So I debated a lot about what I would write about this time. I thought about writing about my views on professional vs. collegiate athletics or professionalism, but I decided it would be good for me to talk about support. I know how very easily forget (if I even knew it in the first place at all) what a good position I am in.
I think I am getting all the right things I need right now to make this a successful job search. Most obviously, I have my parents who are letting me invade their house once again while I send out my resumes everywhere. I realize that this probably isn't the easiest adjustment because I take up a lot of space in an engergetic sense. I'm a lot louder than my dog is used to, it's too easy to pick on my mom and her "wardrobe", and I don't think my dad is used to my overall harsh tone and wit. But for me, it really is a good place for me to be. I'm not fed any of the fearful messages about how bad the economy is, or how everyone is having a rough time finding a job right now. It's irrelevant because of their unconditional faith in me and my talents. My dog just wants me to get out so he can nap in peace. And who wouldn't want to be around people like that while they are looking for a job?
My support also comes in less obvious ways. I got an extra late graduation card from an aunt today that made me feel a little better. My grandma (who I can't say I ever see eye to eye with) made me fried rice, threw a blanket over me when I was taking a nap, and was genuinely glad I got to stop by. I have friends who call and text me who sincerely believe in my ambition. (My only friends at home though are my parents...) One of my professors will send me an occasional job posting specifically for me, which is really helpful and considerate. I even had a recruiter tell me not to worry; I have a good resume and I should just be patient.
I think that I've been hearing what I need to hear, and talking to who I need to talk to. It's important for me now to shower myself with positivity so that I don't get sucked into what fear and disappointment I may have. I could have so easily been in an environment where I'm surrounded by toxic people. It's really more the norm, so I consider myself lucky to be where I am now. So I appreciate the support that I've gotten, and I just though that should be out in the blogosphere.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Cover Letters
So today was pretty slow on the job front. The Slavic Receptionist (I'm paraphrasing) position at Stanford didn't sound too appealing. I worked a little on my LinkedIn account, so that's really pretty much all the excitement one person can handle in a day. What I would like to talk about today is cover letters. I don't like them.
The cover letter seems to be another hoop to jump through on the path towards salvation (i.e. a job). To me, if I were the person going through all the applicants, I wouldn't want to read your BS cover letter. If I want to hear you sell yourself, I will call you for an interview. If I want something extra, I would probably ask you what your hobbies/interests are or something.
So I've done about 84302 cover letters. (+/- 1 SD) It's the only thing about applications that slows me down. I will just find myself staring off into space instead of making my cover letter relevant to the job I'm applying for. Since it seems to be the social norm to do the cover letter in order to get the job, I will continue to do them. But someone should really think about it and ask themselves: Do I really want this letter? If it were me, I would say no. But what do I know? I'm unemployed... =)
The cover letter seems to be another hoop to jump through on the path towards salvation (i.e. a job). To me, if I were the person going through all the applicants, I wouldn't want to read your BS cover letter. If I want to hear you sell yourself, I will call you for an interview. If I want something extra, I would probably ask you what your hobbies/interests are or something.
So I've done about 84302 cover letters. (+/- 1 SD) It's the only thing about applications that slows me down. I will just find myself staring off into space instead of making my cover letter relevant to the job I'm applying for. Since it seems to be the social norm to do the cover letter in order to get the job, I will continue to do them. But someone should really think about it and ask themselves: Do I really want this letter? If it were me, I would say no. But what do I know? I'm unemployed... =)
Monday, September 6, 2010
L.A. Tour
This weekend I went down to L.A. with my family for a wedding. We, of course, saw a lot of relatives there and the next day went around to visit even more. Some of the relatives I haven't seen since I was 14 or 15, and it's disheartening to tell them that I'm back living at home looking for a job. I also tell them that I graduated and did an internship with UFC, but to me, I'm giving them the impression for the next 7-10 years (or whenever we see each other next) that I'll be job searching. I know this is being dramatic, but "Oh well I'm back at home now looking for a job," was not update I wanted to give for this decade. It's not like I was ok with giving my relatives I see much more frequently that same update, so really it just kills me to say it at all.
What really angered me, though, was a comment one of my relatives gave me in regards to my UFC/Las Vegas summer. It went something like this: Well so being in Las Vegas must have just been a really exciting little part of your life, huh?
