Entry-Level Work

Hi Blogger -- been a while since my last post. (Doubt I have any followers out there anymore!) It's been a busy summer here in Atlanta. Today marks my second day of unemployment since my graduation in May. I haven't posted about any of this yet, so I'll catch everyone up real quick. I began a post-graduation internship doing Sports Management work with Georgia Soccer Association, a state organization that administers everything soccer in the state of Georgia. I worked 40 hours a week and commuted about 45 minutes a day from my home in Marietta. I describe this work as a great transition from college, as it gave me my first real office experience (definitely valuable). I sat at a computer and helped whichever department needed assistance; this work would include spreadsheets, newsletters, accounting invoices, website advancements, and much more. The highlights of the internship included a one week chaperon assignment in Tuscaloosa for a group of 17 year old Olympic Development boys, and another highlight was working the 450-team Publix Atlanta Cup tournament over Labor Day weekend. I enjoyed this internship as it was very relevant to my interests, but unfortunately it is a small non-profit that doesn't have much room to "hire in". Following this internship, I went directly into an entry-level position with Marriott International. I had dabbled with the idea of working in hospitality, although I knew nothing about the chaotic industry. I got my interview, nailed it, and was hired as a Delighted to Serve Ambassador doubling as a Guest Service Representative. Little did I know, these positions were 100% service-based and required difficult schedules in a disorganized workplace. I pick up on things relatively quickly, and I could tell this was not for me. I left Marriott a few days ago, while I was still in my probationary training period, so it was on good terms with senior management as I explained my situation. Now I am currently seeking a position more relevant to my degree, where I know I can succeed and be an asset for a long time to come.

I found this article while browsing LinkedIn a few days ago, and thought it was relevant to my situation, as well as countless other graduates out there. It is titled Quit Before a Year? Here's What to Know, posted by JT O'Donnell. It is definitely worth a read if you are in a position like me. It explores the ideology and consequences of leaving a job within the first year. She describes that leaving the position should have nothing to do with the management or pay, and should be centered around your individual marketability. Criticizing your former company will not impress potential new employers, so you should carefully phrase your decision as follows. "You fear you won't be marketable in the future if you don't proactively move your career forward now. In short, show them you are a business-of-one who knows it's up to you to stay relevant and employable long-term." This quote from JT O'Donnell really hit home for me, as I knew I would not be given the opportunity to grow the way I wanted with Marriott. Staying in a stagnant position can hurt your future marketability and may lessen your chances of learning new skills as well. She finishes the article by explaining what most of us already know - that we should not make this a habit. My next course of action is to take the next couple days and really research what I want to do with my career. Find a company/industry where I will fit and be able to work for years to come. That being said, be wise with your decisions but if you know it's not a fit, then don't be scared to quit.