<p>That’s exactly what my D said about MIT this year. Since the OP has a 3.0 GPA, he won’t have as many job opps as the 3.8 kid. The jobs I’m familiar with in financial services have a minimum GPA of 3.4.</p>
<p>The MIT Government Career Fair was in October. Just checked and Penn’s GCF was also in October, so the OP missed that.</p>
<p>The OP did mention an interest in teaching. Is he aware that Penn has a Virtual International Opportunities Career Fair going on right now?</p>
<p>Its a heck of a thing if you have to have a 3.8 GPA from Wharton or MIT to get a job these days. Employers can afford to be extra choosy I guess. I’d be on the unemployment lines.</p>
<p>I understand the point of view that is concerned he might get off track if he takes just any job- but things are different than even three years ago & he isn’t going to be much good to any employer if he gets ill because he hasn’t been eating.</p>
<p>Dont take this the wrong way, but I think the OP needs to wake up (meant in the best motherly sort of way, of course). I would say the same to my own child. Im sorry for your circumstances and wish you the best, but you need to do what you need to do, no matter how demeaning it may seem to you at this point. A degree from Wharton or any other university or college isnt going to provide for you youre going to have to take action and swallow some pride.</p>
<p>I would work any job, anywhere to do what I needed to do to put food on the table and a roof over my familys head. Ive had this conversation several times with people I work with and theyve all said the same. I would be a Wal-Mart greeter if I needed to in order to get on my feet. I say this and I have an MBA the degree or the school doesnt amount to squat if you dont have food and shelter.</p>
<p>Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start doing something about it. Start by developing a humble, more appreciative perspective. </p>
<p>Youve been given some really great advice by many good people. </p>
<p>Namely,
~Contact a local church and talk to the pastor about your situation and need for transportation to interviews and some sort of job to make ends meet. Many churches have retired members who run errands for the homebound. This may be a humbling experience for you but maybe thats what you need quite honestly.</p>
<p>~Get a job waiting tables, bartending or working part time at Wal-Mart to buy food and save enough for a cheapo car its transportation. When youre not at work, arrange face to face interviews in Austin. Once you have the transportation issue solved, your opportunities are greater for finding something more along the lines of your degree but at least you wont starve to death in the meantime.</p>
<p>~Posters have mentioned going back to Penn and maybe thats an answer for the longer shorter term. Maybe thats the next step for you but I think that would need to come after you at least have enough money in your pocket to eat. Who knows, maybe a church pastor would be willing to pay for your ticket back to Penn with a promise of repayment when youre on your feet.</p>
<p>And stop talking about all the Ivy League schools you got into. It’s irrelevant. You need to start doing something, anything, now. If friends are offering to get you back to Philly, take it. Penn is there, public transport is there.
You can always do the same for someone else someday.</p>
<p>Figuring out a way to get to Philly sounds like a good idea.
If there are no options there, you need to figure out how to get some work, any work. I like the idea of getting a bike if you’re in area that doesn’t have trans.
I worked for a place called RGIS Inventory Specialists when I was in college. Look them up online. I believe they have offices all over the country. You count things on store shelves…boring but I believe it pays more than minimum wage. There are other jobs of course…retail, landscaping, whatever. Just to tide you over, help you save a small amount and then get a “real” Job<br>
If food is a problem, look into food banks in your area.<br>
Like other posters, I do detect that you may be in a bit of denial here. Applying online for distant jobs is just not going to do it at this point. We all have low points in our lives…even Ivy grads. You need to fight to hard to get out of this one. Check your ego at the door. Make a few dollars and take it a step at a time. It’s tough out there…but you can do it.</p>
<p>You really need to just call an end to applying for jobs all over the nation for now. </p>
<p>Please just try to focus on either making a go of things in Austin or figuring out a way for pals back in your neck of the woods to help you out for a while. </p>
<p>If you have legs you can walk. If you have legs, arms, and a booty you can ride a bike. If you have strength and determination, you can either walk or bike your way to a greater glory in Austin. Or, you can just bust out your address book and work your friends hard for help back in your neck of the woods. </p>
<p>Sitting about at a relatives house for right at a thirty day minimum and applying for jobs all over God’s creation online ain’t gonna cut it. </p>
<p>We are in a recession. Call it what you will. A recession, a depressed job market. Whatever. </p>
<p>The whole ball game has changed. Do what you have to do to get your business straight even if it is something which does not float your boat right off the bat. The mess with it, honey.</p>
