why is this system so unfair?

willmingtonwave
Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:55:26 +0000

The people who were recruiters I was not talking to them as a prospective applicant.

Nonetheless, the nature of the workplace is different, companies are hiring on a need-be basis rather than having a traditional fall and spring recruiting period. Additionally, many companies are hiring interns and temporary employees to save money (no healthcare, lower wages, etc.).

Out of my classmates, and this is from a top 30 school, not many have jobs and many of the ones that do are doing fellowships or TFA.

So yes, this is the route I have taken. I had a few interviews, got offered three positions and took the best one. In fact when I talked to the HR folks on the phone for my current position, they all but said they were trying to fill a void that they did not want to fill with hiring someone. I have set myself up very well by taking something temporary, I’ll have a great reference, its a well known organization, I am in the city I want to work in permanently, etc.

Oh and also, by “average” I am talking about the people I am interacting with (ie: competitive people). I graduated with honors from a top 30 school and did three summer internships throughout college with great organizations. I also worked three jobs on campus.

Bottom line: there is no shame doing something temporary. Embrace it, try something new, but that will further your experience. It is not enough to “roll” with the punches, you have to revel in them.