No time for a Grey's quote for this post. Why? Because it is 1:30am the night before I fly out for ACPA/NASPA and I still haven't packed. Whoops...
Just wanted to let everyone know that I PASSED COMPS! With distinction too, I might add! Much more to come from the conference. I am staying in the conference hotel which has a computer in every room so I will be able to give all of you day-by-day updates about interviews and whatnot.
Also, if you have any last minute tips, suggestions, or unusual questions that threw you off during an interview, feel free to e-mail me at pickmechoosemehireme@yahoo.com. I'll be sure to post for everyone else's benefit too!
Ok, I was surprised people actually emailed me. Actually emailed me! It wasn’t a tidal wave, but the three I got were funny. To return the spotlight to me for a moment though: What is it about me that makes me keep taking phone interviews? I basically got dressed down yesterday for not tailoring my resume enough to the job. Admittedly this was a specialist position, but I see all my skills as transferable and I didn’t think it was that hard to read the version I sent out and see me in the position. I really don’t need to be doing phone interviews. I have two more on campuses already scheduled! I am the shit! (in a good way)
That said, I have one more phone interview today-well tonight actually.
Here’s the horror stories. And they are all horror stories, trust me.
The first time I went to a conference for placement (this wasn’t NASPA or ACPA) the airline lost my luggage. This wasn’t a total catastrophe as they promised to have it to me the next day, except the next day was Sunday so they didn’t get it to me until Monday. I went with one of my best friends though, and we’re basically the same size so she lent me an outfit. Except I’m a little chestier (Editor’s note: I don’t think chesty is a word. Just saying) than her. All through my first interview I thought the guy was staring at my chest (they were sort of popping out), and I was getting angrier even though I kept talking. Finally he interrupted me and pointed at my cleavage. I had a bloody nose and it was running down my chest at this point. I was beyond embarrassed. Of course, I had back to back interviews that day so I had to walk around with my tight blood red dress shirt on. I did get a job though.
The first time I went to NASPA was to job search, and I scheduled myself an interview for every slot the first two days. My first interview ran late, and so every interview after that I was playing catch up. I was trying to answer as quickly as possible to get these done with on time, but that never worked. By the end of the day I had missed two interviews and lunch. I was so exhausted I went up to my room, skipped dinner, and proceeded to sleep through my alarm. I missed all my morning interviews the next day, and I was so groggy by the afternoon from hunger that I was basically incoherent. Fortunately my first interview went really well, they asked me for a second round, invited me to campus, and I got the job. Since then, though, I keep a small grocer’s pantry in my bag when I interview. (And I give myself thirty minutes between each.)
Ok, I will be keeping a kit-kat in my messenger bag. This one is my favorite. Short, sweet, to the point, and kind of dirty.
The Grey’s Anatomy fans will appreciate this, but here’s a tip: No matter how tired and stressed you are, or how early you go out don’t pick someone up in the hotel bar. You will end up interviewing with them the next day. And possibly? Working for them for four years.
Phew. Ok, hopefully my experience will reflect the other end of the spectrum. See you all after the conference! (That’s right punks. In Medias Res does not liveblog).
"I am an evil mistress." ~Meredith Grey "But still... you look nice." ~George O'Malley
First, a quick job related update. I have indeed taken the advice of many of our dear readers and have cancelled some interviews. I have also declined interviews at a few schools that I would have readily accepted at only a few short weeks ago. Also, after re-reading some comments, I went back through my spreadsheet and have decided to contact an additional five schools that I am not super passionate about after some more reflection. Thank you to various readers who shook me violently back into reality! Second, my comprehensive exams were yesterday. It was quite possibly the worst way to spend a Saturday, but they are over and I will find out before I leave for ACPA/NASPA if I passed. Let's just hope I pass because I don't know how I will cope with the idea of re-doing things hanging over my head while I am interviewing for jobs. I could write an entire post about the stupid test, but that just allows me to dwell on them and I do NOT want to do that because I'll go nuts! Moving on...
