Here I Go Again on My Own

Ah, a classic song from a classic era!  I know that very few of you remember the 80’s (I barely remember them myself!), but you have to admit some of the songs of this time period can teach us much about what to do or NOT do during a job or internship search. For example, the chorus of Whitenake’s “Here I Go Again on My Own” …I suggest taking the lyrics and doing the exact OPPOSITE.  Don’t believe me? See (or perhaps hear) for yourself:

Line #1: “Here I go again on my own”

This is probably exactly how you feel coming back to campus from a long summer at home. Maybe you worked the summer job you have been working since high school. Maybe you had an internship this summer. Maybe you were able to travel and have all sorts of amazing experiences. Maybe you took some time for yourself to relax and get ready for the next year here at Saint Mary’s. Either way, you were probably surrounded by family, friends, and other people you could lean on for support. Now that you are back on campus, it feels like you are on your own to take on the challenge of preparing for your future.  But we are doing the exact opposite, right? So don’t do it all by yourself! Take advantage of the services you have available at Saint Mary’s…like our office for example. Stop by and see us – you are not entirely on your own in the world of job and internship searching! 

Line #2: “Going down the only road I’ve ever known”

Often we come to college thinking we will pursue one path within our lifetime. We have a direction and our goal is to figure out how to get there. Somewhere along the way, we feel as though we are stuck going down the only road we’ve ever known. In the spirit of doing the opposite this year:  explore other options! Only 25% of people are in careers that directly relate to their college major five years after graduation. You have options! Look around at them and see what other roads look appealing!

Line #3: “Like a drifter I was born to walk alone”

NO YOU ARE NOT! Well, not in your job search at least! Don’t try to do it all on your own. Think about your networks and who could help you in your job or internship search. Did you meet some people in the places where you spent most of your summer who could help you get connected to other people? Keep up with those contacts and network with them. Seventy percent of jobs are never publically posted but filled through networking!

Line #4: “I made up my mind; I ain’t wastin’ no more time”

Let this be our motto this year!  Don’t waste any more time and start networking! In any economy, especially this one, the earlier you start searching, the more opportunities that will come your way. It takes longer to find full-time positions and internships than we often think.

Are you convinced the 80’s songs can easily be turned into job and internship advice? For those of you too young to remember this classic Whitesnake song, let me take this moment to jog your memory!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKTiwCez6Zs


Tricia Dunton, Assistant Director
Career Crossings Office
Saint Mary's College