Trepidation

Today begins the rest of my life, sort of. The job search is on and though this won't be the job I have for the entirety of my adult career, it helps me further my educational goals. I need a job because education is expensive, there are very few schools that I've looked into that offer any type of financial aid other than a Stafford Loan. And guess what? A loan is not financial aid, its a financial drain on my future. If I took out loans, I'd probably spend a good portion of that illustrious adult career paying them back. And I have no intention of being one of those students who take out over $100,000 in loans just to go to a school with a prestigious name. For my undergraduate degree, I chose to attend the school that offered me a full academic scholarship and I've never regretted that decision. I loved my school and plan to be an active alumnus if possible, despite the fact that it is two hundred miles from my current residence.

A few days ago, I went to an informational interview with the campaign manager of on of my state's congressmen. It was an incredible experience as I've never been to an informational interview before. He suggested that I apply for an internship program in the state government, which was paid and over the summer. As soon as I arrived home, I sent my resume to the individual in charge of the program and the next morning they called to schedule an interview. Today is that interview and I'm excited, a little nervous but its not as dramatic as my title alluded to it being. I'm dressed in business attire: dark blue shirt, grey slacks (yes, I said slacks), black flats and my hair is up. Apparently, hair up is professional and my hair down is not. Go figure. I have a bag with a fancy pen in it, my leather padfolio, and multiple copies of my resume.

I just returned from the interview which it was less of an interview, more of a... "Hmm where should I send your information for a job" conversation. Well that was fast, not that I'm complaining. Here I was prepared for standard interview questions, my strengths, my weaknesses, and had queries for them. Instead, he asked me what I wanted to do and immediately began to sift through his file of internship opportunities. Since the state government cannot help me pursue my ultimate career goals of working in an international setting like in a diplomatic embassy or for the United Nations, he concentrated upon my interests in conflict negotiation, dispute resolution, and peace studies.  He kindly forwarded my information/resume to Health and Human Services, where I may see conflict under the tutelage of a seasoned attorney. That's if I get the internship there, and my interview is next week so we'll see.

I've also received news that a city near me is looking for a Town Planner. The Universities in my state have either stopped their planner programs or are just not educating as many planners these day. Planners help to develop and potentially implement various things in the state, including growth plans, historical conservation, and regeneration plans. I barely know what a town planner does in their day-to-day jobs as the research I've done does not give enough details to give me a clear idea. Research also does not equate to talking to the town planner, being taught how to be one, or learning through coursework.  I've also noticed that it can be a very political job, which is why I should not be surprised that the Town is looking for a smart, energetic, political science student to do the job. It's an incredible opportunity, but it also requires not only a thirst knowledge but desire to learn new things. And honestly, though I never considered a job like that I think I would really enjoy it. I may be asking for an interview there at some point in the near future. Who knows what could happen from that?