Wow, ya know what?! It’s been almost exactly one year since I graduated from the University of Iowa and I must say all things considering I’ve been beyond fortunate this past year.
I believe this was one of the toughest years of my life (and I’ve heard that my fellow classmates can relate) because for the first time my next step wasn’t already pre-determined. When we grow up our parents are making all of our decisions for us–what to eat, what to do today, where to go to school, yada yada yada. Then once we start to think we’re gaining our independence in middle school, we start to do what society tells us to (or in some cases the exact opposite.)
Next, we go to high school, then college, and then a few prolong the inevitable and go to more college BUT THEN when you do graduate or call it quits on school you find out you’re all on your own. “Go find a job” (if only it really was that simple) and then for the first time you’ve truly got to figure it out on your own, but at the same time it’s not really even up to you. Now your fate is in a complete stranger’s hand.
When applying to jobs, getting jobs, and working jobs all we can do is our very best and try to exceed their expectations every step of the way. Coming out of college I was very lucky to have had over a year’s experience working in my field of study, graphic design. I had worked as an assistant graphic designer at Hancher Auditorium (the best 😉 performing arts venue in the Midwest) and had an internship with NBCUniversal (where I fell in love with LA.) Plus years of student organization leadership experience and other miscellaneous jobs.
About a week before college graduation I received my first full time job offer. After a lot of thinking, I decided to accept the position of Senior Graphic Designer at Mittera Creative Agency in Des Moines, Iowa (thus prolonging my dream of moving west for a little longer.) At Mittera I worked alongside a great group of talented individuals and an amazing core group of inspiring women. I learned so much by working with clients like Hy-Vee, Schnucks, and even a little Theisen’s. While agency life was exhausting and easy to complain about, I’m beyond grateful. The friends I’ve made and the lessons I’ve learned about design, working, business, people, and myself made the entire experience worth it. After 9 months of working there, it’s true Mittera made a lot of decisions for me when they let me, and half the team go but they pushed me to stop waiting and to go after my dreams.
From January to March I’d been applying to jobs like crazy all over the world. I traveled to New York to visit a friend and see what I thought of the city, but even after all that contemplating I knew LA still had my heart. I got in contact with a few talent/recruiting agencies here in LA and in the end ended up enrolling in four different companies’ systems. (I’ll save that for another topic one day.) Once I moved out here, the different agencies had already helped me set up a number of interviews. After a week I had already been offered a job. I took the temporary freelance position with Roberts Beauty’s skincare line Florapy Beauty. Here I am currently providing creative and art direction for the brand as well as creating content and developing their digital engagement. (make sure to follow @florapybeauty on Instagram to see exactly what I’m doing) So far, it’s so great. I’m really enjoying the brand, the creative freedom, and again another strong, smart group of women to work with.
I’m not sure what will happen next but I’m enjoying the moment and promise to keep you posted. So far all of these experiences have taught me that you can make any career happen if you want it enough and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to make it happen. Of course, the flipside of that is also knowing your worth as an employee and as a talented and skilled person. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and your abilities and don’t settle for less. Only you can hold yourself back!
Day of Jae 