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March 30, 2009
Making Your Own Opportunities
The job search is never quite a smooth as one would like, even in a normal economy. If jobs from elsewhere aren't really working for you, what about making your own opportunity?
Sometimes, in tough times, the best place to find the next opportunity is right under your nose.
For me, it was at the other University office where I work part-time during the school year.
Rather than keep looking for random internships or jobs, a few weeks ago I drafted up a new job description for myself. Over the course of the hour or so that it took to really think about a restructuring of my responsibilities and put a draft together, I was able to think of gaps that I could fill for the office during the summer.
What I came up with was actually pretty inventive and it felt almost... entrepreneurial.
My bosses actually liked it too. My thoughtful exploration of the needs of the office generated some really good ideas that I think they appreciated as well.
In a few days I should know when I get to start as a new "Business Analyst Intern".
Try it yourself! Think about what you would want to learn from that "perfect summer internship" in New York, Chicago or Silicon Valley, and than think about ways in which your role could be expanded to include those same things.
Not only will you be able to "make your own opportunity" but I also think you'll get a positive response from your supervisors. Giving examples of ways you'd like to get more involved is an opportunity to show initiative on behalf of the office - something they should be happy to see.
Its a win-win.
-Nick
Posted by glauchni at March 30, 2009 03:37 PM