Now I've noticed a lot of comments people make about my job search, etc. I become overly sensitive and defensive about, and this is probably one of them. However, here's what made me bristle. It sounded to me as though my UFC gig was just a fun little blip in what would ordinarily be a much more normal life. It was like it was an accident. No, sir. It was a very exciting and fun summer that I had in Las Vegas, but I plan to turn this into the norm, not the exception in my life. I absolutely refuse to believe, or let anyone else believe, that I maxed out on this experience. That, for lack of a better term (there are actually better terms but I don't want to use them), is bull shit.
I plan on having nothing but exciting and enriching experiences. I can pull it off. It's a good color on me. I thrive on it. I think I need to feel a little more excited about where I'm at right now. My mom keeps telling me I should look at my stay at home as a stepping stone towards my dream job. In which case, I'm actually moving forward, instead of backwards like I keep thinking.
Perhaps I should quote the United States Olympic Committee here: Amazing Awaits.
What really angered me, though, was a comment one of my relatives gave me in regards to my UFC/Las Vegas summer. It went something like this: Well so being in Las Vegas must have just been a really exciting little part of your life, huh?
Now I've noticed a lot of comments people make about my job search, etc. I become overly sensitive and defensive about, and this is probably one of them. However, here's what made me bristle. It sounded to me as though my UFC gig was just a fun little blip in what would ordinarily be a much more normal life. It was like it was an accident. No, sir. It was a very exciting and fun summer that I had in Las Vegas, but I plan to turn this into the norm, not the exception in my life. I absolutely refuse to believe, or let anyone else believe, that I maxed out on this experience. That, for lack of a better term (there are actually better terms but I don't want to use them), is bull shit.
I plan on having nothing but exciting and enriching experiences. I can pull it off. It's a good color on me. I thrive on it. I think I need to feel a little more excited about where I'm at right now. My mom keeps telling me I should look at my stay at home as a stepping stone towards my dream job. In which case, I'm actually moving forward, instead of backwards like I keep thinking.
Perhaps I should quote the United States Olympic Committee here: Amazing Awaits.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Friday Night!!
This was my Friday night: going out to dinner at BJ's with my parents.
Let me start by saying I love my parents dearly and am extremely grateful for what they do. Nothing will ever change that and I truly believe myself to be lucky to have them as parents. I've always said I would be dead in a ditch without them. That being said, I felt like I was having dinner with geriatrics.
To start, we have to rush over there as soon as my dad gets home at 5 because my mother is starving and can't function. She's been hungry since 3; it's not pretty. They have a coupon. I have to yell everything so that they can hear. They're talking about what they've had when they've been before and what they like and don't like.
It's really nothing that offensive; they didn't take they're dentures out and put them in the same glass or bring their own drinks like the couple sitting at the table behind us. It's really just more of my balking at living with my parents. It also didn't help that a friend asked me what my plans were for tonight...well after we had gotten home from dinner.
I would rather be at Wined up Fridays at Green Valley Ranch in the desert where it's adequately warm. (I've had to wear a sweatshirt in the morning and at night...it's not my fault I got acclimated to 115 degrees) Or at South Point for Midnight Bowling; pretty much anything else would do other than dealing drugs. But that was my Friday night, just thought you'd like to know. All the more motivation (not that I needed it) to get out of the house! =)
Have a nice long weekend!
Let me start by saying I love my parents dearly and am extremely grateful for what they do. Nothing will ever change that and I truly believe myself to be lucky to have them as parents. I've always said I would be dead in a ditch without them. That being said, I felt like I was having dinner with geriatrics.
To start, we have to rush over there as soon as my dad gets home at 5 because my mother is starving and can't function. She's been hungry since 3; it's not pretty. They have a coupon. I have to yell everything so that they can hear. They're talking about what they've had when they've been before and what they like and don't like.
It's really nothing that offensive; they didn't take they're dentures out and put them in the same glass or bring their own drinks like the couple sitting at the table behind us. It's really just more of my balking at living with my parents. It also didn't help that a friend asked me what my plans were for tonight...well after we had gotten home from dinner.
I would rather be at Wined up Fridays at Green Valley Ranch in the desert where it's adequately warm. (I've had to wear a sweatshirt in the morning and at night...it's not my fault I got acclimated to 115 degrees) Or at South Point for Midnight Bowling; pretty much anything else would do other than dealing drugs. But that was my Friday night, just thought you'd like to know. All the more motivation (not that I needed it) to get out of the house! =)
Have a nice long weekend!
What Accomplishment are You Most Proud of and Why?
