    1. You Can Text Me Now by Farhad Manjoo – “But look around you. Many people are pulling out their phones at inappropriate times. Spouses are texting during dinner, students are texting during class, and a lot of idiots are texting at the movies.” So true. If you don’t have time to read the article, here’s what Slate readers decided was proper etiquette: “If you’re in a situation where you’d excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, you should also excuse yourself before reaching for your phone. Otherwise, go ahead without asking. Either way, don’t play with your phone longer than you’d stay in the bathroom.” But how many of us still have enough manners to pardon ourselves to use the restroom? (I do.)
    2. Why Recruiters Hate the Compensation Department! by Dr. John Sullivan – This is a really interesting inside view of the hiring process and the headaches a recruiter may have. It’s a bit long, but I think there’s valuable information here. And, of course, I’m sure situations differ by company.
    3. Apple Seeks Patent For Mobile Social Networking by Antone Gonsalves – “Apple is seeking a patent for technology that would make it possible for users of the iPhone or other mobile devices to form an ad hoc social network to communicate and share information during tradeshows, concerts, rallies or other event.” Like other new social networks (say, Buzz?), this sounds cool in theory. But will people use it? Why would I use it over a Twitter hashtag? Or a combination of Twitter and Foursquare (or Gowalla, depending on your poison preference)?
    4. Charlene Li on social media and leadership by Merritt Colaizzi – I’ve been trying to avoid anything coming out of SXSW (jealousy, whatever) but I liked this article about a discussion Li had with attendees regarding her upcoming book, Open Leadership: How Social Technology Can Transform the Way You Lead. “…Open Leadership argues that a new organizational structure is required to accommodate and benefit from the culture of sharing that social media has fueled over the last four years. The information flow we all experience daily can no longer be organized into neat org-chart silos, she posits. Instead, it demands a new kind of leadership — one based on letting go of the command-and-control model and embracing openness and relationship building.” Also, as Gen Y continues to participate in social media and climb the ranks of companies, we’ll also be in positions to lead (well, even when you’re entry level, you still have an opportunity to lead by example) and I think we’ll change the traditional structure of the workplace.
    5. Is your company built to blog? by Mark W. Schaefer – Just because it looks like everyone has a blog doesn’t mean your company needs one as well, especially if some of Schaefer’s bulletpoints are true for your company, executives and culture. This one’s a must read.
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    DR. WHAW? – March 16, 2010


    2010
    03.16

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    Posted in DR. WHAW?, Job search, Marketing, Measurement, Melissa, Social Media, Twitter, public relations | View Comments

    This post was written by DR. WHAW? Contributor Melissa Cafiero.

    I thought I was busy a couple of weeks ago, but I was just kidding… now I’m busy! I always hate the days I can’t keep up with my Google Reader because I feel so behind and uninformed. But I guess that’s why you’re reading this, too, huh? Well I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.

    DR. WHAW? – March 16, 2010

    1. Why Companies Should Allow Their Employees to Work from Home by Evita – I don’t know where I stand on telecommuting, though I do it myself when I’m sick and just can’t get to the office (those days when I find comfort in my home and want to continue contributing to my team and don’t want to infect others). Because of my non-decision, I always enjoy reading/talking about the arguments for and against working from home. This article looks at both sides (though the pro argument is stronger) and the comments are great, too.
    2. Wait a minute. It’s not about engagement after all! by Mark W. Schaefer – I’m a new reader of Mark’s blog, but I am already finding great content! With a client in the B2B space, I often see the issue Mark describes – a lack of comments on corporate blogs – and wondered, “What gives?” I like his points in re-thinking what engagement means. Check it out!
    3. 4 Ways To Monitor Your Facebook Page Traffic by Nick O’Neill – As someone who manages a Facebook page, I always find really helpful articles on this blog. A couple of these tools are new to me, so I’ll definitely be looking at them in more detail.
    4. My Five Favorite Uses for Twitter in PR by Alison Kenney – Some of the PR-related chats Alison mentions may not be new to you, but just in case…. I think Twitter chats are really valuable, but I find it hard to etch out the time to participate.
    5. Workers Perceive Little Opportunity by Diana Middleton – Based on a study, employees “… have given up looking for higher pay or better positions, even within their own firms….” Really? If you’re unhappy, does the economic situation matter? You still run the risk of being laid off, either at your current job or a better one. Either way, I hope companies don’t get complacent in making their employees feel valued and important – taking them for granted.
    6. How to Drive More Customers to Your Local Business With Social Geotagging by Clement Yeung – Ugh, FourSquare. I’m sorry, I just don’t get it. I understand the point, I just don’t get why. In any case, here are some tips for geotagging usage in a marketing strategy and reasons why you should use it.

