Thursday, May 7, 2009

Working the Networking

I am not the first person to be laid off, and I will not be the last. I reason that the majority of people will experience a layoff in their lifetime, so why not get mine out of the way while I am young and resilient! I think it is best to turn to the experienced in times like these. We all know someone who has been through this before, and everyone seems to be able to offer tips, advice, and insights. The most common advice that I have been given would be the necessity of networking!!! When I was a bit younger I thought networking was the new buzz word like frappuccino or Gen X, but now I know not only is it not just a buzz word, it is the primary way that people find their next job. In a recent course that I took at an outplacement center I discovered that 80-85% of new jobs come from networking; that's a HUGE percentage!!!

http://portal.citysoup.ca/NR/exeres/BB5D2FA0-6A94-4B7E-B9DD-27A89ADDC0C0.htm

It all really comes down to getting out there and talking to people. Having only one connection can lead to six more (c'mon we all are familiar with the six degrees of Kevin Bacon, or is it separation?). I got the ball rolling with a contact I was given through a friend who works for a financial magazine in the District. Upon my pre-informational interview research I discovered the incredible website this magazine had, complete with podcasts and webcasts. My first thought when I heard "financial magazine" was dry and dense material that only mattered to my parents or stock brokers, but, quite to the contrary, I was excited to find that they presented their information in a relatable, clear, and concise manner that was pertinent to all age groups. The gentleman that met with me was incredibly helpful. He even pulled a co-worker into his office and put us in contact so that we could meet up on LinkedIn (let the networking begin!!!).

I was hooked. I started contacting anyone that knew anyone in the District that could potentially help me. My thought was, if nothing else I was getting interviewing experience. I was able to speak with someone at an innovative production company that is bringing online shopping to a whole new level, as well as developing a myriad of other projects for such distinguished companies as the Discovery Channel and National Geographic. It was exciting to be back among the creative, where the air is almost electrified with imagination and unique thoughts, where one artistic idea begets another. I was also able to meet with a connection at a federal agency and received the opportunity to see the inner workings of a highly respected government institution. In complete opposition to the production company, this place was enormous. Fortunately, the gentleman that was showing me around was the "Mayor" of this place and was more than willing to introduce me to any- and everyone that he could. It felt good to be out there talking with people, sharing ideas, and asking questions.

As I am entering month 4 of my unemployment I am trying to keep my spirits high and stay positive. Networking has proven to be beneficial not only in regard to making connections and hopefully landing me job, but it has played a psychological role as well by helping me feel connected and productive (some of the first things that can fall off after a lay off). So, to ensure that I keep my spirits high I am off to an event tonight, Docs in Progress (http://www.docsinprogress.org), which showcases documentary projects from prospective filmmakers. It looks pretty interesting, and hopefully it will aid in my starting a dialogue with someone. As for me, I would say, "Career in Progress"....

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Phase One....

I have created this blog as a means of tracking my career search, or "the hunt" as I like to call it, as I careen through the economic white waters that we are all trying to navigate. The economy has officially been personified: we all speak of the economy as though it were this bully at school that we are trying desperately to avoid. I hear things such as, "how has the economy been treating you?" or "we've been hit hard by the economy" or even, "the economy took my lunch money."

I thought it would be beneficial to track my process and progress. Beneficial to whom you ask. Well, anyone who wants to read it and any one who can associate with the journey that I am going through (as well as beneficial to me). One of the things that has helped me tremendously during this time is realizing that I am not alone. The day I got let go I spoke with my friends who had either been let go themselves or had a roommate or friend who too had been let go. I guess it seems easier to deal with if you know the bully isn't picking on just you. My heart goes out to everyone who is without a job now because the bully got the better of them (or of their company). I am fortunate to be young, without children or a mortgage. I recognize that there are people out there who are struggling more than I am and I wish the best of luck to all of them.

I had a great job working with people I loved when my position was eliminated. I was a Video Producer in the Corporate Multimedia Department at a prestigious Magazine. W
hile my job was great and creatively stimulating, it was in the wrong city. I had left DC for CT/NY almost 4 years ago and had been looking to go back ever since. I LOVE DC. I see pictures of DC and get happy. The history and the beauty of the city are never lost on me and with my boyfriend of almost 6 years, family, and friends there it was the place I was longing to be. I saw the layoffs as a blessing in disguise. It made a decision for me that I could have never made. I would have never left my job without having another one lined up; however, now I am faced with the reality of trying to find a job in these hard economic times.

Fortunately my love of historic monuments, the Potomac, Dupont and the Georgetown Waterfront proved to be beneficial not only to my soul but potentially to my career.

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/oct2008/bw20081014_006902.htm

While cities like New York and Chicago are drowning under the tidal wave of the economy, the District is managing to stay afloat. Granted DC is still being affected, but the Government can offer a bit of a cushion, the "big brother" that stares down the bully in the hall.