I spent today shopping for the conference, or as my RAs have been calling it "The Big Joint." (The funny factor of the word "joint" has apparently not outgrown these college students...and I love them for it!) Now, for some of you, the idea of shopping may put a big smile on your face. Strolling through isle after isle of consumerism, soaking up the commercialization of America does not put a big smile on my face. Well, let me correct myself. I do not like being forced to go shopping. I like to think of it as more of an organic experience. You know, I'm more of a gatherer as opposed to a hunter type of gal so being surrounded by 100's of people who are after the next big deal while I'm just trying to find a cute shirt does not appeal to me.
Therefore, I was not looking forward to today. I knew I had to get dress shoes, a few new shirts for underneath suits, and some random other things to be able to survive in Orlando for less than a week. I decided to start looking for shirts first. The entire time I was shopping, I kept hearing all of the Career Center presentations on ways to "Dress for Success" running through my mind, however I could not remember for the life of me if stripes/patterns were okay for underneath a suit. I think the problem could be due to conflicting presentations.I decided to bounce the idea off of my friends in the program so the first person I called was my friend who works in the Career Center. Sadly, she didn't pick up so I left her a semi-frantic voicemail that is probably unintelligible except for sporadic words such as "stripes," "confused," "hireable," or "credible."
Next up on my speed dial was my best friend who has already been through a professional job search. She suggested that if I choose stripes or pattern, try to pick one that is very demure and don't go crazy with jewelry. Therefore, I picked up the white shirt with black and pink stripes that I had been hesitantly eyeing for the past 20 minutes and a plain black necklace to match. I also picked up the standard white Oxford (which was only $4.00!!!) just to cover myself in case I go to the first day of placement and observe a sea of black suits and white Oxfords. I am fully prepared to conform to the environmental press and not feel guilty about it what-so-ever.
Next up was searching for interview appropriate shoes, which I like to call the search for the ugliest shoes on Earth. If I have learned nothing from the advice that I received last year, it was to wear comfortable shoes, no matter how tempted you are to pick up the cutest things on the shelf that will compliment your suit oh-so-nicely. I do remember having crazy tired feet last year at ACPA, but I also remember the convention center in Indy being about 1/2 mile from our hotel and I somehow chose sessions that were consistently on opposite ends of the seemingly endless concourse. *Sidenote to future conference planners* Ask Segway to co-sponsor the conference so none of us have to walk. I would pay exorbitant conference fees to see George Kuh, Vivienne Cass, or Arthur Chickering go flying past me, latte firmly placed in the convenient cup holder, wind flowing through their thinning hair. Just a thought...
Anyway, I was on a mission to find the cutest, most comfortable, closed toe shoes in the immediate area. If they existed, I was going to find them. However, I have big feet that are hard to fit. I've made my peace with it, but that doesn't mean it is any easier to find shoes. Also, I have been influenced by years and years of gender-oppressive media that tells me to "pick the cute shoes, pick the cute shoes" so today was tough. I ended up with really ugly brown shoes that feel like I am walking on a cloud and really cute, semi- to fairly comfortable black shoes. I gave in when I realized that I could wear these shoes with both my black pants suit and with my black suit with matching skirt. However, I also bought some Dr. Scholl's inserts so if you hear someone next week go on and on about how "I am so totally gellin" while in a black suit with shoes that look very cute and semi-comfortable, then it is probably me.
So the moral of the story is that I found shoes, a daring shirt, a conservative shirt, and a bunch of other stuff. However, as I was looking for ugly shoes, I started to think about whether shoes would really change the outcome of a job offer for me. Given the fact that every, single job presentation has made me believe the interviewers only care about the condition of your nails and what shoes you are wearing, I was worried. When I realized this, I soon scanned the isles for cuter (is that a word?) shoes, ones that would really sell me as a candidate. Then, after my 7 seconds of insanity, I embraced the whole "inner beauty" thing and decided that if I didn't get a job based on my ugly brown shoes then I probably didn't really want to work for the institution in the first place. However, after my moment of clarity I began wonder if I had the perfect suit, shoes, hair, make-up, and almost perfect answers if that would trump an okay suit, shoes, hair, make-up, and perfect answers. Is it really about the total package or would an evil mistress who looks nice get a job over a poorly put-together fairy godmother?
