#workingindc

[chalvorsen]

#crystalcityva #workingindc (at Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp5fcPYlGs_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17knxy0duyx84

[always-my-thief]

D.C. sky after down pour. . . . #nofilter #sunset #summerdays #workinginDC

[always-my-thief]

D.C. sky after down pour. . . . #nofilter #sunset #summerdays #workinginDC

[always-my-thief]

D.C. sky after down pour. . . . #nofilter #sunset #summerdays #workinginDC

[always-my-thief]

D.C. sky after down pour. . . . #nofilter #sunset #summerdays #workinginDC

[rizveevee]

On Finding a Job in the Nation’s Capital

With the March on Washington coming to an end today and Labor Day just around the corner, I thought this would be a great opportunity to talk about jobs—specifically how to get one in the place where the struggle to overcome is a painstaking federal legislation away—Washington, DC.

While I won’t discuss the political barriers of overcoming joblessness among my demographic—educated but underemployed or unemployed (though that would be a juicy topic), I want to go over what I did to obtain a full-time job, which is currently and sadly not a freedom for all.

1. I straight up moved. Living in the same city for 24 years produces an itch for a change of scenery, especially when you can’t find a job in it. I graduated with a degree in anthropology and though I still highly believe in a liberal arts education, as we all know, getting a job digging up bones is hard to come by. Ok, I kid. I didn’t want to become an archeologist, which is often a quick assumption when you tell people you’re majoring in the study of human culture. I wanted to work in global health, which has a lot of anthropological components to it. There was a center for it at UC San Diego—my alma mater, but I didn’t have nor want the credentials to get involved with their research efforts. I figured my next bet was to move to its hub—DC. I had heard a lot about recent grads moving there to find a job and researched all the NGOs I wanted to work for. I saw potential, dreamed, then became set. I said good-bye to everything I once knew and booked a one-way ticket to Ronald Regan National Airport.

2. Informational interviews became a ritual. When I first got to the DC area, I stayed with a former mentor and her family in northern Virginia. She and her husband started to introduce me to their friends, who might offer job leads. From there, I asked to be introduced to more people who could aid in my search. I conducted informational interviews that lasted for 20-40 minutes over the phone or met for coffee or lunch with people I met through my networks, met at happy hours, or reached out to on LinkedIn. I structured my conversations based on this.  

3. I networked. Like cray. In addition to #2, I went to panel discussions I found through others or online, like EventBrite, and happy hours—there are so many here! I challenged myself to take at least one business card home with me each time. Since DC is notorious for all the networking that takes place, it wasn’t difficult to meet people or ask for a “favor.” There were a few who realized I probably couldn’t offer much as a recent grad job seeker, but countless others saw me as a mentoring opportunity (or a way to help a lost soul). I came to embrace networking and used it as an opportunity to bring out my personality and build relationships based on authenticity. I learned to ask for things and in the realm of success, those who ask fare best.

4. I volunteered so I could get involved and most importantly, meet people. I came right around voting season so I got involved with civic engagement. I met people and told them my purpose in a new city. It was through these networks that I was able to gain an internship or two. Though they didn’t lead to a full-time job, they were undoubtedly instrumental to obtaining one.

5. I worked temporarily boring jobs. Sure, I should have been more diligent, complained less, but I’d often and internally beg for something else instead. I wasn’t happy working temp jobs, but that feeling of disappointment kept me easily determined to keep looking for something more stable and fulfilling.

6. I branded myself “The Jobseeker.” I thought I was simply telling the universe what I wanted, but I realized I was displaying my vulnerability before my character at times. However, many sent me job postings, made introductions on my behalf, or offered encouragement. I just had to learn to not let a circumstance become the only thing I was about.

7. I applied to every job that seemed fitting on Idealist. This probably isn’t the best route to go. It took an average of 2-3 months to receive an invitation for an interview. When one position didn’t work out, I had an idea of the timeline I was working with. I aimed for content and numbers simultaneously. I did set unrealistic metrics for myself in the beginning, admittedly, but it took a while until using my resume and cover letter templates became orchestrated and productive.

8. I prayed until my miracle came. When I hit my 3rd month of not finding a career in a new city yet, I was bitter. In my 10th month, I was SCARED. This was when something else had to be in place—my faith. Based on a suggestion my mom made, I devoted a nightly prayer targeted to finding a job. I wanted the opportunity to stay in DC, and I knew it wasn’t going to happen unless I told God what I specifically wanted. Reading “The Circle Maker,” which I highly recommend, encouraged me to pray boldly. I felt a tide turning and after 11 grueling months, the aforementioned came to fruition.

It took me some time but I kept trudging along, laboring, and constantly reminded myself that a change would eventually come. So if you're up for the journey, I wish you the very best during your march to a successful career acquisition.