Post # 1
Member
111 posts
Blushing bee
My long distance relationship is ending in 35 days to be with the fiance. Yes, I survived a 2 year long distance relationship! Now that it is closer, I am getting considerably more nervous about finding a job.
If things work out with my thesis defense, I will graduate this spring- if not I will graduate in the summer term. I am so close, my thesis advisor as been getting ill lately…I don’t know what is up with that 
Anyways, my degree is bussiness related specializing in different areas of HR to put it simply (performance management, employee selection, organizational development, data management etc.) More specifically, it is an MA in Industrial Organizational psychology. (Greetings to any others who share my degree…it is gaining popularity but still relatively unknown).
Career-wise I am flexible. Ideally I would like to get more exposure to recruiting to see if that is a good fit. The only thing that I would really like to avoid is a job that is working entirely with data (I have a strong stats background). Having that human connection piece is very important to me, but some data component is nice. I just want a good balance.
It’s just funny how much my perspective has changed since I first entered the program. I had this very narrow idea of what I would do. Fast forward two years and I have learned that personally I will be much more happy if I keep my expectations under control and take each opportunity that is given to me as a learning opportunity. My plan of attack when I move is to 1) volunteer within the means of my budget (driving costs if in person) before landing a job to build more skills that are somewhat related to my future career 2) join professional associations and MEET PEOPLE 3) explore other casual professional related meet-ups in the area. 4) continue to apply to online positions 5) try to reach out by e-mail when I am interested in working at a specific company even if there is no job post. Sometimes a shot in the dark can work out.
I have some money in savings that I can live on for awhile, but ideally I would like to give the majority of it back as it is student loan money. FH will be helping me out with food and rent till I find a job. Mainly just paying for gas. So, the shorter I am job searching the better. Any other strategies new grads have developed to build their network?
Overall, no matter what happens I think the important thing is to keep optimistic. Even if I end up having to take a less than ideal job the truth is that I will be with the FH and both of our dogs together. I can continue to build my network. If I have learned anything in graduate school it is that for the most part people do not end up in position they have wanted because they applied externally. Rather, it was because of a connection. So, I am striving to really get beyond my introverted self to accomplish this. Once I land a job I can start seriously planning on how to make the wedding I can afford happpen!
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This topic was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by
leilalexicon.
Post # 2
Member
11 posts
Newbee
I’m in a very similar situation as I finish up my Masters before getting married and moving to a different part of the state. Sounds like you’ve got a good plan though! My degree is more specialized – Fashion Merchandising/Digital Marketing so I have no clue what I’m gonna do. 
Post # 3
Member
111 posts
Blushing bee
kpellien:
Yes! The struggle is real. I am relocating to the LA area, there’s lots of fashion oriented opportunities there…but I am sure that is not of much help if you are not moving there. I dream of the day where I can buy some higher quality clothes! A fun thing for you to do would be to look into artistic events where you can meet some friends/possible connections. I used to live in a much smaller area but the artistic community was still very prevalent because there was a few select galleries where a good majority of the creative type would mingle.
Side note: I love the creative type, perhaps because I feel as though I lost my creativity when I got older. For fun I will for sure check out some art related stuff in LA. It’s so hard to make good quality friends as an adult these days.
Post # 4
Member
209 posts
Helper bee
leilalexicon: I am in the same situation as well. Moving across the country to FINALLY live with my Fiance after graduating. 44 days left of a 4 year LDR… 🙂
Anyways, your career goals are a little different than mine, you seem very motivated and I am sure you will have no problem getting a job. Connections are key and you can find them in the most unexpected places. Every conversation you have with someone, just be like “I am moving to ___, do you know anyone there? And they will be like “oh yeah my uncle lives there and he works for whatever company. I’ll give you his email.” etc etc
Sadly I am moving to a city with an unstable economy at the moment, so I might be relying on my partner more than I would like, which you said you may have to do as well. I’m sure we both want to be strong independent women and make that money, esp. saving for the wedding. But having our partners help us is just life!
Anyways the job search after graduating is just a process that everyone goes through in life, sometimes it can be tough. You sound like you have a great plan though! Best of luck!!
Post # 5
Member
111 posts
Blushing bee
katza: Wow! Congratulations for surving the distance twice as long as my relationship. I can’t imagine making it through that long of a period of time. But, I also understand how it is doable. When the person is worth it, it feels much easier. I am also pretty independent so that contributed positively as well.
I am not really sure what to make of the California economy at the moment (Where I am headed). I guess it has gotten better but we shall see what happens. There is only a small amount of control we all have and I can do my best to exercise it to my benefit. Aside from that, it’s best to just let go of the out come I think, otherwise it can become very stressful! I am not a fan of relying on anyone either, but it is only temporary.
I sound very positive, but really the only choice in this I have is picking my attitude. It’s too easy to let this stuff get you down so you just have to try your best to cope when you have a big change that is about to happen. So writing this was itself a coping strategy 😉
Post # 6
Member
47187 posts
Honey Beekeeper
leilalexicon: I think the majority of new grads have to move to find work. So, although you are moving because of your relationship, your situation is pretty common.
In addition to applying for jobs, I do encourage you to network to your full capacity. You are more likely to land work through someone you meet through volunteering, or networking at professional events, than you are if you rely soley on your degree. There are way too many grads out here who are experts on paper, but have never actually held a posiiton in their field of study.
Do search out employers for whom you would love to work, and set up an appointment with HR. Managers are impressed by people with initiative and will remember you when there is an opening.
When I was married the first time, we moved every year. While it may appear dauntiing the key thing to remember is that there are nice people everywhere.
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