PS If any of you out there think I do nothing but complain, this is not a true reflection of my personality. I was a little peeved about the whole ugly shoes afternoon, but my mood was immediately lifted when I drove into my parking spot and saw four of my residents flying kites on the front lawn of our building. It was a beautiful day, a great image, and a fabulous reminder of why I want to go step into the world of Student Affairs, even if I do it in ugly shoes.
Ok, I know everyone else is all psyched about the Final Four, but my bracket petered out quick this year. So I have a new obsession. Last year The Believer magazine published a long essay about the author’s obsession with the 2005 contest, and while I was always aware of Eurovision (I study abroad for about 30 seconds in a winning country) I never followed it. Mainly cause how the hell was I going to follow it? But thanks to the magic of Youtube and friends living in places where this is a big deal, I can! The 2007 contest is going to be in Helsinki (a simultaneously amazing and depressing city), and I how I wish they would broadcast it here. It somehow manages to be even more tragic and campy than American Idol (would this be the place to mention I have a horrible secret crush on Blake Lewis? Probably not).
Anyway, my favorite song right now is the Israeli entry: Push the Button. It is a weird Pop ditty that seems to incorporate Eastern European musical influences (Klezmer anybody? KLEZMER!), and the lyrics are in French, English, and Hebrew (the Hebrew is actually a rap interlude). Most importantly the whole thing seems to be about either provoking or preventing nuclear war with Iran. The whole thing reminds me of a less angry Gogol Bordello, which is to say, “Not as good.” It will be interesting to see how the song and the band does though. There are some notoriously anti-Semitic countries in the voting block (Turkey, anyone?), although honestly after reading three different descriptions of how the voting is done I still have no idea.
Watch the video and tell me that the accordion player does not think he’s the biggest pimp in the world.
Ok and even though the song bores the crap out of me, it appears the Danish are stealing a page from the Israeli’s playbook (Dana International? Yes). She truly is a drama queen.
Taking a cue from the final arrival of Spring I spent the weekend cleaning my apartment, and it is amazing what some good weather and an orderly space can do for your mental health. I spent a decent amount of time prepping for NASPA/ACPA, but I’m trying not to spend too much time worrying about it. My interviews are hovering around the high single digits, and I don’t really want to add too many more than that. One of this week’s phone interviews invited me on campus (it was the one I knew I nailed) and so I’m maintaining my strict criteria.
There are two things I’m concerned about:
NASPA/ACPA is a lot longer than OPE and I’m hoping for some tips on how to shore up my energy. My initial interviews are pretty spread out, but I know that the socials can go to a pretty late hour (if memory from last year serves). Should I be scheduling power naps? Or is that an even worse idea since I might sleep through an interview?
How many campus interviews are too many? I remember my friends last year only going on one or two, but I’m well past that (and I of course don’t have a job offer yet). I recognize that I started the timeline a little earlier, but with this most recent offer my schedule is getting congested. I have missed a lot of work, and a considerable amount of one of my classes. My supervisor is amazing and supportive about the process, but even when I am told to go I worry about how very little I am working this semester. After March I don’t have a lot of vacation time left to collect on, and there are only so many hours in the week when I am not in class that I am actually available to work. I have already turned down one school, but I’m thinking anymore campus interviews I need to think hard about whether I really want the position.
This weekend I did have the pleasure of doing something I hadn’t done in forever: going out to dinner with friends. I haven’t blogged much about my personal life and that’s in large part because I have not had a personal life for the last month. I’ve been a candidate (did I mention that I’m now single? Such is the toll of the job search, and such is the grace of the job search that I’ve had this massive diversion). So we went to this little hole in the wall Italian place and it was nice. The food was good, we had some wine (I should say they did, In Medias Res isn’t much of a drinker), and we talked. Since we’re all grad students in the same program obviously we talked about the job search. I have no doubt that we will all get fabulous jobs. We cycled through the job search stuff pretty fast though (it does get old after a while), and after that we returned to the usual topics: how much class sucks, how much work sucks, how much we will miss each other, how exciting it is to be almost done. We went on sort of a wild goose chase on our way to the bar (where I did actually drink a beer) and I remembered how much fun these people are when you strip away all of the student affairs BS. I know I can’t take all of them to my next job (unless we managed to find the most understaffed institution in North America, and who wants to work there).
