Foolishly, I believed as soon as I graduated, all I had to do was send someone a resume, wait to get called in for an interview and the job would be mine. Sometimes, harsh reality can be the most valuable instructor of our lives.

I graduated from Loyola with a Bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a concentration in journalism. I knew before graduating that the job market for journalists was difficult, especially with how the industry is changing as it grows accustomed to online needs. However, I never thought the process of finding a job would be as difficult as it is. It does not help that with all of the recent job cuts The Times-Picayune made, the possibility of finding a job as a journalist is growing smaller.

I am thankful for the education Loyola provided for me because it did prepare me for post-grad life with a resume in my hand and a portfolio on my computer. However, there were some aspects of job hunting for which I do not feel I am completely prepared. I have applied for reporter positions, and I was slightly intimidated at the process of applying for a job online. I recognize that it is pretty short-sighted on my part to assume that I would apply for a job differently, but I was a little shocked when I first had to fill an online application and it took me a few hours. I would sign up for an account with whatever job host site the application is on, put in my resume and cover letter with sample work, fill out an extensive online questionnaire, submit the application and finally, wait.

The most unbearable thing about the job hunting process for me is the waiting. I would wait for days hoping someone would contact me back. I would wait for weeks, considering if I should contact the organization again and remind them about me. I have waited for months on a number of jobs thinking there is something wrong with me and that is why no one is answering me back. All of the constant waiting is painful for me and it is even more agonizing whenever I think I am a burden to my parents.

My parents reassured me they would let me live at home until I find a job, as long as I can take care of most of my amenities, and I am truly thankful for them housing me. Sometimes, though, I feel shame that it is taking me this long to find a job, not having the proper tools to take care of myself and having to fall back on people who have spent years doing so much for me already.

While the hunting has not produced much and the waiting is very lonely, I do have a saving grace in the form of volunteer work at WYES-TV. What started as an internship through Loyola has turned into a way to keep myself sane and active. The station does not have the funds to officially hire me, but I am glad to continue giving my time there in order to keep strong connections. I love the people at WYES because they are always willing to help me find an opening for me at another station and provide recommendations or letters whenever I ask. Plus, it helps that they are some of the nicest people I have ever met.

If I have any sort of advice for my recently graduated peers or for students who are on their way to graduating, I would say to just apply as soon as possible and to keep trying. It is going to be a long, hard process and sometimes you may feel like you will never find anything. Nothing in our lives at this point is going to be easy anymore, but you cannot give up. Work as hard as you can and it will pay off for you. Your job is waiting for you. You just need to go and find it.