Why Didn't We Learn This in School?

          Have you ever had that one dream before a big interview? The one where you show up to the wrong location, forgot the name of your interviewer, or found out your were wearing the wrong outfit. What would you do if that happened in real life?
          
          It was my second semester of college, and I had applied for a secretary position that I would die for. I could choose my own hours, it was above minimum wage at a very refutable company, and I would be rubbing elbows with high class society. But, fate had a different plan for me. The afternoon of the interview was the hottest day of the year in Midwest America, topping the charts at a whopping 95 degrees and 80% humidity. This is also the same summer that the A/C in my ancient Chevy Malibu bit the dust. 

          I rushed home from my afternoon classes with only an hour and a half to spare before my big interview. I tossed on my outfit, a classy,beige fitted blouse and black slacks, and looked for a good pair of shoes that were nowhere to be found. In a panic I found the only black shoes I could find: military grade, black leather jungle combat boots. Brushing my long hair into a barrette, I grabbed my resume folder and ran out the door with less than 30 minutes to spare. Even with the windows down, the interior of my car was easily 85 degrees. Giving up, I pulled my sticky hair back into a loose ponytail and parked in the company parking lot a solid 15 minutes early. 
   
          With my head held high, I strolled in the front door with all the confidence I could muster. I politely told the information desk I was there for an interview. She asked who with, and my mind went blank. I forgot the name of my interviewer. My heart pounding with embarrassment, I admitted sheepishly that I wasn't sure. The lady cocked an eyebrow at me and checked her computer. "Oh," she told me with concern, "Ma'am, you will be interviewed by Jeff in the Pointe office complex. It's about two blocks from here." I looked at the clock and saw I had 5 minutes.

           All I remember is running across two streets, almost getting hit by a Rollz-Royce, and bursting into the front office with one minute to spare. Fixing my hair and straightening my clothes, I was horrified to see my pants covered in my cat's fur. Brushing off the most of it, I took one last breath, and walked in with my head high and a bright smile.

           Aristotle once said, "It is in our darkest hours that we must focus to see the light." I ended up not getting the secretary position, but I was able obtain a referral from the General Manager to work as a Dietary Technician's Assistant. What you learn about yourself in your most stressful positions is that you are capable of far more than you thought you were. One of the greatest successes in your career should be to honor the amazing person you are, strengths and flaws. Even the darkest of days can be turned into lessons for the future. What I learned from that chaotic day, I still remember and use for a myriad of scenarios:

1. Your attitude and energy tell more about you than words can ever say.
2. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
3. If you're bad with names, desperately figure out a way fix it.
4. Always wear a good pair of stable, but still professional, shoes.
5. Learn to laugh at yourself.
6. If worst comes to worst, take it all in with tact and grace.

          You would never think it, but being able to accept the good and the bad is the ultimate sign of good character. What is important for you to remember, is that the majority of your wisdom and experience happens far outside the classroom. At a young age, you should be discovering yourself and what you love to do. Don't prepare an agenda for your future, but find what you love and what you hate. Do you love to paint, but hate the time it takes? Do you love the stay home and play video games, but hate to sit at a desk all day? Do you love people, but hate business? These are all valid feelings and should be accepted. By doing this, you are giving yourself the opportunity to create a stable base in which to build a career.

           But what if you've graduated, bought your own house, started a family, or are currently working at a job you dislike? My best advice is to go out and meet people. It's just like dating. The bar at the end of the street is not the only place to look for that perfect opportunity. Even if you find a halfway decent prospect, are you really wanting to make commitment to something that is only halfway to your dream? If art is your thing, go to pottery classes, join an art enthusiasts club, or go out to music venues. If business is your thing, create a network of people who work in all types of industries. My personal favorites are HR representatives. They are the living embodiment of the family across the street who gossip about everybody. If they know of an open position, they will tell you. 

            I plan to teach you, my dear reader, everything I wish I knew at the beginning of my career. Everything from interviews, dressing appropriately, what to expect from a part-time or full-time job, how to deal with difficult coworkers, to nail the promotion, what you should and shouldn't return to school for, and what it means to feel like you belong in the career you are in. My job is to simply give you the step up you need. The rest is up to you.