Applying for jobs seems like a fun time because it is a sign that you are looking toward your future, but in reality, it is a tedious and stressful process. It can take months because places either take a while to respond, or you are just like me and have a whole plan in place to make sure you stay on top of it, and then procrastinate, delaying yourself a month and a half. 

I know I do not graduate until May, but from past experience applying for an internship, as well as advice from people who have been through this before, I did not want to wait until the last minute to try and find a job after I graduate. 

I think the most stressful and time consuming part of the process is the writing of cover letters. I like to write, and I think that is very obvious given my current position, but I find it so difficult to write about myself, without coming off as ignorant or self-absorbed. I am never sure what exactly a company is looking for from me in a cover letter. Some say it is used as a pitch to the company, why should they offer you the opportunity for an interview? 

The expectation that everything you say in a cover letter needs to be precise is probably the reason why it is so difficult. If they find one thing wrong, one reason to deny your application, they will take it. Your resume could be the greatest ever, but if they do not think your values fit within their company based on your cover letter, you will be tossed aside. 

Another reason why this process is so difficult is because the journalism and media field as a whole is so saturated that it can be difficult to find the right spot to get in. It always helps to have some connections to people in the industry as they can give fantastic advice on how you should go about finding the right job for you, or at least one that can get you into the industry in the first place. 

I am going to miss being in college because of all of the experiences and memories I have created, but I am also very excited for the next chapter of my life. I feel like there are so many possibilities, and my time here at Oswego was not wasted. I tried to jump on as many opportunities as I could in order to build up a resume strong enough to open doors for my future career. Hopefully a great company will take a chance on me and I will get to show what I can do with the rest of the world. The Oswego community has helped make these opportunities a possibility so I thank everyone for that.