I recently posted I would be giving away an Entry-Level Job Seeker Starter Kit, filled with books and other gifts. I reviewed the nominations and ended up choosing Amanda Egut as the winner. She was nominated by Abbey Linville, who had this to say about her:
Amanda is by far the most driven job-seeker I have met. Not only has she had five internships, in which she more than excelled, but she continues to search daily – perhaps fanatically – for a job. As a Cleveland-area public relations and political science soon-to-be-graduate, she’s up against a tremendous amount of competition for a small amount of openings. Still, despite the lack of entry-level jobs in this field and area, Amanda manages to pull lead after lead seemingly out of the air. And after all of her hard work – her searching and networking – she shares her job findings with her friends and classmates, encouraging them to apply as well. For a person with a heart as great as their drive and motivation, Amanda is more than deserving of the Entry-Level Job Seeking Starter Kit. So, to conclude, I would like to nominate Amanda Egut for this contest. She would benefit from these guides and tools, and she would share them with others seeking entry-level work, increasing the value of this prize ten-fold.
When I contacted Amanda to tell her she had won, she was of course excited and granted me a short interview.
HH: Briefly describe your academic and professional background.
AE: I graduated from Kent State University in Ohio, on December 19, 2009, with a degree in public relations and a minor in political science. While on campus, I was involved with the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Chi Omega women’s fraternity. I have interned with many different organizations, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cox Communications, a hospital and Kent’s internal student-staffed PR firm, Flash Communications. Since graduation I have been freelancing for a company based out of Cleveland.
HH: What is your ideal entry-level job and why?
AE: My ideal entry-level job would be obtaining a ‘career internship’ position with the United States Army or working in another government related position. I have always enjoyed politics and history; and being able to immerse myself in a setting that values both would be rewarding. If a government position is not an option, I would enjoy working as an advocate and try lobbying or working in a corporate setting.
HH: What makes you a great fit for an organization offering this job?
AE: I am hard working, enjoy research and am not afraid to ask questions. Doing thorough research allows for a solid understanding of the problem, which makes it easier to create strategies and tactics that reach the key audience.
I am also a very loyal dedicated and compassionate person. I am not only looking for a job, but a place where I can make a difference. I understand the happiest people are those who love what they do and have a working fiduciary relationship with their employers.
HH: How do you plan to use the items in the Entry-Level Job Seeker Starter Kit?
AE: I plan to read all the materials and then pass them along to fellow graduates and soon-to-be graduates. I will highlight the main points of each text and compile a guide that I can pass along to other job seekers, and keep for future reference. (I can send you this when I have it completed.)
HH: What advice do you have for other December graduates seeking entry-level jobs?
AE: The best advice I have to offer other December graduates is to keep looking, (get creative in your search) ask questions and be passionate about what you want to do. A genuine interest in an organization and positive personality will translate throughout the interview process and give you an advantage in the job market.
Don’t be afraid to ask to shadow a professional for a day, or see if an organization you’re interested in needs extra help. Keep in contact with your professors, mentors and friends. The most important piece of advice I could offer is be nice to everyone. You never know where job leads will come from. They can come from a customer you’re waiting on, a person behind you in line at the grocery store or a neighbor.
Note: Because of Amanda’s interest in working with the government, I’m also throwing in a copy of How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job: Your Complete Guide to Opportunities, Internships, Resumes and Cover Letters, Application Essays (KSAs), Interviews, Salaries, Promotions and More!