This was a question I was asked on an application today. It's interesting/very college essay-y. It was a good break from the searching to stop, and reflect on the question. It's funny that an application itself forced me to do it. What I wrote about was being able to stay and graduate from school in four years. I could have been a miserable bitch (which maybe I was a few times in the Winter...) for four years. To quote myself: I don't find it charming or quaint to be able to shop next to the Amish at WalMart.
What I did was get everything I could have out of my experience at Lock Haven University. My worst grade was a B in Shonah Hunter's Principles of Biology class when I was a freshman. If I wasn't learning how to be a great volleyball player, I was learning how to be a great volleyball coach and a leader. I had friends and connections that could help me out if I needed. I got really nice references from my professors. In my belief, I did everything I could to make the experience as worthwhile as it could possibly be.
What I am most grateful for from that experience is the person it turned me into. I got confident and tough as nails, attributes that are helping me get through this job process now. I became steadfast in the person I believe myself to be. I believe myself to be confident, competent, and charismatic. And I was able to do that in Lock Haven, PA. That makes me tough as nails. I dealt with snow, sadness, and stupid. Let me take a moment to explain:
Snow: there was snow; it was cold
Sadness: I was sad a lot of the time (lonely, confused, far from home)
Stupid: I ran into a lot of stupid people...en masse they are infuriating...but also individually
My move home has rattled me a little, and I need to go back to what I worked so hard to achieve in Lock Haven. I am very slowly getting my ironclad and resolute confidence and positive attitude back. I have a steady foundation, so I know I haven't totally lost it, but I know I'm not the same. I will be, probably next week, but until then I'll keep reminding myself of what I'm proud of.
What I did was get everything I could have out of my experience at Lock Haven University. My worst grade was a B in Shonah Hunter's Principles of Biology class when I was a freshman. If I wasn't learning how to be a great volleyball player, I was learning how to be a great volleyball coach and a leader. I had friends and connections that could help me out if I needed. I got really nice references from my professors. In my belief, I did everything I could to make the experience as worthwhile as it could possibly be.
What I am most grateful for from that experience is the person it turned me into. I got confident and tough as nails, attributes that are helping me get through this job process now. I became steadfast in the person I believe myself to be. I believe myself to be confident, competent, and charismatic. And I was able to do that in Lock Haven, PA. That makes me tough as nails. I dealt with snow, sadness, and stupid. Let me take a moment to explain:
Snow: there was snow; it was cold
Sadness: I was sad a lot of the time (lonely, confused, far from home)
Stupid: I ran into a lot of stupid people...en masse they are infuriating...but also individually
My move home has rattled me a little, and I need to go back to what I worked so hard to achieve in Lock Haven. I am very slowly getting my ironclad and resolute confidence and positive attitude back. I have a steady foundation, so I know I haven't totally lost it, but I know I'm not the same. I will be, probably next week, but until then I'll keep reminding myself of what I'm proud of.
Parker
Parker is my dog. He's an 11 year old black lab. He's a spoiled brat. I took him for a walk this morning and noticed that more often than not, when he pees, he doesn't wait until he's finished to start walking away. Patience is something that I know I need to work on, but I took comfort in knowing that at least I can finish peeing before I feel my impatience take over and walk away and step in my own shit.
Also, for those of you who are employed, Happy Friday!!
Also, for those of you who are employed, Happy Friday!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Today...
So yeah, that last post was just my resume. I feel like it should be in the blogosphere for admiring eyes to see. Anyway, here's what I did today:
-woke up
-checked e-mail/ate breakfast
-meandered about on Teamworkonline.com
-got fired up because my e-mail or internet or something wasn't working right
-ran to the gym
-half hour on the bike, stretching/abs, half hour on the arc trainer
-ran home (notable because yesterday I walked, very much by myself, home and weighed the pros and cons of shooting myself in the face) *
-showered
-applied to 4 jobs
-ate
-went to the Stanford Women's Volleyball game (Go Card!)
And now here I am blogging. Let's review the jobs I found today.
Job 1: Fan Relations Specialist with the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Job 2: Manager of Advertising and Promotions with the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Job 3: Director, Brand Development with the San Diego Padres (MLB)
Job 4: Promotions Manager with the Modesto Nuts (who gives a shit)
Job 1 I actually really like and feel confident I could do. Jobs 2 and 3 are awesome, but I'm probably completely under qualified for them. (I'm so sorry that in order for me to have 7 years experience I would have had to start my professional career at 15!! You do the math.) Job 4 isn't the worst job I've applied for. I'm already a nut so I figure I'd fit right in. (hahahahahaha what a funny joke, Caroline! Please give us more!)
