September 28, 2017
Don’t you love stories with happy endings? Nina (not her real name) had just about given up on pursuing a communications career. After graduating with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications, she moved back to her hometown of Washington, D.C. and began her earnest job search. However, after three years, she had no luck. Completely frustrated, at times she threatened to rip up her diplomas deeming them useless and a wasted investment.
However, before she completely lost her mind, she began performing various jobs in the public health space. In her last job, she served as a community case manager with a women’s health organization. Fortunately, the small organization needed some communications support and she was often tapped to create their communications and social media messaging. Also, she had planned various events in a prior job. These duties added to her overall experience. Unfortunately, the project funding for her current position was getting ready to end, and she needed to find a new opportunity.
When I began coaching Nina, I asked her the million-dollar question? “What do you want to do?” Initially, she was all over the place. Then I asked if she had a dream job, what would it be?
“I would like a communications position, but people keep telling me I don’t have enough experience,” she replied. “Besides,” she continued, “I don’t want to take a pay cut.”
“Don’t you think there are communications positions within the public health space that might value your skills?” I asked.
“Maybe, but I don’t know anyone in these organizations and no one will give me a chance,” she replied.
As we continued our conversation, I discovered the real problem. Nina had lost confidence in her abilities and had settled into the fact that she would probably never utilize her degrees. She had also received so many rejection letters in her job search that it was hard for her to keep a positive attitude. She had all but buried the communications experiences she developed far down in her resume and they became unimportant.
After extensive confidence building exercises, mock interviews and repackaging of her resume to highlight her communications experience, I recommended she send her resume to an agency in the DC area that specialized in public policy. I thought she might be a good fit. I then followed up with my contact and asked if she could shepherd her through the process. Within a few weeks, they brought her in for an interview.
After interviewing with various team members, Nina finally received a job offer as a Senior Communications Coordinator. And, she even got a raise!
Here are some tips that helped Nina and could also help you get back in the game:
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
-Alice Walker
Often, when I tell someone to “Keep Dreaming,” it comes from a sarcastic place and means “this will never happen.” However, as I reflect on the crazy, challenging year we all experienced in 2020, I think it’s time to get back to our dreams literally.
At the beginning of 2020, I had big dreams. I had planned a February vacation trip to Thailand, a women’s conference in March, Florida in April, Aruba in June, and Hilton Head with cousins in October. All plans were canceled indefinitely. Getting refunds/credits from travel agencies, airlines and hotels became a significant challenge and took lots of energy.
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Hi! I'm LaNella Hooper-Williams. Through my blog, my mission is to give you tips and practical tools that will help you build a powerful brand and accomplish your personal and professional dreams. You’ll learn strategies that help you manage your personal brand, get noticed and rewarded for your unique talents, and gain greater career focus.
