Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash
My childhood home is on a dead-end street in a quiet suburban town. We grew up with a gaggle of neighborhood kids to play with, pools to dip in and out of, and an ice cream truck blaring its tin-y tune at exactly 3:25 pm every summer afternoon. We could be found outside from the moment the sun came up until the streetlights came on, soaking up every second of our summertime freedom. Pool parties, endless kickball games, drinking out of the hose, popsicles for breakfast.
Countless memories flood the surface when reminiscing of childhood summers, but my most vivid recollection is helping in the garden.
Now as an adult, I have the privilege of continuing this summertime tradition at my home. The cold winter months are devoted to planning the garden layout and in late spring I spend hours at the farmer’s market choosing my plants. Once the ground is warm enough, I place the little seedlings in their new homes and wait for the magic to happen.
Gardening has many similarities to the job search process, particularly for new grads. Think about them like the seedlings and how the right environment and care are required for them to reach their potential.
Consider the following:
1. Every fruitful garden must start with good rich soil as the foundation.
Nourish your career through your education. Take classes that speak to you, open your mind and eyes to what is possible, and connect with those around you that enrich your experience. Seek out an internship with a reputable company in your field. This will help to cultivate on-the-job training and make you more desirable to prospective employers. Doing this basic work BEFORE you graduate with a shiny new degree will help you build a strong resume for entering the workforce.
2. Water and weed daily.
Do the daily work to grow and thrive. Research what companies you’d like to work for that align with your goals. Utilize websites like LinkedIn to connect with individuals and companies in your area of expertise. Expand your knowledge with continuing education courses, books, podcasts, technical papers, blogs, etc. Seek out a mentor in your field.
3. Patience!
Send your resume out and connect with relevant recruiters. Get your name out there. Take as many interviews as you can to help sharpen your skills. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Ask for constructive feedback and apply it as needed.
The time will come when everything just clicks: an opportunity opens up for a relevant role at a company you’re interested in, you get an interview, and a few days later, the offer!
Just like gardening, getting to enjoy the fruits of your labor takes time and patience. Do the work, put in the time, the spoils are so worth it!
Written by: Emily Henion, Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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