Oh and I successfully defended or as a friend put it, “I won!” Which means job or not I will graduate.
So for the next post (and to make me laugh) I want triumphs, horror stories, wacky anecdotes, and whatever else you want to share about your NASPA & ACPA experiences. Y’know what? Let’s make it all professional conferences! I’ll post them right before I leave (either Wednesday or Thursday) so the cut off will Wednesday at Noon EST just to standardize stuff. You can send them to In-Medias@hotmail.com. Let me know whether it’s okay to include your info or if you want me to give you an alias (and an alias if you want to provide one). Hopefully people will actually respond to this, so I don’t have to blog next week.
I know I just posted, but I am trying to think about something other than my upcoming defense, and I need to stop looking at apartments in towns that i don't have a job in yet. So I figured I would blog.
I had three (!) phone interviews yesterday and I have a couple more scheduled for next week. I know when I blow a phone interview, and yesterday I think I just hit a wall. Two of the schools I know I did a good job of expressing my strengths and weaknesses. In fact one of the interviews I have to say was my best so far, because I’ve finally started to relax. I was honest, upfront, and frank. I think they really liked me.
The first interview I did yesterday though? Bad news. This was a school that a couple of weeks ago I was really excited about, but as my situation has changed, and I start to feel the exhaustion of running around the country kick in, this position just seems less appealing. Of course, they asked me all the same questions that everyone asks. Of course, I put on that stupid cruise director’s voice and said things that only marginally represented my strengths and skills as a professional. Two days ago when I was looking at my schedule for the week I really just wanted to cancel the damn thing, but I am not secure enough in my knowledge that a job is forthcoming that I was ready to do that.
I find that the more I do these campus visits the less I prepare for them. A part of this is time: they are falling on top of each other and I don’t have the hours to while away reading websites. A bigger part of this is energy. If I don’t get some time to myself before the Joint Conference I worry about what I’m going to draw on to get through three or four days of interviews. I don’t have nearly as much on my plate as Pick Me (good luck with that! My informal advice: tell them the parameters of your search have changed and you don’t want to waste their time).
On a slightly related note: I declined an on campus interview yesterday. I know, it surprised me to, but at this point I’m not just accepting interviews because they are offered. The travel, preparation, and interviewing involved is so draining that I can’t just go. I need a compelling reason, an exciting position, a good institutional fit to get my ass on another airplane. Hopefully I won’t regret these decisions later, but right now it seems like the most sensible decision I could make.
Pick Me-Choose Me-Hire Me #12-Mistakes or Poor Planning?
We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. ~Grey's Anatomy
Well, my comprehensive exams are looming in the distance. I don't want to entertain the possibility of failing in my mind, so I refuse to discuss them at all in this post. Therefore, I shall divert your attention to the newest dilemma in my job search process. Too many interviews. Now I know what you are thinking. "Oh, poor 'Pick Me...' too many interviews. Wow, that must really suck. I don't know how you handle it!" I understand the sentiment and would probably be rolling my eyes in disgust if I was reading this post too, however, this is real life for me and I don't know what I should do. Therefore, dear readers, please offer any suggestions you may have.
The situation here is that I was desperate for interviews the first couple of weeks after I put out my applications. I started over Winter Break and so far I have applied to a total of 31 schools and have 21 lined up for ACPA/NASPA. I now realize how absurd I have been. Although I only have one time where I have back-to-back interviews without at least a half-hour break, I know that I accepted some offers for interviews with schools that I was only marginally interested in, but I was flattered and, admittedly, a little desperate. I feel like there is unspoken competition, even if it is only in my head to get interviews. Therefore, any time a school e-mailed me and asked for an interview, I was excited and flattered. Granted, as the time went on and my schedule began to fill up, I began declining offers due to the job description or location of the schools, however, I still accepted four interview offers that, in retrospect, do not in any way line up with what I want out of my first position. However, we have been told to seize the day, he who hesitates is lost, and all of that other crap that just feeds our addiction of validation.
