How I Got the Job of my Dreams at 21 (and how you can do the same)
So maybe I’m the lucky one. I graduated college with a sweet internship waiting for me. I packed up three suitcases, my golf clubs and got on a plane to Denver, Colorado.
Did I ever expect this?
Hell no.
Am I happy I made the move?
Hell. Yes.
Now you’re probably wondering. How did this girl go from living in the middle of the wheat fields in Pullman, Washington to living in one of American’s major cities… and why would she move to Denver? (other than the awesome views you can find in the Denver metro area)
3 words: Colorado Golf Association.
Not just anyone gets to work for a state golf association. Honestly, jobs are limited in the state golf association world. There’s just over 80 golf associations in the US (yes, some states have multiple). Each one really only has a staff of 10–15 people.
Now how did I get here.
Let me tell you a little secret: I worked my ass off in college.
And you should too.
I didn’t just wait for internships to find me in my senior year of college. I took my first internship following my sophomore year. Was it easy? Not in a million years. I had to learn quickly how to work with a group of 20 people from all over the country who all think and work differently; who don’t always get along; who get tired after hour 80 of the work week.
Would I recommend it to an 18–20 year old still in college? Completely.
In my humble opinion, working your ass off young is how you get where you want to be. Here’s my “cheat guide” to getting through college and getting the dream of your jobs right out of college:
1. Don’t waste your damn time in college.
Drink the beer. Slap the bag. But also study and get all your coursework done early. You don’t have to graduate early, but make sure you’re getting the class part of college done.
2. GET AN INTERNSHIP!!!
I cannot put enough importance on this. Whether it’s paid (most are nowadays) or unpaid, you’re getting valuable experience. Don’t get me wrong, I picked up my boss’ dry cleaning plenty of times. But you know what… it was done correctly and she thanked me every time.
3. Work for the department of the university that means something to you.
I worked in Athletics for 2.5 years. That’s the majority of my college career. Was I paid? Never. Did I love it? YES. Did it get me an awesome job right off the bat? YES AND I CAN’T THANK THE ATHLETICS STAFF ENOUGH.
They gave me so much practical experience. Communication skills across different demographics isn’t something anyone is just naturally good at, no matter what you tell me. Something I learned: treat the janitor the same you treat the CEO. Everyone deserves kindness and a smile, especially in stressful situations. Trust me, the maintenance guy will remember you.
4. Take your classes seriously.
For crying out loud, just learn something. There ARE valuable skills to be taken out of the classroom.
Here’s a little anecdote. I took a data visualization class. How boring does that sound, right? It was at times… you stare at numbers and try to figure out how to make it look pretty and accurate. I learned a lot… I can tell you if your chart or infographic sucks. And I’m not shy about telling you.
5. Just get through college. It’s all worth it.
It’s that simple. Trust me. College isn’t easy. Just get through it. Work your ass off. Get to where you want to be.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll move halfway across the country and have the job you want, with the chaotic cubicle you’ve always dreamed of.
