Rica Guiang

Describe your job search process. What were some challenges you faced or things you learned from the experience?

I used Indeed to find animal-related positions in the area I was going to spend my summer. Immediately it was difficult finding a position that was hiring for only the summer, as most positions wanted someone who would stay long-term. Ultimately I found a position dog bathing in Brandon and it was the perfect summer job!

If you used any Career Center services, resources, or events to obtain your job offer, what were they? How did they support your application process?

I had gone to one of the Resume cafe events during the school year and they offered great feedback on how to make my experience sound even better.

Have you participated in any experiential learning opportunities (Internships, volunteer experiences, research, leadership roles, military experience, etc.)? How have these prepared you for moving into a full-time role?

I had spent much of my Freshman and Sophomore years volunteering at various shelters and wildlife centers in and around Tallahassee and found that it was incredibly fulfilling. It got me more used to the hands-on dirty work required to take care of a lot of different animals, which helped me a lot.

What advice do you have for current students that will be launching a full-time professional job search?

Be honest with yourself and potential employers! Finding the right fit can be hard and may take a while but it’s better to find one that’s right for you rather than one that you ultimately can’t handle or isn’t fulfilling.