Hello!
Cat’s the name (full name Cathryn). I grew up in SoCal with two incredible parents, Jeff and Nancy, along with my adored sisters, Talia and Marlena. I am a 21-year-young senior in college studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Social Media Marketing is the field I love.
Finding a job these days can be quite difficult. Although the future looks promising, company recruiters rarely visit college campuses due to the ease of posting job openings online. I started this project because I wanted to find the answer to the question my friends and I have been asking, “What the heck can I do to get noticed?” I am excited to learn from this process, as well as interact with the people who inspire me.
Feel free to send me questions, comments, and even advice!
-Cat
Being innovative, always keeping an eye out for opportunities is surely a great way to get noticed, especially during and after college. One of my favorite examples: As a CS student, I always had my resume with me at all times. One hot Texas summer afternoon I was doing one of my part-time summer gigs (valet parking vehicles at a local hotel), when I discovered a group of students arriving at the hotel for some conference, along with what seemed to be “industry” folks. I stopped one of the people I thought looked important to ask him what the event was. He told me it was a recruiting event for engineering students from a different school than mine. I told him I was a CS student at a different school, and was interested, and that I had my resume in my car. He asked to see it. I rushed to my car, and gave it to him. I got invited to interview on the spot. During the interview, I was told I came out tops among all the other students and they were prepared to hire me. Only problem, I didn’t have the appropriate security clearance – it was for a govt. high-tech contract, secret military stuff. Needless to say, it was a good feeling to know that I could land a job in this manner. Two weeks later, I got an offer from IBM, which I accepted. Lesson learned– be innovative, and prepared to sell yourself wherever, whenever, however. Cheers and best.
Loved that. Thank you so much for sharing, Chuks!
I was looking for a job in market research and showed up for a focus group (without being invited). I participated in the focus group (about photo paper) and then asked if they were hiring. Ended up getting an interview and offer out of it.
Now that’s the definition of being a “go-getter.” Right on!
Cat,
Noticed your link in the logo video CBS news and actually misread it as Cat Stevens. Sorry about that.
But looking at your blog, reminded me of my job search a while ago and the advice 2 friends gave me.
1. There is way too much sunlight to walk in anyone’s shadow so stop doing what everyone else is.
2. People are ‘products’ in the job market space. Companies (consumers) will always compare prices (salary), packaging (personal presentation), convenience (online CVs) and other characteristics when choosing which to buy (hire).
Try thinking of the different ways products & services appeal to consumers and the techniques and variety used in traditional marketing campaigns.
Personally I would have liked to read a website, “How did you get noticed?” about nontraditional ways people got in their first in-the-door.
Hope it helps. Good luck and hang in there.
btw…I used to live N.Cal., the East Bay, and went to St. Marys College. Beautiful state.
Tokyoj
Great advice. Thanks so much! I love the idea of “How did you get noticed?” Possibly a follow-up blog, definitely. Check out my first blog on the 1st @ 4p EST. Should be a fun read.
-Cat
Hey Cat -
I 2nd that follow up blog theory as I’ve been thinking about that same thing for my site. But hey, above you asked about how to go about getting noticed and marketing yourself. It appears to me that you’re on the right track by blogging. I like your site and what you have to say, and how you go about saying it. I doubt there is a very high percentage of college seniors spending time on their own blog sites; maybe 2-3 % at best. You’re doing great from my perspective.
Thank you, Charlie.
P.S. Your post’s crack me up. I just subscribed. Too funny!
Hey Cat, you’re welcome. I’m happy you’re happy reading my posts. I like making people laugh. Sadly, nearly everything I write is based on real life experiences. I’m a bit timid to write about my college and high school days. I’d have to change my name and move to another state if I did
LOL! OH OH OH you have to read “Trouser Mouse” and what happened to me when I was flirting with a gorgeous spicy hot girl at the Miami airport. Oh my, I bleed dorkness at times (sheesh). Cyas and Be Good 