    Thoughts? Did you read anything interesting today?

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    DR. WHAW? – February 23, 2010


    2010
    02.23

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    This post was written by DR. WHAW? Contributor Melissa Cafiero.

    I discovered a Dr. Seuss quote today and, while Dr. Seuss is for kids, it really struck a chord. I’m going to keep it in mind and because I think it’s a wonderful piece of advice, I thought you might enjoy it as well: “You have brains in your head; you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.”

    So, with those inspiring words, let’s get to today’s suggested reading shall we?

    DR. WHAW? – February 23, 2010

    1. 5 Guaranteed Ways to Hate Your Own Writing by Steve Errey – I love to write, but I hate my writing. It’s good to see I’m not alone. Keep in mind as you’re reading this that Steve is being sarcastic (yet another argument for that sarcasm font). Check out the comments, too. Due to the tone of the article, it generated a lot of controversy.
    2. It’s Not About Listening, It’s About the Green by Kasey Skala – While I don’t completely agree with Kasey’s viewpoint, I did enjoy the comments because the commenters brought up the points that kept popping in my head as I was reading the post. I love when the info in a post gets expanded by a lot of commenting action!
    3. What You Don’t Do by Jeffrey Tang – This was a refreshing article. Sometimes I get so tired of hearing, “You should do this,” and “You should be doing that,” but you have to be able to say, “You know what? I am who I am. These are the things that I do, and this over here? Well, I don’t do that.” You’re not going to be able to please everyone, and what happens if you do? Will it change the world? Probably not.
    4. Resource Alert! My Best Of: Social Media Learning by Amber Naslund – I saw this scroll by my Twitter feed today and accidentally refreshed the page… panic set in and I thought, “Oh noooo!” because I was afraid I’d lost the link. I quickly found it, though, and perused the articles. THIS. IS. AWESOME.
    5. 7 things social media can’t do by Denise Zimmerman – The title says it all. This is a lengthy article, but is full of good info. I’ve even bookmarked it for future reference.
    6. How HAPPO Helped Public Relations Professionals by Valerie Simon – In case any of you were wondering how #HAPPO went, this is a great recap of an awesome event!
    7. The 10 Worst Winter Olympics PR Disasters Of All Time by Bianca Male – In the spirit of current events, we’ll end with an Olympics-related article… with pictures.
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    Calling all DR. WHAW fans!


    2010
    01.26

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    So I’ve come to a decision:

    I cannot keep up with DR. WHAW? all by myself.

    I haven’t thoroughly planned this out just yet, but I have realized that in order for DR. WHAW to be consistent (and daily), I need some help. Since there were many of you who were glad to see this daily feature return, albeit briefly, I am hoping that there are some out there willing to help me keep DR. WHAW a nightly staple.

    Ideally, I’d like to have one or two regular contributors who are willing to help me out a couple nights a week to make sure that DR. WHAW doesn’t fall by the wayside. You don’t necessarily have to love measurement, you just have to be willing to share what you Didn’t Read While Hard At Work. I prefer that you pick one general topic or passion and highlight it, but hey! I’m flexible!

    If you would like to help me out in this venture, please send me the following information to denison.rebecca[at]gmail[dot]com:

    1. Your Name

    2. Previous blogging or writing experience (Twitter handle is OK, too!)

    3. Why you want to write for DR. WHAW?

    Also feel free to reach out if you have any questions! I hope to hear back from at least a few of you soon! :)

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    If you want my recommendation, get online and get involved!


    2010
    01.11

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    Posted in Job search, Social Media, Twitter | View Comments

    Last week, I was asked for recommendations for two separate social media positions. In both cases, I was asked to recommend friends or people I know who may be good candidates. In one case, I immediately thought of a handful of folks, but in the other case, I couldn’t come up with a single name. What was the difference?

    The first position was one very similar to my own and required a keen eye for measurement. The second was a community manager position which would require a strong social media background.