All of this leads me to my dilemma. Since some of my top-choice schools have been a little slower in terms of their process, I have let the schools that have simply fed my need for validation as a competent emerging professional occupy my increasingly precious time slots. Do I e-mail them and tell them "Hey, I know I actively sought you out at first, or readily accepted an invitation to interview with the gusto of a starving man who sees a hamburger for the first time, but now that better offers have come my way, I realize that there is no way I would be happy at your institution and rebuke your offer to interview" ? Clearly, I am being semi-dramatic, but is there really a way to say "thanks, but no thanks" after you were so clearly starving for validation and acceptance a few short weeks ago? Plus, the whole "there are two degrees of separation in student affairs" mantra has been floating through my head at the same time. If I cancel an interview, is there a possibility that a person from that institution will know someone else from an institution that I could actually see myself at in a couple of months?
Ahhh! This is so aggravating! I feel like all of grad school has been leading up to this point of accumulating interview after interview after interview to give yourself the best possible chance of having multiple offers to choose from, instead of a single offer when you are so desperate to have a job that you simply accept because who knows if something better will come along. What happens when this state of existence could actually be hindering your chances of getting the alleged "dream job" that everyone talks about with misty looks in their eye with tones of reverence in their voices? Please, dear readers, help me out. Send me an e-mail if you don't want to add comments. You can find me at: pickmechoosemehireme@yahoo.com Sorry for the continued anonymity. You may be the person that is about to get a poorly worded, stumbling, bumbling version of my "thanks, but no thanks" e-mail!
In Medias Res # 12- Now we’re waiting, on the miracle, on the miracle to come.
Good lord I love me some Leonard Cohen.
I was trying to decide what to write about this week since it feels like I haven’t written in forever. Of course, I posted just last week, but I have also lived a lot in the last week (to crib a page from Christopher Isherwood). So let’s get on with it.
First things: this campus interview? Nothing like the last campus interview. I am starting to realize that my experience, dear reader, is slightly atypical. Most of my friends- if they are going on campus- are going starting this week. I have yet another on campus coming up, which means with ACPA/NASPA the week after that I will have spent more than 60% of the month of March away from my wonderful apartment. I miss my bed. I miss my couch. I miss my laptop. I miss sleep. It is a good thing I don’t have pets. Of course, my defense is also this week, and I will keep you updated on what happens there. If I fail to graduate then the whole premise of this blog is somewhat moot. Of course while I was out of town and unreachable lots of interviewers tried to get in touch with me to talk logistics, so I have lots of calls to return on Monday.
But back to the interview. I got to the campus with little to no trouble and indulged myself in some sushi (which is apparently my pre-interview ritual now). I figured out where I would be interviewing the next day, and headed back for some sleep. Airports suck, and traveling for whatever reason is just completely draining. I got to the interview site, and the onslaught begins: one conversation after another, questions get repeated, people get reintroduced. I would almost say that the highlight again was meeting with the student search committee, but really this time the best part was talking to my potential supervisor.
I don’t want to go into too much detail, but I will say that the conversation we had was powerful. We touched on a lot of aspects of theory, practice, and experience, and I got asked very intelligent and pointed questions. Not that the previous supervisor I interviewed with didn’t do the same, but there was something about the frankness of the conversation this time; the clear ability I was being afforded to be transparent and honest that really struck me. I knew that if I chose to work with this person I could learn a great deal.
Again, I did not walk away for the interview knowing I had this job. Has anyone ever done that? There were certainly interviews at OPE where I knew I was on fire, and there were moments through out the day where I sensed that I was connecting with people. I will say that should I not get an offer from either campus I will be deeply disappointed (Have I not typed that out like fifty times? At least). If I get an offer from both I will not only be shocked, but it will be very very difficult for me to make a decision.
