Okay, aggressive article title- I know. Of course I don’t mean this literally, but it’s about a very important lesson I think all seniors should learn. I’m not preaching that you should randomly pull an Emily in Paris or drop everything in hopes of becoming TikTok famous (if only we could all be self-made millionaires by 23 for doing our makeup on camera). As you and I both know, that is sadly not the case. This article is about the high rewards that come from high risks in your job search. Let me explain.
apply for that job you know you won’t get
I’ve mentioned this strategy in some of my previous articles about job hunting- when you’re scrolling Handshake, Linkedin and Ziprecruiter, don’t breeze past that advanced managerial role or editorial position. Aiming your expectations at the sky is not only a great manifestation technique, but a great way to expose yourself to companies and get your name out there.
While you probably won’t (ok, definitely won’t) score those high-up positions straight out of undergrad, it’s super common for HR to pass your info along and recommend you for a more appropriate spot at the company. Getting your resumé on someone’s desk at your dream job is more important than the rejection letter you’ll get.
You’d be surprised how many hiring managers will consider your application for entry-level positions because you aimed high. Not only does it make you look ambitious and confident, but it never hurts to apply to as many spots as possible to increase your chances.
let go of what you thought you’d always end up doing
You’ll only feel more disappointed and anxious about post-grad if you’re still holding on to the vision you had of your future self when you were in high school. If you asked 17-year-old me, I would have said I was going to become a marketing executive and work at a big advertising firm in New York City. I wanted to create commercials and magazine ads and major in Business Management. Wow, a lot changes with time.
I can definitely relate to the disappointment it can cause when your life path twists and curves out of the mold you thought you’d fit. Whether it stems from your parents expectations (my Dad wanted me to study accounting- wtf?) or your own high standards for yourself, just try to remember that you want to create an interesting life. You want adventure, you want lessons, and you want unconventional opportunities. These are the things that make us become the best versions of ourselves in our 20s.
So, let go of expectations. Let go of what you thought was a “realistic” job for yourself after school. Have confidence- you truly never know where it will get you.