My mother discouraged me from applying to Job 4 due to the fact that it would be a waste of time. She raises an interesting point. In the attempt to find a career I love, why apply for a job that's just "not the worst job I've applied for"? So in a sense, it is a waste. I think I'm still taking a too desperate approach to my job hunt. If I'm being really diligent with my thoughts, I shouldn't even call it a hunt. I need to relax myself around the idea of finding a job. I will find one, and will be a great one. It's funny how it is a struggle to constantly remind myself of this, and feel it to be true. I can picture what the perfect job is, but for whatever reason, I'm finding it hard to picture myself in it. i.e. I can envision being in the Staples Center doing marketing for the Lakers, but I can't see myself in the conference room pitching my "What does Jack Nicholson Think?" video series online. (DO NOT steal my stuff!)
I'll work on this vision tonight....
*Please note I have no real suicidal thoughts or tendencies. This is not meant to be a cry for help (unless you have my dream job) So please don't worry; I'm just trying to bring some drama to the blog
-woke up
-checked e-mail/ate breakfast
-meandered about on Teamworkonline.com
-got fired up because my e-mail or internet or something wasn't working right
-ran to the gym
-half hour on the bike, stretching/abs, half hour on the arc trainer
-ran home (notable because yesterday I walked, very much by myself, home and weighed the pros and cons of shooting myself in the face) *
-showered
-applied to 4 jobs
-ate
-went to the Stanford Women's Volleyball game (Go Card!)
And now here I am blogging. Let's review the jobs I found today.
Job 1: Fan Relations Specialist with the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Job 2: Manager of Advertising and Promotions with the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Job 3: Director, Brand Development with the San Diego Padres (MLB)
Job 4: Promotions Manager with the Modesto Nuts (who gives a shit)
Job 1 I actually really like and feel confident I could do. Jobs 2 and 3 are awesome, but I'm probably completely under qualified for them. (I'm so sorry that in order for me to have 7 years experience I would have had to start my professional career at 15!! You do the math.) Job 4 isn't the worst job I've applied for. I'm already a nut so I figure I'd fit right in. (hahahahahaha what a funny joke, Caroline! Please give us more!)
My mother discouraged me from applying to Job 4 due to the fact that it would be a waste of time. She raises an interesting point. In the attempt to find a career I love, why apply for a job that's just "not the worst job I've applied for"? So in a sense, it is a waste. I think I'm still taking a too desperate approach to my job hunt. If I'm being really diligent with my thoughts, I shouldn't even call it a hunt. I need to relax myself around the idea of finding a job. I will find one, and will be a great one. It's funny how it is a struggle to constantly remind myself of this, and feel it to be true. I can picture what the perfect job is, but for whatever reason, I'm finding it hard to picture myself in it. i.e. I can envision being in the Staples Center doing marketing for the Lakers, but I can't see myself in the conference room pitching my "What does Jack Nicholson Think?" video series online. (DO NOT steal my stuff!)
I'll work on this vision tonight....