The rest of spring break was uneventful despite some travel bumps that prevented me from getting any downtime before I return to work. As such the rest of this week I am really rushed with school, work, and preparing for the next interview. Right after I return it is the big gear up for the Joint Conference and around that time I should find out where I stand with these two jobs. So the next post might be elated or depressing, or patiently expectant.
"My head is full." ~Patient "It's called thinking. Go with it." ~Meredith Grey
First, an apology is in order for my dear readers. Yes, I realize that it has been almost two weeks since my last update. Yes, I realize that this is unacceptable. Yes, I am deeply apologetic. However, I have a very good reason for being a slacker:
I ACCEPTED A JOB OFFER!!! Did you fall for it? Sorry, I couldn't help it! No, I have not accepted a job offer, however I have been super busy with other things in my life. First, I agree with Media Res. that job searching could be a full-time job. However, for some reason, I really enjoy pretty much every single thing about the process. I love checking higheredjobs.com, studentaffairs.com, and the ACPA/NASPA website for new job postings. I love looking at job descriptions, love going to institution's websites, love distilling the job description down into neat and an orderly Excel spreadsheet, love going on weather.com to see what the weather is like now (as well as during winter times), love seeing what type of town/city the institution is located and what kinds of things there are to do, love telling my friends about an exciting new prospect, and love writing cover letters (yes, I realize I'm a dork). Basically, I love crafting a new life for myself in an hour or less based solely on a page or two job description.
I think that my semi-obsessive love of job searching has paid off. I now have 17 interviews which is simultaneously exciting and super scary/intimidating. I was talking with some of my friends who have a healthy amount and once again, the guilt crept into my mind. However, I did start the job search over Winter Break and have applied to over 30 schools. Ridiculous, I realize. To put it in perspective, one of my mentors INTERVIEWED for 40 different positions at ACPA and went on TWELVE site visits. He says that people still talk about him with reverance with a misty look in their eye. I told him that he was being dramatic, but there is a part of me that has that number in the back of my mind. I realized this about half-way through my search and slowed down a little bit, but it is tempting to apply for everything that sounds remotely interesting, especially since I'm doing a semi-national search. However, I just went through my spreadsheet to double-check my motivations, and I am happy to say that any of the jobs that I have interviews with I would accept positions for if on-campus interviews went smoothly and felt congruence with the environment.
That last sentence leads me into my next topic. My comprehensive exam for my graduate program is fast approaching. It is next weekend (t-minus 12 days) and I already feel like my head is full. Last week was our Spring Break and I spent the entire week studying with some of my friends who decided to stay on campus. Let's just say that I am slightly peeved that my last Spring Break as a student was spent holed up in a computer lab discussing Chickering ad nauseum. I am not necessarily mad to have to show my professors that I have actually been awake and learning for the past 18 months, but I am more mad that we have to take a test. A test! You would think that for a field that goes on and on about the wonders of experiential learning, learning styles, and the evils of standardized testing a more appropriate form of assessment would be in order! Enough venting...
I guess the whole point of this post was to make the point that I now feel like a have three-full time jobs. Let's be honest, Res. Life for a grad is basically full-time, I am studying whenever I have a break in my day, and whenever I don't have work, class, or am studying, I am doing job searching. I feel like my head is truly full! I have so many projects, theories, and prospects floating through my consciousness that it is hard to be productive on any one thing at one time. I find myself smushing everything together like today when I managed to say the following to one of my RA's during a 1:1. "So, if I find a job in California, I feel like I will probably experience a major life transition like Nancy Schlossberg talked about in her theory of transition, but if I'm at a school where the Res. Life is aligned with my own personal values and skills, then I think I'll be okay." Who says that? Seriously! I am going crazy! I just need to take this test, dump out all of that theory, and move on with my life. Until next time!
In Medias Res # 11: We make money like Fred Astaire
Ok, that title has nothing to do with anything. I've just been listening to a lot of Interpol lately.