    Because I had a measurement internship before my job, I know plenty of qualified and hard-working interns who are still waiting for their opportunity. That was a no-brainer to me because I had seen their work and passion when we worked together.

    When I was asked to recommend someone for a community manager position, no one jumped to mind immediately (no one who was looking for a job, anyway). Then I started to look through people I follow on Twitter and online friends, and I still couldn’t think of anyone. And this made me stop and think about why, and this is what I realized: no one I knew had shown me their work or passion for social media.

    I know that I have plenty of friends online (and offline) who are interested and maybe even passionate about social media, but I did not feel comfortable recommending any of them. I did not want to give my endorsement when I could not personally vouch for their social media work.

    So my point is this: you must have a visible social media footprint. I can know that you have passion from offline experience, but if that same passion does not show up when a recruiter or manager searches for you online, then you will not get hired. I will not recommend someone whose work and passion I cannot find easily or have not seen through interactions online.

    There have been plenty of people who encourage online presence, but I am adding my two cents because I was shocked and dismayed to realize that I could not recommend any of my friends for a community manager position.

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    Expectations: are they really so completely overwhelming or all in your head?


    2009
    12.16

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    Posted in Growing up, Job search, Life as an intern | View Comments

    I expect it won’t take more than an hour.  I expected to have a job by the time I graduated.  How do you expect me to read your mind?

    No matter where you are in life or where you want to go, at times we are all haunted and overwhelmed by expectations.  Whether they’re our own, those of our peers or those of our superiors, expectations have an uncanny way of being unrealized.

    I grew up with certain expectations for myself, which included being gainfully employed upon graduating from college this May.  With the drastic change in the economy and high-speed evolution of communications, I have found many of my expectations have gone unfulfilled.  Some days it’s easy to feel like this mean I’ve failed.

    After talking with just about any one who would listen, I’ve realized that I am definitely not alone and that I need to change my expectations in this economic climate.

    This made me think: what other expectations do I have for myself (as a person, a professional, etc.) are completely off-base and unreachable? Am I setting myself up to fail?

    Recently I had to fill out one of those personality indices which asks that you first select all of the adjectives that you feel you are expected to be and then to fill out all of the adjectives that you think you really are.

    I realized that I believe that the world expects me to be, well, perfect.  I am expected to be patient in my job search but tenacious when applying for opportunities.  I am expected to be respectful of my superiors but confident enough to disagree.  I am expected to be completely dedicated to my job but well-balanced in life.

    Am I alone?  Am I pulling these expectations out of thin air?  Is it even possible to meet all of these criteria?

    When I ask people what they do expect of me, I feel as though I often get very vague answers, which only makes me feel more nervous that I am utterly failing to be what is expected of me.

    As a young professional seeking first-time employment in an ever-changing industry, what is expected of me?  What do you feel is expected of you?

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    Think social media can teach you a lot? What about hockey players?


    2009
    12.10

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    I must first say that I feel like such a writer.  I’ve been finding inspiration for blog posts left and right, and it always makes me feel artsy.  Justified or not, I like the feeling.

    Whatever downsides a daily commute on the “L” has, the ability to spend 40 uninterrupted minutes reading a good book every morning and evening make up for and then some.  Lately my “L” book has been Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, and it has made me take a hard look at myself and my own life.

    The basic premise of this book is to try to identify the indefinable qualities that make people “outliers.”  That term, I think, tends to make people think about statistics, which is exactly right.  People who are exceptionally successful or not, people who are far from average are outliers.  And Gladwell takes a good look at why.

    One of his first examples is to examine professional hockey players in Canada.  The vast majority of them are born in January, February or March.  Why?  The cutoff day for peewee hockey is Jan. 1.  As kids are selected at an early age for “elite” squads, those who are born early in the year are bigger, stronger and more developed than those born in December.  These children then get the advantage of more practice and competition and eventually become the best of the best.  But it all starts with the fact that they were lucky enough to be born early in the year.

    What has struck me over and over again is how much opportunity and luck have to do with success.  And just average or ordinary success.  Think Bill Gates success.  Gladwell claims that there are plenty of us who are smart enough and talented enough to be the next Bill Gates, but what we require to get there is the opportunity.

    This may seem like an oversimplification, but from personal experience I believe there is great truth.  We all like to believe that what makes us special is our innate abilities and talents, but often we just happen to be in the right place at the right time.  Or in the right field at the right time working for the right employer.

