Writing this one for anyone struggling through recruiting, and for anyone in the future who will struggle through it. Want to say that the recruitment game works out in the end.
Before I went through the internship recruitment process - I found it hard to believe what people told me along the way: "Every step is tougher than the last".
But after weeks of doubt, I can finally say: I believe now.
Went through over 20 interviews, and more rejection than I'd like to remember - stayed the course for over 4 painful months, but I'm taking my dream job in San Francisco.
Here are a few tips I'd give January me:
- Rejection sucks but make it count by learning at least one thing from each job you miss - whether its coming prepared with a joke, knowing your story better, or brushing up on technical knowledge
- Don't second guess yourself - You can't convince employers how great you are unless you truly truly believe it
- No one gets through alone - I wouldn't have made it without the support of Team Fuqua, and the friends/family back home. Stay connected even though all you want to do is look for jobs 24/7
Its been a long time since I've blogged - but I need to address an important issue that I've been facing here at business school.
Summer internship recruitment has been an incredibly humbling experience. After performing well academically for the past 6 months, the MBA has opened up doors that I wouldn't have thought possible. I interviewed with almost every "top" firm/company in America. Perhaps I'd be the long-shot that made it through.
But after all the interviews - I'm here unemployed.
As you can imagine I take these rejections very personally because these companies rejected the man and not the resume. Always thought my strength was the former. But even with a top school, top grades, and a top GMAT on my resume - I can't get an offer.
Which brings us to the important issue I want to address: Every part of business school is the hardest part until the next one. GMAT, B-school applications, fall grades, networking & sip circles, resume drops and interviews. I'm sure that whatever is next will be even tougher.
In any case I've been questioning if this whole process is worth it - I need to do some soul searching.