This post was originally titled, “Bad things happen in threes” because there was a series of upcoming events that I wanted to address and they were all sort of grouped in threes. But this morning I scheduled two more phone interviews and two more ACPA/NASPA interviews so that title is no longer apropos. That said, let’s just get on with the updates.
I can not even pretend that I really feel like a student anymore. Especially with the reduced class load, and the fact that I have missed one course twice already for job interviews, school is the last thing on my mind. This is probably bad because I have my defense coming up, but I do feel as if I could sleep walk through that at this point. No, dear reader, I now feel like I’m job searching full time and school/work are hobbies I fit in around that. This is in large part because starting last week, and basically through the end of March I am traveling. OPE, three (!) campus interviews, and then the Joint Conference have come down the pipeline in rapid succession. The nice young man at the dry cleaner’s knows my face and my favorite blue suit very well. One of the main reasons I am hoping for an offer before NASPA/ACPA would be to cancel my interviews and use that time in Orlando as a freaking vacation! I’m going to need it.
The campus interviews have really slowed down my progress on the initial application front. I admit I will be very disappointed if one of these three interviews does not turn into a position. Some of the OPE schools have made it clear that they are pursuing my candidacy, while others I think are on a slower time table because of NASPA/ACPA. One school had the courtesy (discourtesy?) to contact me directly to let me know I would not be getting a campus interview. Thanks?
Ever since I got invited to the first campus I have been trying to tell only a limited number of people about my interviews. This became difficult since I had to miss class, and since grad school has that small hermetic hot house atmosphere where word travels fast. I wasn’t telling people because to a certain extant I think I will be embarrassed if I don’t get any of these jobs. As the date approached though, my excitement couldn’t be contained. I told lots of people and now I can very easily see myself doing damage control in three weeks when I have no job and few prospects.
The first on-campus was a whirlwind. Interview after interview, and by the end of the day I just felt like I had nothing relevant left to say. Have you ever been on a campus interview? Did you feel the need to constantly be ‘on’? There were certainly some instances where I found myself saying what I thought people wanted to hear. This wasn’t so much me being dishonest as me, y’know trying to get a job. I did really enjoy meeting with the students and getting an idea of how the school worked (I am getting a degree in higher education after all. I should be a little bit interested). At the end of it all as I packed up my luggage and thought back on the day I could not really get a sense of perspective. Had I done well? Was I ingratiating? Could they see me in the position?
I won’t know the answer to those questions for a couple of weeks. They have some more candidates to meet with, and I have another interview to go on this week. Everyone keeps asking me, “In Medias Res, what would you choose if all three positions get offered to you?” When people ask that I say two things in response: 1) I won’t know until I’ve been to each campus. 2) There’s a snowball’s chance in hell that’s gonna happen. So stop asking that question.
Rereading this post I know it sounds more self loathing then I mean it to. I’m actually feeling pretty good. There’s a good possibility that I might have a job soon. All of the leads are at schools that I would be proud and excited to work at. After my first on-campus I know I’m at least competent and marketable, and honestly the possibility that this is the home stretch? That’s damn exciting!
Briefly, I’m going to get on a soapbox: one of the other bloggers took the time out to inform prospective graduate students that they should respond to all emails they get from potential employers. I’m not sure if her remarks included just general solicitation emails or some more specific form of communication. It never occurred to me especially when I was getting the deluge of OPE requests to look at your school that you expected me to reply. Especially when you don’t address the email to me, or make the message in anyway stand out from a mass email. I don’t usually respond to spam (I know it’s probably a horrible thing to compare being contacted by a school to spam, but in a lot of cases that’s what it felt like. And that’s the edgy sort of commentary you come here for.) So here’s a thought: I do read the email-if you would like to me indicate my interest either way put that in the email. And I will gladly reply. Alright dear readers! I’m off on another world wind adventure. I will update you at my earliest convenience, which is unfortunate as nothing about my future appears convenient.
