The Job Search is a Full Time Job

When it comes to the job search newly graduated folks do not realize that it is a full time job in itself. I myself am in a job search professionally for the second time. I probably haven't mentioned this before but I have my master's degree in Higher Education Administration. For the past three years I have been working in higher education but the last two I had been working as a Residence Hall Director.

(This picture is of me post master's graduation and I was amidst my job search. May 2018.)

In my first professional search, I was in graduate school and I was working as a graduate assistant in academic advising as a student retention specialist. I had the guidance of my supervisor and the help of my friends and family to get through the long process of the job search. I was strictly looking for residence life and housing positions that would allow me to live in (on campus in a professional staff apartment). I was searching for a job from February 2018- October 2018. I was resilient, persistent and knew my worth when it came to job search what I was looking for when it came to a college or university. I knew what I wanted in a supervisor and I knew I needed to have the opportunity to live my adult life.

The job search for the first time was such a hard process to go through because it was unknown and there were so many folks in the pool of applicants. This time around for my second professional job search I know what other department I want to work for and I know what my worth really is. My last job was stressful, no real work life balance and took a toll on my mental health. One thing I know for sure this time around is I won't settle for less and I won't give up just because folks aren't giving me the chance to show them that I am good for their team. I have many skills gained from residence life that I can transfer over to many other departments in a college campus. This time around I am picky (which is was before) as to where I will work and what institution of higher education will invest in me so I can advance in this field. I am looking for a place that I can connect with students and be my authentic self.

I am always going to be grateful for the time at my first institution and I do not regret anything. It is just time to move up and I am ready for what's out there! Keep on the look out for some job search updates in future posts!

xoxo,

Harp