SECURE the Job Journey - Day 26
Plan for the Day
Prep for the talk with the Sustainability Analyst recruiter call and the Sustainability Planner panel interview
Attend the IGEL Summit
Attend the ATL Women in Sustainability Meetup
TRY and apply to some jobs on the spready
What I Actually Executed
Everything but Task 4
Results/Updates
Both the interview and the chat with the recruiter went great! I feel like I’m getting better at articulating my experiences in a way to show the value I can bring to a new role. Finally, the complicated job hunting code seems crackable. The networking chat also went well. I’m getting more comfortable with just talking to people and I am learning more of what’s out there! It’s exciting! And I feel like with every call I ask better questions and get the specific help and feedback that I need.
Reflection
Today was a bustling day!
Here’s my IGEL Summit debrief:
My social anxiety creeped in on my shoulders when I got there and I saw the crowd of people. I felt the little socially anxious girl rise up in me. For some reason I heard my dad’s voice in my head saying “Go in! Go on in!”. He was big on putting me in activities that would expose me to new social situations to build my social skills as a kid. I hated it, but on days like this, I see the benefits. I almost wanted to turn around and leave until I remembered the GOOOOD $50 I spent on the ticket. We don't waste money ‘round here!!
I took a step to the side, gathered myself, and decided to be brave and walk directly to the seemingly intimidating crowd. Peeling away at the unfamiliar faces, I spot a few people I recognize. They spotted me and my fashionably oversized burgundy blazer to match my burgundy mini twists. Immediately, that scared little girl turned into the curious and excited little girl seeing her friends at recess. My guard dropped and I felt ready to socialize.
Honestly, for a second I thought it was gonna be like school lunch: a crowd of people just in their circles with no room for me to enter. But as time passed, I saw how open people were. I focused on asking questions and just enjoying the opportunity to learn about the people in the room. It was nice to not be the one to answer questions at this moment.
Ah, to just be a social sponge in that moment and soak in the moment was sublime.
I went from seeing someone I knew to being introduced to somebody else. Then I ran into other people I knew and more introductions happened. Then a magical thing happened, folks just started reaching out a hand to introduce themselves to me! Wow, I’m getting better at this. I just needed a moment to defrost.
Next Stop, the ATL Women in Sustainability Meetup:
I was on a social high and my confidence was up! Some of the ladies at the IGEL summit were also planning on hitting up this event so it was nice to ALREADY know who ‘gon be there. I was a slight bit nervous, but again, God helped me be brave. I walked into the event and was met with such friendly faces! Everyone was excited to meet everyone.
I didn't realize how many ladies I would recognize, but I saw so many. From classmates, org members, volunteer buddies, and even ladies I have connected with on LinkedIn. So many familiar faces! I literally felt like a social butterfly-bunny Pokémon creature just flying around and bouncing off the walls… PHEW! The social high was intense.
It was so nice to let people know what I have been up to and not feel like a loser or a bum asking for leads on jobs. Folks were soo happy to help me. Plus there seems to be a lot of openings!! One of my Green Girlies (lol I think that’s what I’ll call them in my head) introduced me to someone that is looking to fill a GIS role. I have an interview in a few days now! WOW!
For all the people that get anxious in new social situations, let this be proof that it's not so scary. There’s more people that are actually excited to meet you than repulsed by your presence. Get those toxic lies about yourself OUT OF YOUR HEAD.
To think I was gonna let fear stop me from pulling up to those events. NEVER again! I’ve learned that I just need to properly prep myself for these events.
