I apologize if I start to sound a little bit panicked in my pieces to come. My last month in Madrid seems more than preparation for next semester than anything else. It’s quite a bit of organization for the future. Isn’t that what we spend at least ¾ of our lives doing? Getting ready for the stuff to come- first high school to bulk up the resume for college, then college to bulk up the transcript for work, then work to live a comfortable life…Well, you know the tale. I’m in a foreign country, and I still can’t run away from the vicious cycle.

I have some applications floating out there and a hefty list of cover letters to write in addition to the added issue of graduating early. I feel like each semester I take on a little bit of a superwoman stereotype assuming I can complete just about anything. “Throw 8 classes my way!” I say, but regret about 5 minutes later. It’s all about finding a balance. However, that is easier said than done I tell you.

The high school years were my prime example of this little scales game. Like I mentioned before, I loaded up on all the activities I could not only because I enjoyed them, but because I was passionate about them. I soon found that sleep triumphs passion quite quickly. When I came to college, I was rather burnt out and ready for an episode of activity Survivor. I was sending something off the island. So, I immersed myself in activities I loved with absolutely no regrets. I was content with my choices and for the first time, didn’t feel that I was spread too thin. I felt invested both physically and emotionally in a few, selective circulars of choice. But, of course, that balance didn’t last long.

With a lack of activities, I began to load up my class schedule in hopes to keep busy. The first few weeks are ideal because in reality, the number of hours in the classroom are limited. But when midterm time comes along, that feeling of content quickly slips away. I face this same dilemma again this semester.

The question then becomes how much can I handle? The reality of it is that I am the only one who can answer that question, but I wish with all my heart that I could push this one off on someone else. I would love to believe that I have the ability to take it all on, but it’s a matter of finding out WHAT all I would like to take on yet again. As I try to select classes for the semester to come, I also have to keep my option of graduating early open and applying to jumpstart business programs if I decide that those are a good open. I am essentially basing my schedule on a ton of “what-if” questions.

If I do end up deciding to pursue a jumpstart business program, the GRE or GMAT will be added to my list of extra activities. As much as I would love to have those wonderful standardized tests consume my life yet again, I’m not even sure if that is an option if I decide to expand my class schedule while still attempting to stay alive.

There are lots of questions and not so many answers coming my way. I keep reminding myself its about finding balance, but what is on either side of the scale?

My revived love for career exploration through popular Hollywood entertainment sparked a rather long session of further “research” this weekend. The two winners included “Town” featuring Ben Affleck and long awaited “The Social Network” featuring Facebook in all its glory. As inspiring as it would be to talk about a potential career as a bank robber from Charleston, Massachusetts, “Town” for SOME reason just didn’t seem to get the butterflies going in my stomach. The Social Network hit a little closer to home. I have always been intrigued by entrepreneurship and the ability of my peers to create. Facebook, something I would consider one of the defining factors of our generation, or online social networking in general literally changed the world. I have always wanted to change the world, but all my aspirations usually included something to do with fighting world hunger or eradicating cancer. Lesson: World change and positive change takes many forms. I need to start thinking outside the box.

The one line from the movie that stuck with me was something along the lines of: Harvard students would rather create their own jobs than settle for another job. This particular idea stuck with me because of the endless personal emphasis I put on being employed when I leave the Scripps Elm trees behind. It is the mindset of innovation and renovation that I need to take in order to truly utilize my own skills. In my opinion, many undergraduate students (and by no means do I mean all) from non-target schools do not have enough faith in their own ideas to pursue them on the large scale. Innovation is what keeps the world turning in an increasingly globalized world. Blogger Rob Warner referenced a talk given by Aaron Hillegass about the end of innovation.

Call me optimistic, but I’m not a believer. Within the last five years, I have managed to talk to my cousin in India while he is Skyping with his mom in Dubai who is Facebooking with her cousin in Atlanta who is in the store buying the new IPhone 4. What kind of world do we live in?? One with possibilities. I find it very, very hard to believe that we have reached the full capacity of human brilliance. With my newfound inspiration, I want to contribute. As spring semester swings around, start a new club, make some new friends, attend more lectures. I know I personally spend too much time cooped up in the Honnold-Mudd Library. Scripps has many, many resources to take advantage of, and you never know how you will be inspired next.

1 month and 4 days. The countdown to reality begins. I’ve already alerted the family that I will have to be single-handedly dragged out of my wonderful host family’s home when it comes time to leave Spain behind and make my way back to Claremont. They were less than amused by this option.

However, I could already see that American mentality kick in. The Countdown. For me, it’s interesting that so much of my daily routine is based around countdowns. The countdown of hours in until my first psychology paper is due, until my summer internship applications are due, and, of course, until the next paycheck arrives. On the contrary, Spain countdowns have include the following: The countdown until lunch. The countdown until my next churros con chocolate. And, of course, the countdown until siesta (I’m REALLY going to miss those). I can’t say that my classes here haven’t been rigorous because they have definitely challenged and pushed me, but it seems that the cultural perks of being abroad have “vale la pena,” which basically means “makes it worthwhile.” I’m unconsciously waning out the Spanish countdowns as my usual mindset sneaks its way back in.