    I wouldn’t consider myself to be an outstanding or exceptional college graduate in any sense.  I graduated with a good GPA and with some experience.  So why do I have an amazing, rewarding job six months later when plenty of peers I believe to be far more deserving still remain unemployed?

    I was in the right place at the right time.

    If you remember, when I first shared my new job with everyone, I mentioned that I was asked to interview the day before my internship was ending.  I left for a two-week vacation in Australia not 24 hours after my interview.  Not that I don’t work hard or produce quality work, but I don’t doubt that timing played a role.

    The reason I found my passion in the first place, I think, was luck.  When I finally decided to switch from studying biochemistry in college, I happened to grab the last seat in an Introduction to Public Relations course.  The professor of that course happened to bring in Katie Paine as one of our first guest speakers.  More than once I’ve wondered where I would be if it weren’t for my professor, Dr. Craig Carroll, and Katie Paine.

    Think about your own experience.  You are talented, and you work hard.  But what opportunities have really helped propel you to where you are today?

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    A letter to oneself one year later — lessons from a year-long job search


    2009
    12.06

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    Last week, Kate Ottavio wrote a letter to herself for the PR Breakfast Club blog.  She wrote to her former self about all the lessons she has learned after working for one year in PR.  This inspired me to write a letter of my own:

    Dear Rebecca,

    Hey lady!  Take a deep breath.  You will have your dream job in one short year, and trust me, time will absolutely fly by when you relax.  This next year will cause you some stress and frustration, but I promise you it will be worth it.

    I know that you won’t believe any one else’s experience completely because they aren’t just like you, so instead I’ll tell you what I would have wanted to know when I was just starting my job search:

    1. Don’t take it personally. Seriously.  I cannot stress this one enough!  It’s the roughest job climate in decades, and it will take you time to find the right job.  You should know that less than 20 percent of all graduates will have jobs this year.  Being an overachiever, I know it’s hard to accept, but you’re not alone and no one will think of less of you.
    2. Compromise but know your deal-breakers. You’re going to be offered internships and part-time positions that are not ideal.  You’re going to be offered positions that are downright insulting to your intelligence.  Know the difference, and don’t be afraid to say no.  A job may not be perfect, but you should still be happy.  When you’re instincts tell you it’s a bad idea, for Lord’s sake, listen!
    3. Get out more. I know, I know, you’re not a big party girl.  That’s OK.  But get out there!  Go to those networking events you think you’re too tired to go to.  Go to the ones where you don’t think you’d fit in.  Trust me, you’re bound to meet someone who will have good advice even if you don’t meet your future boss.
    4. Ask everyone for advice, but don’t follow it blindly. One thing that will frustrate you the most is when your parents, professors and peers all give you different advice.  Who is right?  And will you disappoint someone by not doing what they suggested?  (This is where the relaxing part comes in again.)  Take any and all advice that feels right and you think will help, and don’t for a second worry about feelings.  You will not hurt someone by working hard for your goal.
    5. Keep your expectations realistic. Always. There will be a few times when you think that you have a great job in the bag!  Just a few more details to be worked out.  And then just a few more, and then a few more weeks go by and still you’re unemployed.  Don’t stop your search until you have that offer in your hand!  If you stop because you think it’s about to happen, you’ll only feel more pressure and stress when you start back up again.
    6. Make yourself happy and make friends. You’re going to find yourself in a new city far away from where you went to college.  You will feel alone and lost at times, but if you make an effort to have friends, you’ll feel much, much better in the long run.  Eat lunch and go out after work with other interns in your building or nearby.  Know your limits, but try to always say yes.  You’re a social person, and you need to have friends to be happy.
    7. Be true to your passion. You know what you want to do, and you have been working hard to gain the best skills and experiences to get there.  Shouldn’t that be enough?  Unfortunately not.  But don’t lose hope.  Your passion and drive will eventually show the right person that you are the perfect fit for a job.  Trust me, and let your passion be your guide.  Oh, and don’t ever think sharing you passion is too nerdy!

    I know that there is probably a lot more that you want to know about what to expect, but by not knowing, you will learn a lot in the next year.  You won’t love it, but looking back you’ll appreciate it.  Keep your head up, I know you’re destined to get where you want to go!

    Sincerely,

    Future Rebecca :)

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