Job Search Lessons from my Daughter: Turning Lemons into Lemonade

In my last newsletter, I wrote about my daughter Danielle (pictured at left)  who recently graduated cum laude from the College of Charleston with a BA in Art History and Historic Preservation. 

Danielle has been actively seeking full-time employment with a design related company in NYC.  But the design industry is in a serious slump, and in spite of having a strong resume for a recent college grad (okay, I'll admit to being biased on this one) the search is moving more slowly than she would like.

Finding the dream job, even with a career coach as her mom,  is going to take some time.  But, instead of wallowing in self-pity, Danielle and five of her friends from high school, recently banded together to form a company called Grads4Hire.  They will do any odd job from sitting (baby/pet/house) to running errands to tutoring to catering.  For every job they book, they give back an hour of time to a community service project (e.g. serving meals to the elderly and helping out at our local clothing/food pantry).

Since they started the company, the girls have been booked almost non-stop.  The local papers have done two stories about them, their story has been shared on several blogs and tweets, and they have been learning invaluable lessons about pricing, marketing and customer service. 

Most importantly, the girls are having fun and feeling really good about themselves.  No small matter at a time when many other graduates are floundering.  Not surprisingly, all of their contact with the public has led to some interesting networking opportunities that might very well lead to full-time jobs.  At a minimum, it sure makes for a good story when they go in for job interviews.

I'll keep you posted on Danielle's progress.  And if anyone knows of someone who is looking for a great entry-level person in the design field in NYC, be sure to let me know!

Comments

[Sharon Stenger]

I love the Grads4hire... are they in the Fairfield County area? Good for them for staying active while looking for the job of their dreams!

[Career Coach, Nancy Collamer]

Thanks Sharon! They are based in Greenwich, CT and can be reached via e-mail at Grads4Hire@gmail.com