*Please note I have no real suicidal thoughts or tendencies. This is not meant to be a cry for help (unless you have my dream job) So please don't worry; I'm just trying to bring some drama to the blog
Tell your friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CAROLINE ACOSTA
1062 East Rose Circle ● Los Altos, CA 94024
(650) 492-0006 ● carolineacosta04@yahoo.com
EDUCATION:
Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA
B.S. Sport Administration, Minor in Coaching May 2010
• Cumulative GPA: 3.819 Summa Cum Laude
• Dean’s List 2006-2010
• Student of Color Award 2009, 2010
• PSAC Scholar Athlete 2006-2009
• Member of the Lock Haven University Women’s Volleyball Team 2006-2008
• CPR/Professional Rescuer Certified
EXPERIENCE:
ZUFFA Ultimate Fighting Championship Las Vegas, NV
Sponsorship Intern Summer 2010
• Assisted in creation and development of sales proposals
• Organized and executed contractual deliverables to sponsors
• Created an available inventory tracking and allocation system for sponsors and their deliverables
• Interacted with sponsors and athlete talent while assisting in client entertainment events
• Assisted client services team with partner Sponsor Summit in Mexico
• Researched and developed prospect profile system in reference for sales
Lock Haven University Women’s Volleyball Team Lock Haven, PA
Student Assistant Coach Summer/Fall 2009
• Trained various skill sets to team members
• Analyzed and oversaw individual instruction of players
• Set up video at matches for uploading on conference website video share system
• Compiled match statistics for sports information and NCAA records
Stanford University Athletic Department Palo Alto, CA
Compliance Intern Summer 2009
• Gathered and entered student-athlete data for compliance information and NCAA research
• Created a form for student-athlete financial aid requests/special needs
• Checked for student athlete official records for eligibility in terms of progress towards degree
• Collected and computed student athlete academic data to create a quarter grade report for the previous spring quarter
Stanford University Coach’s Offices Palo Alto, CA
Men’s Volleyball Coach’s Assistant Summer 2008
• Created men’s volleyball alumni mailing list for fundraising purposes
• Created marketing ideas through market research for next season’s matches to increase attendance
• Organized housing with the university for men’s volleyball boy’s summer camp participants
• Created a system for collecting and organizing recruits’ information
Bay to Bay Volleyball Club San Jose, CA
Director’s Assistant Summer 2008
• Organized athletes’ paperwork to be sent to the Northern California Volleyball Association for approval
• Created CD’s of the club’s rules and regulations for parents
• Supervised/set up practice, made sure coaches had all supplies, and kept medical supplies
• Created an e-mail system of all members of the club for director to quickly relay information
Lock Haven Team Volleyball Camp Lock Haven, PA
Coach Summer 2007-2009
• Coached high school girls’ volleyball team
• Supervised and checked girls during time outside camp and performed bed checks
• Ran camp store, handled store money/kept inventory and reported to the university
• Registered and checked girls out at the beginning and end of camp in order to ensure safety
COMPUTER SKILLS:
• Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Excel, Publisher, FrontPage, & Movie Maker
REFERENCES:
David Safer
Director of Digital Sales & Sponsorships
Zuffa, LLC. UFC/WEC
(702) 588-5515
dsafer@ufc.com
Megan Boone
Assistant Athletic Director, Compliance Services
Stanford University
(650) 723-6150
mboone@stanford.edu
Tom Justice
Women's Volleyball Head Coach
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2388
tjustice@lhup.edu
Carl Poff
Assistant Professor
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2578
cpoff@lhup.edu
Charles Campisi
Instructor
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2462
ccampisi@lhup.edu
Justin Wartella
Assistant Professor
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2419
jwartell@lhup.edu
1062 East Rose Circle ● Los Altos, CA 94024
(650) 492-0006 ● carolineacosta04@yahoo.com
EDUCATION:
Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA
B.S. Sport Administration, Minor in Coaching May 2010
• Cumulative GPA: 3.819 Summa Cum Laude
• Dean’s List 2006-2010
• Student of Color Award 2009, 2010
• PSAC Scholar Athlete 2006-2009
• Member of the Lock Haven University Women’s Volleyball Team 2006-2008
• CPR/Professional Rescuer Certified
EXPERIENCE:
ZUFFA Ultimate Fighting Championship Las Vegas, NV
Sponsorship Intern Summer 2010
• Assisted in creation and development of sales proposals
• Organized and executed contractual deliverables to sponsors
• Created an available inventory tracking and allocation system for sponsors and their deliverables
• Interacted with sponsors and athlete talent while assisting in client entertainment events
• Assisted client services team with partner Sponsor Summit in Mexico
• Researched and developed prospect profile system in reference for sales
Lock Haven University Women’s Volleyball Team Lock Haven, PA
Student Assistant Coach Summer/Fall 2009
• Trained various skill sets to team members
• Analyzed and oversaw individual instruction of players
• Set up video at matches for uploading on conference website video share system
• Compiled match statistics for sports information and NCAA records
Stanford University Athletic Department Palo Alto, CA
Compliance Intern Summer 2009
• Gathered and entered student-athlete data for compliance information and NCAA research
• Created a form for student-athlete financial aid requests/special needs
• Checked for student athlete official records for eligibility in terms of progress towards degree
• Collected and computed student athlete academic data to create a quarter grade report for the previous spring quarter
