I was recently denied an unpaid internship position to which I had applied. I could probably just leave it at that -- a sentence that sums up my self-worth, which has been severely damaged in the year since I graduated college.
Normally, I would have accepted defeat, disguised as a considerately worded e-mail, which stated that I "was not a good fit" for the organization. But I couldn't. I'm not sure if it was my outbox stuffed full of cover letters and resumes from a yearlong search for work. This was one rejection I was unable to process. Why had years of over-achieving translated into unemployment?
I abandoned my passivity and responded to the e-mail. I asked why I was denied a position for which I was clearly qualified given my photocopying prowess; all I saw was an opportunity that required the minimal effort of ten hours a week.
Surprisingly, I received an e-mail back that same day, openly explaining why they chose another candidate. It turns out I was not only a terrible fit for them; it was also apparent that I had not thoroughly researched the organization before applying. My contact at the organization was polite and even offered to distribute my resume for projects that were more aligned with my career and education goals.
After approximately thirty seconds, it dawned on me that I wasn't any closer to having that elusive post-graduate job, despite my aggressive emailing. And then I experienced an epiphany, though not a necessarily unique one: work plus education no longer equals a better life.
In today's world, one must add connections to this formula to be successful. As a small-town girl from Ohio, I was consumed by the original version of it, the one that supposedly
had proven results. Without believing in that formula, I wonder if I would have cared as
deeply as I did about becoming my high school salutatorian or graduating from college with honors -- a flurry of academic achievements that I was told would end in triumph with a great job, propelling me toward my real life, whatever that means.
Jett Wells: WATCH: Young, Educated And UNPAID
With all your years of over-achievement - I'd have thought you'd learn that lesson. I'm afraid to ask what your major at NYU was. This reminds me of the Times story (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/your-money/student-loans/29money.htm) about the woman who graduated NYU with a degree in Religious and Women's studies - and can only get work as a Photographer's assistant in SFO.
The reason for this is simple, most jobs can be taught with training, very few jobs duties are learned in college, so anyone can be taught the skills needed fo the job. You can't teach hard work and commitment. A person who for the past 5 years has had a steady job or 2 with good work references, and hasn't been fired is invaluable. Many people are hired trained and either leave after 2 weeks, or come in late, do lazy work ect. A college grad is an unknown. For the most part if somene is at a job for a few years there were a good employee, or at least acceptable.
Now there are expections, some high tech degrees, post-grad degrees, specific degrees, will be needed for specific jobs. But the difference of most liberal arts degrees is minimal that most jobs will treat them the same. If you are with the company for a few years, and want to move up, or you have several years work experience, that is where your specific degree may make a difference.
You're not going to be able to even get a job wearing a polyester smock and chanting, "You want fries with that?' unless you show some interest in the company.
Now you have a job (maybe two), you are paying your way, you are meeting people, you are networking more (yes Virginia, networking helps), and you are a much more attractive candidate for an entry-level job in your career of choice.
When I've hired people, I've always been more apt to go with the person who is working a real job, rather than someone fresh from college.
Good luck to you.
Why are you surprized that their lack of interest in you mirrors your own obvious lack of interest in them?
That said, I think unpaid internships are something of a scam... why not consider volunteering work- there are a LOT of potentially valuable jobs available with them, and they can help you build your resume as well as any dead-end internship doing photocopying and mindless clerical work for "experience"...
Your best bet is to find an ideal fit and then tailor your resume and cover letter to show employers why they should talk to you. By just submitting a standard resume to anything out there, you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot. The recruiter or HR person reading the resumes will be able to tell you haven't researched the company and won't bother to learn more about you.
The responsibilities are not beneath you at all. You will not be much behind those who graduated from West Point or other academies. The branches treat women well because of affirmative action and you will always have opportunities for that next rank, more pay, more school, and more responsibility. Women are not allowed in combat either.
More importantly you will be someone not just another anonymous drone in the private sector. You will have your "place." There will always be others below you who look to you for leadership. There will always be those above you to look up to and to emulate. You will have a great looking uniform and a great foundation of experience for politics or whatever interests you. Do some research and get in shape. After twenty years you get half of your salary paid to you for the rest of your life. The Bushes, JFK, Nixon, and Carter were all lieutenants. Lead.