<p>I guess I need to clarify: I’m not trying to come across as arrogant – I <em>have</em> swallowed my pride and applied to minimum wage jobs around the area as close as possible. The problem is that none of them actually extend an offer to me, even if I give them all followup calls after a week of nonresponse to let them know I am still interested. </p>
<p>In the meantime, money is dwindling and transportation is bleak. This is the crux of my problem. I am just mentally and emotionally exhausted because I’ve got a lot of valuable skills to offer in conjunction with a good education (just a poor GPA), and yet it still feels like it’s not enough. It’s been a long, ongoing struggle and so stress is high. Maybe I just don’t interview well?</p>
<p>My friends back in Philly are willing to let me crash there, but of course I’d have to get there and be able to land work and start paying for my own housing immediately. I do have a few interviews in the pipes locally – so far one of them has been entirely over the phone. The others through email, but I know they’re going to need me in person at some point.</p>
<p>I really do appreciate all the support and good advice in this thread – it’s helped me keep my head straight.</p>
<p>OP, this is a question that hasn’t been asked of you, but are you a US citizen? Do you have a visa to work here legally? Are you on a visa that will expire if you cannot find work? Are you only looking for companies that can sponsor you?</p>
<p>Don’t be too proud to ask your Penn friends for help Max. Do it now and, do it without any shame. Part of being an adult is knowing when you need help and, asking for it. Granted, easier said than done - but, think of it as a crash-course in networking.</p>
<p>Yeah, I am basically trying to find something anywhere.</p>
<p>In bad news, though, I just got off the phone with Chicago. That option’s a goner :/</p>
<p>However, a friend of mine who currently works in San Fran gave my resume to their HR Department at a firm that’s right up my alley and is currently looking for people. I’m hoping that one turns out a bit better.</p>
<p>Please don’t take this wrong. I have friends that found the quickest and easiest way to earn some money is by waiting on tables. </p>
<p>Also, can you tutor ? Even online since you have a transportation problem ? I know many college students looking for some help in finance, stats. </p>
<p>My neighbor, an engineer was downsized during one of the downturns many years ago. He turned to tutoring. It took time to built up but I am sure he makes a very very good income now. From the nice cars he have and numerous upgrades to his house, I would speculate it is a 6 figure income. Most of his students are college students. </p>
<p>ETA: His students go to his house for the sessions so no car is necessary.</p>
<p>^I honestly don’t know how he got started. I think it’s all word of mouth now. He is totally booked and does not take in new students any more. He tutors math & science subjects. </p>
<p>I have kids in college and need extra help now and then. I pay about $60- $100 per session. I think my kids look for their tutors through their boards at college. </p>
<p>Some kids are always needing extra help in Math. My d needed help in first year Cal. I know finance/stats course are very hard too. </p>
<p>Is there a high school close to where you currently live ? Any neighborhood kids need tutoring ?</p>
Use flyers, go door to door in your neighborhood or local high school. Call the school district and ask to be put on the tutor list. People always need help with math.</p>
<p>I think it’s time to be more creative about your job search. In this job climate, just sending out resumes cold is not going to get you the results you’re after. You have skills that you can offer. Go to the local libraries, senior centers, schools, community colleges, ASPCA, anyplace and offer to do SOMETHING – teach seniors computer skills, SAT prep for HS students, dog walking, etc. It’s not enough just to ask if there are job openings, you also have to propose jobs that you can do. Obviously, this is to get you something to tide you over. I know you didn’t go to Wharton so you can have a career walking dogs. Just don’t discount anything though — you could be the next Cesar Milan!</p>
<p>About your transportation problems. If getting around on a bike didn’t occur to you before someone posted about it here, you’re definitely not thinking enough about creative problem solving. I know people who do everything on their bikes, and that includes riding 20 + miles to work (and back home). Heck, I know an 80 year old who walks 5 miles to her doctor’s appointment. </p>
<p>Also, if you have a friend who is willing to help you out with a plane ticket and temporary place to stay in Philly, it may be time to swallow your pride and take them up on the offer. You could even turn it into an ‘investment’ for whoever is willing to pitch in. Be creative. Ask for help and funding in getting you a job and you will return the favor with some in-kind service. Everyone has an onerous chore they’ve been putting off. Offer to do it for them in return for a donation now, for the worthy cause of helping you get back on your feet. Or even offer to volunteer in their name, somewhere of their choice. You can even start a blog about it (and you wouldn’t be the first to go down this route. It’s worked for others.) Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Just like you’re doing here. See how much people want to help you out? And we don’t even know you.</p>