I recently had the humbling privilege to experience what job rejection feels like. The word “humbling” is the key word in this entry because it truly allowed me to feel what thousands of Americans are feeling in the current economic situation we are experiencing. I never had a hard time getting a job before, but that might be due to the fact that I have been employed prior to the financial meltdown.

I was applying to get a summer research position with the CNS on campus where I would get the opportunity to study the societal effects of nanotechnology—something new for a change. I went through the usual freak-out mode most people go through after they have their interview and wonder, “did I talk too much? did I talk too little? Maybe they didn’t like me?” These were the questions that were racing through my head for a week after the interview.

I was so set on getting this internship that I did not even think twice about the fact that I might not even get it. I had this mindset that I would automatically get the internship. Little did I know that times have changed. I always hear people say no one is hiring in this job market, but now that it has hit close to home for me I see that it takes a lot more than just landing an interview to guarantee a job or internship.

I feel as if the interview itself actually went well, but from this experience I have learned that you win some and you lose some. I learned that I need to keep a level headed mindset every time I apply to a job. Aside from these points I have also realized that it is important to use multiple resources when on the job hunt.

By multiple resources I mean being creative in what types of jobs and internships you apply for so that you can get the highest amount of offers. In my experience I applied to only a select few internships because I was neglecting the internships I felt were too easy to get. Now I realize that by applying to out of reach, medium range, and easily attainable internships or jobs. This way I could have more options when it comes to choosing what internship to take and having back up internships.

Now that the initial rejection has come and gone I have realized that not getting jobs and call backs is all a part of the career process. Determination is key and not giving up is essential in succeeding in any career. I learned that this persistence will ultimately pay off in the future and even though I might have learned this the hard way, at least I learned it. You have to face adversity to know the worth of what you do have. With that being said, I have now gained knowledge here and there about what it takes to make it in the job market.