However, I’m reenergized. The beauty of being abroad is the ability for this experience to make a student realize the possibilities out there. I was highly considering making this blog about how unbelievably critical my study abroad experience was in shaping my career choices, but as I read over my previous write-ups, it seems that I hit that one home a long time ago! Continue reading →

There is nothing like a trip to Barcelona to up one’s spirits. If you are looking to be rejuvenated, just being in the presence of an invigorating piece of art will remind you how small you are in comparison to the world around you. While I stood in front of Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia (to be completed in 2020, and I highly suggest you go before and after), I couldn’t help but think about how incredible it is that cold, hard stone could be transformed into something that made me forget to breathe. That type of power is indescribable. In the midst of all this, I realized that this power, this passion, is so much greater than me. However, it begins with me. Just a few days later, I came about another phenomenal Ted Talks video presented by the co-founder of the microlending phenomenon Kiva.

Jessica Jackley emphasizes how her inspiration comes from the power of Christianity, and although that doesn’t particularly apply to me, her story reminded me that every sector of study has the possibility to positively affect someone’s life (she was a poetry major mind you!).

Somewhere in between my last post and this one, I decided (drum roll please) that I would like to pursue an internship in an economics related-field during the summer to come. I’m not 100% sure what to expect OR what I will be getting myself into. But, we are making progress by narrowing down the options.

I find the subject matter fascinating, but as I sit in my Economía en el Union Europea class, I am constantly blown away by the immense amount of knowledge my fellow classmates have. Though I am constantly engaged during the class period, on occasion I feel as though I didn’t get my personal copy of “Economics for Dummies.” It’s intimidating. Because I’ve decided just now to throw myself into the field, I’m feeling a like I’m trailing behind while the pack is plowing through ahead. However, it was the magic of Barcelona that reminded me that my feeling of uneasiness is something small in the greater picture. Just as Jackley explains, the power of hope and ability to make change is an individual trait that can be harnessed at any time. So I can’t name off the name of every prime minister in Europe, but I sure will sit down and learn it.

Change can be scary like we’ve established before, but don’t let it set you back. Some of us may have to work a little harder in the beginning, but don’t underestimate your ability to succeed. Just a little bit of inspiration and faith in yourself can go a long way. There is too much to learn and see to shy away from what seems like impossible. And on we go!

I came across this article a few days ago after hours of reshaping my resúmé. As I start my internship search, it’s nice to know which professions have the most potential growth. However, there is nothing like playing the game to understand what it is all about. Last year was my first attempt up to bat. My first pitch – a phone interview? As if a regular interview didn’t have me on edge enough, let’s through in a twist to make things a little more amusing!  How was I supposed to “woo” my first employer if they couldn’t see my smiling face ? Even me, the cell phone addict, didn’t know how to deal with this one on my own. So, we brought out the big armory: CP&R. Some advice on phone interviews:

1)   Dress your best. I was informed that PJs were not acceptable during a phone interview. It’s true that your employer may not see you, but there is something powerful about rocking the suit that just radiates confidence even over the phone.

2)   Find a silent, secluded place to take your phone call. I reserved a room in CP&R which worked out marvelously. Landlines are significantly more reliable than cell phones, so I suggest finding a place with a functioning landline and reserving it.

3)   Practice speaking into a phone to get used to your voice inflections. Try recording your voice to make sure you don’t sound too enthusiastic or too senile. It’s a fine line my friend.

4)   Research, research, research. I know you have heard it before time and time again. Besides knowing the ins-and-outs of the firm and your place in all the chaos, take the extra step to find out some specifics about your interviewer (name, position, background). You never know when your mutual love for goat cheese wins you a place at the table.

5)   Continue to smile when you are performing your phone interview. This little lesson I learned from my job at the Scripps Phonathon. You would not believe the difference it makes when you smile while speaking rather than remaining expressionless. Smile and you will be able to tell if your interviewer is smiling back at you.

6)   Bring notes. Resúmé, research, laptop. Whatever you want. Using your resources is a skill, so take advantage of it.

7)   Be confident! Just because your employer isn’t sitting right in front of you doesn’t mean you can’t work your magic!

So I went in with my research, my laptop and my energy ready to conquer. I could feel my legs shaking furiously in my heels under the table, and I jumped every time I heard the slightest noise. Finally, it happened. THE PHONE RANG. I lifted the phone to hear a friendly voice on the other end ready to fire questions my direction. My heart was palpitating faster than when I go on the occasional run. The conversation started out cordial with my background and interests. I was so proud of myself as I name-dropped a potential co-worker’s name and a few papers he had written. Yes, I DID MY RESEARCH. I went on and on about a fabulous paper he had written just this year until I heard a little cough on the other end of the line: “Just so you know, you would not be working for that department,” she said. Immediately my heart sank. I knew that I would not be working for that department, but she didn’t. The rest of the interview went off smoothly as we discussed my experience within the job market, but something told me that I was off. As expected, weeks later I got a “thanks but no thanks” email.

I can’t lie. I was devastated. I immediately sent her a follow-up email asking what I could improve on in the future. I hate to admit it, but after not receiving a response, I emailed again to get an answer. I eventually received an email back telling me that I was one of the top candidates, but they found someone else who had goals that were better suited for the position. OY VEY. It was just as I had suspected. I did my research, but not the right type of research. It is extremely important to be aware of your position within the company and cater your interests to what they are looking for. I knew my stuff, but it just wasn’t the right stuff to know. Simultaneously, make sure that the position you are seeking is what you are looking for.