Applicant #14: Kendra Quinn

Kendra Quinn is a 23-year-old from St. Louis.

Kendra's video application:

Kendra's current situation:

I am a 23 year-old recent graduate from the University of Missouri, with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. I am currently a sales associate at the Gap, and a part-time promotions manager/editorial contributor for an up and coming online magazine, College Femme. I am a social media junkie, and I love to blog in my spare time! I enjoy inspiring others through my work. I am interested in all things media. I am an aspiring radio personality, hostess/VJ, and executive producer. I have an extremely unique set of goals, with a passionate "can-do" attitude. I eventually plan to pursue a post-graduate degree in Marketing, yet I am currently searching for a full-time entry-level position that will be both fulfilling and enjoyable.

Kendra's blog post:

"The Job Search Chronicles"

Everyday I feel like I am getting closer. Is it all just a false dream? Being a recent graduate in an economy like this can be very frustrating.

It is just a month or so past the one-year mark since I graduated from college. What do I actually have to show for it? Am I any more financially stable than I was in college? Have I impacted my community or society in a positive way? Am I considered a professional now?

These are all questions I ask myself every single day. I am sure that there are a lot of recent graduates in my boat right now. I have sat in lecture halls (with hundreds of students) where the professor has stated that only a few students in that very class would have jobs after graduating. I know some of you reading this understand where I am coming from. There are others in my graduating class who seem to have had better luck than me. They have done this by securing an internship that will lead to a full-time job, a temporary position through a non-profit organization that has wonderful benefits, or a corporate dream job in their field of study that they attained through knowing someone. There are then, those who are going on to graduate school, getting further into debt.

I tend to be extremely picky, and I possess a somewhat ambiguous degree. I am very realistic when it comes to setting goals. The flip side to this is that I have ridiculously high expectations for myself, and this sort of unspoken pressure that I sense from those around me. I do believe that everyone should have a chance based on their merits, and not simply "whom they know." Sadly, it seems good, old-fashioned networking and "kissing-up" have become synonymous with one another in today's rat race.

I know the challenges I face. Now, what is one to do?

1) Know your career path. Where do you ultimately want to be? Keep an open mind on the actual positions you apply for. Do not assume that just because it is not your dream job, it will not open doors for you. Humble yourself. "Bloom where you are planted."

2) Explore positions with companies and organizations that are compatible with your passion and career goals. Research is key. Do not put an emphasis on salary. Your desired earnings will come with time, hard work, and experience.

3) Be consistent. Do not get discouraged with rejection. The road to success is a journey, not a fixed destination. After all, anything worth having is worth working for; this is true.

4) Do not let anyone dictate your next move. It is your life. Do not compare yourself to others and what they are doing. Doing this may distract you, or make you feel inadequate. Keep your tunnel vision. Set clear goals, and execute.

5) Enjoy your abundant leisure time. Work hard, and play harder.

Happy job hunting!

Kendra