In Medias Res #10- OPE is a beast that will not die
Whoa-Joey Lawrence, on TV’s Blossom
I figured I’d steal a page from my co-blogger’s play book and use a classic TV moment to frame my discussion. Seriously, after Oshkosh that’s exactly how I feel. Have any of you, dear readers, been through the gauntlet before? It is alternately maddening, frightening, energizing, fun, and ridiculous. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about OPE is a placement exchange that happens every year in Oshkosh, Wisconsin primarily for Residence Life departments. There are other regional placements, but OPE is supposedly the biggest and it is truly a national exchange. I had a decent number of interviews going in, and just as I was told would happen schools offered me more once I got there. I found myself being picky, however, and so I only added one interview (and it was with a school that I contacted after reading their materials). Now, a day out and miles and miles away I sort of appreciate how much fun the whole thing was. It was great to connect with lots of people passionate about Student Affairs away from a traditional conference setting. Most of my interviews I really enjoyed, some I didn’t care for at all, but the process certainly helped me hone my message for future interviews. I also feel much more comfortable about transitioning back into Residence Life, and I have a much clearer set of expectations for what I want in a position/institution. Three interviews went gangbusters, and one of those schools I really expect to turn into an on campus. That might not sound like a lot, but it only takes one offer. Similarly there were lots of campuses that I met with who were just not the right fit, and I’m glad that I know that now! So for those of you who will be making the pilgrimage next year (or for curious employers or other candidates) here’s a breakdown of OPE from my perspective:
The Good Stuff: · Everybody at OPE wants you to succeed · Employers are actually excited to talk to you · All the socials have food. Yay free food for broke grad students! · Unlike ACPA/NASPA you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything by being in interviews all day. · You get lots of surprises, gifts, and candy in your mailbox. Yay free stuff for broke graduate students! · Overwhelmingly people are extroverts and they want to make you comfortable. · You get to wear a tie (ok, that’s my own personal preference). · People will always talk to you in the waiting rooms. You can learn a lot about the field just by chatting with your neighbor. Sometimes people will even clap as you head into your interview. · Free food, clothes, bags, jump drives, fans (anything you can slap a logo on). Sorry, but the free stuff was pretty phenomenal. · You will be a professional interviewer by the end. You will also be deeply flattered.
The Bad Stuff: · The days are long. · The tempo can be hectic. I tried to schedule myself breaks, but as the interview requests piled up I found myself doing a lot of running around. · The weather was horrible (although that’s nobody’s fault). · The tension of competition is inevitable. · OPP-Other people’s problems (anxiety can kind of float around the wrong waiting room like a virus) · If you are an introvert (or let’s just say not an extreme housing style extrovert) the socials will be a challenge · Dress shoes. (When is it going to become ok for anyone but Justin Timberlake to wear a tie and sneakers and look formal?)
The Stuff you need: · Stamina, although you need that for Res Life anyways · Prepared answers · Thank you notes! (Safe equation: 3X the number of interviews you have pre-arranged) · A reason why you are interested in the school. “You contacted me” is not an appropriate response. · Patience. Interviewers get backed up. People get lost or confused. The nervous people in the waiting room get loud and process externally. · Headphones, a book, or something to help you get your head out of OPE for a minute. · Good Friends! If I had had to do OPE by myself I would have crashed within the first day.
Without people to process, support, and encourage you the whole process would have been much scarier. If it’s at all possible to take people you like with you do it! Aside from splitting the cost of a hotel room, having a shoulder to lean on and someone to fix your tie/collar/hair makes the whole thing less painful. On the whole, if you’re searching in Residence Life next year I strongly recommend it. Going in I got mixed messages from people, but the process is flexible enough that it is what you make of it. Taken solely as a chance to get insight and network though, OPE is invaluable. I can’t wait till next year, when I’m dying to be on the other side of the table asking candidates: “Tell me a little bit about yourself. Something that’s not on the resume. Oh, and spin this plate on your nose as you do it.”
On a related note: I have two on campuses and another employer just called to check my references. I really need to get to cracking on setting up some ACPA/NASPA stuff. I only have two interviews!
The student affairs job search can be exhilarating, frustrating, callous, gratifying and so much more. Once again, StudentAffairs.com has asked two graduate students, going through the job search process, to share their thoughts and feelings right through the hoped for job offer.