Stanford University Coach’s Offices Palo Alto, CA
Men’s Volleyball Coach’s Assistant Summer 2008
• Created men’s volleyball alumni mailing list for fundraising purposes
• Created marketing ideas through market research for next season’s matches to increase attendance
• Organized housing with the university for men’s volleyball boy’s summer camp participants
• Created a system for collecting and organizing recruits’ information
Bay to Bay Volleyball Club San Jose, CA
Director’s Assistant Summer 2008
• Organized athletes’ paperwork to be sent to the Northern California Volleyball Association for approval
• Created CD’s of the club’s rules and regulations for parents
• Supervised/set up practice, made sure coaches had all supplies, and kept medical supplies
• Created an e-mail system of all members of the club for director to quickly relay information
Lock Haven Team Volleyball Camp Lock Haven, PA
Coach Summer 2007-2009
• Coached high school girls’ volleyball team
• Supervised and checked girls during time outside camp and performed bed checks
• Ran camp store, handled store money/kept inventory and reported to the university
• Registered and checked girls out at the beginning and end of camp in order to ensure safety
COMPUTER SKILLS:
• Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Excel, Publisher, FrontPage, & Movie Maker
REFERENCES:
David Safer
Director of Digital Sales & Sponsorships
Zuffa, LLC. UFC/WEC
(702) 588-5515
dsafer@ufc.com
Megan Boone
Assistant Athletic Director, Compliance Services
Stanford University
(650) 723-6150
mboone@stanford.edu
Tom Justice
Women's Volleyball Head Coach
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2388
tjustice@lhup.edu
Carl Poff
Assistant Professor
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2578
cpoff@lhup.edu
Charles Campisi
Instructor
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2462
ccampisi@lhup.edu
Justin Wartella
Assistant Professor
Lock Haven University
(570) 484-2419
jwartell@lhup.edu
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
My Start
The past four to five months have gone by way too quickly. I graduated, moved accross the country, and finished an internship. It was a blast and I felt like I was on top of my game. I felt like T-Pain, Ludacris, etc. stole my slogan: All I do is win, win, win, no matter what. And to answer your question, yes, I'm still waiting for my royalty check.
I graduated from Lock Haven University. No, you haven't heard of it. It's a small school in rural PA where if you're lucky, you can see real Amish buggies and paper boys. I received a degree in Sport Administration with a minor in Coaching (because why not).
My Asian mother will be quick to tell you I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.819. When I showed her my gold chords she smiled her "I'm so genuinely happy and not faking it" smile that's incredibly rare, save her time at the Wheel of Fortune slot machines. Anyway, I was well liked by all my professors and assumed I would be sorely missed. Graduation finally came and I was all set to leave beautiful Central Pennsylvania with an internship waiting for me in Las Vegas.
I had been chomping at the bit for months prior to graduation to leave Amish Country for Sin City. If you don't understand why, visit one or the other. You'll figure it out. I made the cross country trek with my Dad, my Honda Civic named Juan Carlos, and all my stuff jammed in the trunk and backseat. It was fun. But like my four years on the East Coast, I don't think I need to do it again.
I got an internship with UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in the Sponsorship Department. I was so excited and felt lucky to have landed such a unique internship. Lucky in the sense that I found it, not that I got it. Remember I graduated Summa Cum Laude =)
The internship was fantastic. I got a lot of free stuff, a trip to Cabo, and a floor seat at the world famous MGM Grand Garden Arena for UFC 116 where I saw a guy get his arm broken. I did a lot of intern-y stuff too like mailing things, or delivering other things; but overall I had a great experience. Plus, when I wasn't working, I was in Vegas. I also thrive in the heat, so I was feeling pretty good about life.
It dawned on me about half way through my internship that I would like to have a permanent position in the workforce. It also dawned on me that if I couldn't procure the position of my dreams, I would have to move home. So needless to say, I began applying to all kinds of jobs.
Some of those applications are still pending, but I wasn't able to get hired before my internship was over and my lease was up. My move home was inevitable. I hadn't been so sad to leave somewhere since I left home in beautiful California to go to college in Pennsylvania. I had to load up Juan Carlos once again and tear myself from Vegas to go back home. The days leading up to my drive home, and the drive itself were littered with tears, my feelings of being wildly mediocre, and some Xyience (the official energy drink of UFC) on my pants.
I didn't feel quite like the winner I was when I began my summer. I felt like the regular kid that comes home after college because the economy's bad and the job market is a tough one. If one more person had told me: "Well we all live at home for a while...it's good...you can save money," I would have roundhouse kicked them square in the face. My biggest fear in life has always been mediocrity. I didn't want to hear that everyone at one point or another has done what I would be doing. That's the worst. I arrived home feeling defeated, despite the efforts of most assuring me I could easily find a job and be out in no time. I'm smart and have a million dollar smile; so how could I go wrong? But I still find it hard, even with these facts, to completely exorcise my feelings of sadness and disappointment.
