Practical Experience

Find Your Path: Part 1

Everybody starts somewhere. That's what my professor keeps telling me. No lie; I'm a stress mess. They expect us to have our pathway set in stone and know where we're going. I'm a junior in college and supposed to be graduating end of next year with my degree in business. I feel like I'm still winging it and trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing.

College was always something I was 'supposed' to do. I applied like all my friend did at the end of high school but I never really committed to it. I had no clue what I wanted to do or be. I've bounced from veterinarian to therapist to teacher and now have settled on business.

To complete this year, we're supposed to get "practical experience" by getting a position in a company. So far, the businesses I've looked at don't hold a ton of interest for me. Marketing, insurance, law- it all sounds so cut and dry. I want something to hold my interest. Maybe this is my problem- I tend to get bored fairly quickly. This is my fourth major since starting college. I'm hoping it sticks long enough for me to graduate and just be done with this part of my life.

"Alyx!" I hear my name yelled down the hallway as I'm walking between classes. "Slow down, girl!" Britt was running after me, as fast as her short legs would take her. Her brown hair is up in a messy bun and is bouncing all over the place. She skids to a stop in her light gray Uggs.

"What's the rush" I demand as she is folded in half, gulping in breaths. "I'm sure whatever news you have could have waited the 10 extra seconds it would have taken you to walk like a normal person." I roll my eyes as she shakes her head no.

"You remember last night when you were going on and on and on about how sucky your life was and how you were doomed to fail this year because you couldn't get a job anywhere for you major? You can start worshiping me because I found the solution to your problem!"

We start walking towards our usual hangout. The Grind is the local coffee shop on campus. Your typical cafe but they do make some badass cookies. "Okay, go on, almighty one. What is the great answer?" I inquire sarcastically. I had already reviewed all the options that my advisor was aware of and none sounded promising. I had a couple I was considering in the 'possibly tolerable' category but wasn't thrilled. It was bad enough that I was even considering changing my major again just to avoid this issue.

"So you know how my dad does that freelance photography stuff for different companies to help with their websites? Well, he was over at this business downtown and was taking portraits to boring executives when he overheard them talking about their plan for taking on some interns to promote their business as helping out the community and stuff. When I was talking to my 'rents about your dire situation, my dad said you should try this place." She steps into line to order some well needed caffeine and hands me a brochure for a realty company. "Here take this. Dad said that they had, like, a million of these things laying around."

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS!

We are looking for driven young professionals looking to gain

hands on experience in a exciting, hands on job.

Below listed contact information for their HR department.

Britt steps up to the counter to order a large, iced peppermint coffee and steps to the side to wait."Dad said that they're, like, a big company in the area and do a ton of public buildings, big attraction things, and fancy condo buildings around the downtown area." She gives me that best friend death glare. "You can't be picky and choosy forever you know. Eventually you have to settle on something. You aren't going to get hired on for the world's most exciting job ever WHILE YOU'RE STILL IN COLLEGE!"

With a big sigh, I nod my head. "Yeah, I know. I just figured I'd find some miracle position in a super cool sounding start up company. I guess realty isn't the worst thing ever. Did you hear that Nate got his internship working for a sock company? At least this could be more interesting than that. I guess I could email the HR person and see if the spots are still available? Worst case scenario, I could always change my major again" I add sarcastically with a grin.

"Please! Spare us another one of your 'Destined for Great Things' monologues. I'm not drunk enough to handle it again." She nudges me in the ribs as we head over to our tables.

She sits down and pulls out her laptop, opening it up. She points it in my direction. "Email them right now. I know you will chicken out, talk yourself out of it, or whatever it is you've been doing for the last few weeks. Get your gmail open and send them something saying you're interested."

You would think that Britt were my twin with how well she knew me. We had been best friends since 8th grade when our awful social studies teacher paired us up and we were able to commiserate together.

With another big sigh, I pull my copper hair back into a quick pony tail and drop my bag to the floor next to me. I pull Britt's laptop towards me and log into my gmail. I quickly jot an email saying that I heard about the internship program and am wondering if there are still any openings available. I hit send before I can even think about it further.

"There! Done! Are you happy now?" I demand. She gives me a smirk as she sips her coffee.

"Yes. You never would have done it if I had not been supervising." Mentally, I acknowledge that she's probably right. "You'll thank me later when you finally finish a degree." She pulls her laptop back over. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to work on my own stuff."

"Good enough. I need to get to work anyways" I say as I collect my backpack from next to my seat. I hurriedly shove the brochure in somewhere in my bag.

"Gotcha. Good luck. Schmooze some good money tonight" she replies as  she shoos me away.

I hurry out the door. I have a shift at the family restaurant I serve at to get to. Waitressing has never been something I enjoyed but it's helped pay my way through school. I don't have to like it to be good at it. As I duck into my beat up, old Mazda, I make sure I have my work clothes in the backseat and head out.