Like many of my fellow seniors, I was pretty worried about finding a full-time job before graduation. I applied to positions all over Michigan and even some in other parts of the country, but I got no interviews or offers. It was discouraging to have dozens of applications that just led to dead-ends, so I was afraid that I was going to have to move back home and hunt for a job for a few months after I finished school.
However, I got an invitation to interview for a paralegal position with a technology company in Utah and so I decided to try my luck. I did not really think that I would get the job but I kept moving forward in the interview process. Eventually, I received an offer and I went to tour the office so I could see if I liked the area.
I was shocked at how amazing and modern everything was, including the open floor plan, coffee bar, and free snacks and lunches. I realized that this was the perfect fit for me, so I signed with the company. It hit me on my way back home that I really am beginning my career and starting my adult life.
It was a really big wake-up call to see how expensive it is to live on my own and move to another state. I have spent the last week hunting for a car, an apartment, insurance, and other necessities that I’ll need to have lined up when I move in May. It has been challenging and exciting all at once since it’s difficult to find things that aren’t too expensive, but it’s also fun to realize that I am really starting my career.
Finding your first job is a long process that can be discouraging at times, but once you finally land that offer you realize that there are endless possibilities ahead of you. The hours you spend writing cover letters and filling out applications will all be worth it once you secure the job, so don’t give up if things don’t seem to be working out.