Steve Lemerand

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

I fell in love with Florida State University during my time here. Therefore, since I was graduating soon, I wanted to find a way to sort of "give back" to FSU while also getting paid for it for financial reasons. Thus, I applied for a position as an Orientation Leader and as a University Ambassador. The application processes for each position are tough and they were going on simultaneously. Through this experience, I learned that the best way to go through an interview is to be yourself. It is harmful to put on a front during an interview because it will be difficult to keep that facade up if you are offered the job. Moreover, people want to know who you truly are and most people will love you most for your true self. When I was offered the position as an Orientation Leader, I had to make some adjustments to my plans for the next year, but this is one of the best decisions I have ever made! 

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 used the Career Center's resume critiques resource to obtain my position as an Orientation Leader. This supported my application process greatly because I had an abundance of corrections to make on my resume. The people I met with at the Career Center helped me better articulate my previous experiences that qualified me for this part-time job. I drew on these experiences often during my individual interview for this position and I was better equipped to speak about them because of the support I received from the Career Center. I learned a lot of general information about creating a resume as well. 

What are some major takeaways from your experience? How will these help prepare you for the next step after graduation?

A takeaway from my experience as an orientation leader is that a challenge is a good thing. The cliche "nothing worth having comes easy" is very true in my opinion. My experience was extremely meaningful and valuable, and a lot of that comes from the challenges, hard work, and perseverance that was necessary along the way. This will help prepare me for the next step after graduation because I know that if I am not challenging myself, I will not be implementing the positive changes within myself that I wish to achieve. This will drive me to push myself outside of my comfort zone which will ultimately ensure that I will be the happiest and most successful I can be. Another takeaway from my part-time job is to never be afraid to ask for help. Although the challenges were necessary, seeking help and assistance along the way was just as if not more necessary. I built really strong, unexpected relationships by asking for help along this experience. This takeaway will help prepare me for my next step after graduation because I will know that I am not alone and that with help from others, I can do anything! 

What advice do you have for students currently launching a part-time job search? 

My favorite quote is: "Do it with passion, or not at all." If you are going to be working countless hours at your future part-time job, you might as well be passionate about the work you are doing. You will enjoy the work more and you will do a better job at it, no matter what the job itself is. Do not listen to the opinions of others; I almost did that and could have let the most transformative experience of my undergraduate career slip away from me! Although not everyone has the luxuries or privileges to find a part-time job they love, I think it is valuable to reflect a little on your own before starting a part-time job search. The job market is not always the best, but if you can find your passion before you find your job, you will be set up for success because a little passion can take you a long way.