So now I'm here at home doing my best to network, search, and keep a positive attitude for a job. I'll keep you posted...
I graduated from Lock Haven University. No, you haven't heard of it. It's a small school in rural PA where if you're lucky, you can see real Amish buggies and paper boys. I received a degree in Sport Administration with a minor in Coaching (because why not).
My Asian mother will be quick to tell you I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.819. When I showed her my gold chords she smiled her "I'm so genuinely happy and not faking it" smile that's incredibly rare, save her time at the Wheel of Fortune slot machines. Anyway, I was well liked by all my professors and assumed I would be sorely missed. Graduation finally came and I was all set to leave beautiful Central Pennsylvania with an internship waiting for me in Las Vegas.
I had been chomping at the bit for months prior to graduation to leave Amish Country for Sin City. If you don't understand why, visit one or the other. You'll figure it out. I made the cross country trek with my Dad, my Honda Civic named Juan Carlos, and all my stuff jammed in the trunk and backseat. It was fun. But like my four years on the East Coast, I don't think I need to do it again.
I got an internship with UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) in the Sponsorship Department. I was so excited and felt lucky to have landed such a unique internship. Lucky in the sense that I found it, not that I got it. Remember I graduated Summa Cum Laude =)
The internship was fantastic. I got a lot of free stuff, a trip to Cabo, and a floor seat at the world famous MGM Grand Garden Arena for UFC 116 where I saw a guy get his arm broken. I did a lot of intern-y stuff too like mailing things, or delivering other things; but overall I had a great experience. Plus, when I wasn't working, I was in Vegas. I also thrive in the heat, so I was feeling pretty good about life.
It dawned on me about half way through my internship that I would like to have a permanent position in the workforce. It also dawned on me that if I couldn't procure the position of my dreams, I would have to move home. So needless to say, I began applying to all kinds of jobs.
Some of those applications are still pending, but I wasn't able to get hired before my internship was over and my lease was up. My move home was inevitable. I hadn't been so sad to leave somewhere since I left home in beautiful California to go to college in Pennsylvania. I had to load up Juan Carlos once again and tear myself from Vegas to go back home. The days leading up to my drive home, and the drive itself were littered with tears, my feelings of being wildly mediocre, and some Xyience (the official energy drink of UFC) on my pants.
I didn't feel quite like the winner I was when I began my summer. I felt like the regular kid that comes home after college because the economy's bad and the job market is a tough one. If one more person had told me: "Well we all live at home for a while...it's good...you can save money," I would have roundhouse kicked them square in the face. My biggest fear in life has always been mediocrity. I didn't want to hear that everyone at one point or another has done what I would be doing. That's the worst. I arrived home feeling defeated, despite the efforts of most assuring me I could easily find a job and be out in no time. I'm smart and have a million dollar smile; so how could I go wrong? But I still find it hard, even with these facts, to completely exorcise my feelings of sadness and disappointment.
So now I'm here at home doing my best to network, search, and keep a positive attitude for a job. I'll keep you posted...
Hello!
My name is Caroline Acosta, a recent college graduate, and on the search for a career. It's a pretty typical scenario. However, I tend to balk at most things typical, average, or normal. So I hope to make this job search interesting, but mostly quick. You, the lucky reader, will be able to hear all about my journey.
Let me start by explaining my title. 300 is one of my favorite movies. As my mother has so eloquently said about me: "She has a certain level of tolerance for brutality." She's right. I admire, though could never engage in it myself, primitive aggression. Anyway, we all remember the infamous line King Leonidas delivers to the Persian messenger; "This is Sparta!" Immediately after, Leonidas kicks the messenger into what I like to believe are the depths of Hell.
So this is Sparta. Welcome!
Let me start by explaining my title. 300 is one of my favorite movies. As my mother has so eloquently said about me: "She has a certain level of tolerance for brutality." She's right. I admire, though could never engage in it myself, primitive aggression. Anyway, we all remember the infamous line King Leonidas delivers to the Persian messenger; "This is Sparta!" Immediately after, Leonidas kicks the messenger into what I like to believe are the depths of Hell.
So this is Sparta. Welcome!
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