So inevitably, when we talk about changing tacts (see my first posting), the question most people (at all phases of their career) wants the answer to is where are the communications jobs? If you're completely impatient skip to the bottom of this post for sites and JOTW's links.
Now, I live in the Washington, DC area now so the lists and blogs I check out are for this area, with the exception Ned Lundquist's Job of the Week (JOTW), a free email listserv (yes they still exist) of communications jobs all over the country. When I left my job at Fitzgerald Communications to have my first child in 2005 (the PR firm was acquired the year after I left), a former supervisor whom I'm still in periodic touch with (Christmas cards), told me about JOTW. While I have never gotten a job through JOTW, its SO NICE to know there is a resource out there that continues to focus on mostly communications positions for that future time where I might be in the right place at the right time.
The Right Job for the Right Phase: Honing a Skill Set that You can Take to the Next Opportunity
Also, this feeds into the whole focus for this blog which talks about HOW you work, rather than WHERE you work. Did I work 70+ hours a week when I got my first official PR job in NYC? Absolutely! I started as an account coordinator (that is the very bottom of the pecking order in a PR firm) working on everything from new business presentations to press databases and pitching to reporters. How long did I last at that pace (even in my early 20s)? 9 months.
13 years later, I still do PR but in the federal government. I'm no longer single and working in Manhattan, able to stay late at work and take a car service home (oh yes, I worked so late, for safety reasons, they allowed me to take a cab home when I was working on powerpoint presentations until 3am/4am), or working for an environmental non-profit on the Capitol Hill.
Now, I have 3 kids (6, 3, and 21 months) and am doing communications strategy and planning for my office within NOAA. I now work a sane 40 hours/week and can telework from home when my kids are sick from school and daycare. I work for the government now (albeit as a contractor) and am in a place in my career where I've put in my 70 hour weeks at a PR firm in NYC and can do my job (at a much higher level) in 40 hours a week. But my skill set is the same. I still do PR and legislative communications. I just do more at the planning and strategy level than at the beginning of my career.
Things to think about BEFORE you look for a job
These are all the things you need to think about BEFORE you look for a job. What is your life like right now? Are you free to travel? Do you have restrictions with children? Are you open to freelancing? Do you have some time before graduate school to do a free internship? Thinking about all these things will help you to choose a job or opportunity that's right for you at this phase of your life.
Job Resources
So back to sources for jobs in your area (local or by industry). If you're looking for communications-related jobs in the DC area, here are the places I like to look (just to keep things interesting). I prefer blogs to traditional websites because I've found blogs to be much more timely in terms of their job announcements. That said, I would suggest you check out the big local newspapers and government sites (in the DC metro area job market) if you're interested in hitting all avenues.
I love JOTW!
Job of the Week - Close to my heart and a great resource for jobs. There's something so organic about Ned's list. Its a list of jobs he takes the time to put together for his subscribers every week! I like the fact he also puts a place for young professionals (often with no little to on experience) to pitch the entirety of the community.
BLOGS:
DC Public Affairs + Communications Jobs - One of the most comprehensive blogs for communications/PR jobs in the DC area. I like this blog because its easy to navigate and is very intuitive in terms of how they send you to the organizations' web sites. Do be warned that applying for positions directly from this site can be a bit cumbersome so you're better off going directly to the website and applying online if you're really interested in the job.
The PR Coach - I just found this today and love, love, love that its comprehensive. It not only has its own job board that is easy to filter and search (JOY!) but it also connects you with the other sites that serve PR professionals!
The Hispanic PR Blog - I like this because it targets a particular market of PR professionals (who have a special skill set) dealing with a particular segment of the population within the PR field. Not sure how their job site works but this serves as a good example of the variety of ways to look at your skill set that you may not have considered in the past.
Traditional sites for DC area communications jobs
USAjobs.gov - I know, I know. But this is a great place to look if you're interested in something with a bit more stability. While this seems like a pain, once you take the time to set up an account, the process for applying for jobs have become much easier. That doesn't, however, mean getting jobs is easier. Just think: now the federal agencies have a larger pool of candidates to choose from for each position.
The Washington Post - While not the best online, you should check out the Post's job section on Thursdays if you're interested in holding something in your hand in your job search. I prefer blogs as I'm less patient, but I realize some folks like to look at postings in papers so here's one option.
Contract Companies (science-related industry)
Contract companies that hire for jobs in the government - There are lots of contact companies dealing with non-military hiring at federal agencies. Below are some that work with NOAA but there are many more that work for other agencies. This may be an option if you're comfortable with 1 to 2 year contract terms or a foot in the door for networking for potential permanent positions.
I.M. Systems Group - This was the first contact company I was hired by when I started in the federal sector.
CSS-Dynamac - This is where I am now. I'm doing much of the same as my previous position (except I'm with a different part of NOAA now) but the pay is better and the higher level of responsibilities.
JHT - My husband (who also works at NOAA) was with this contractor before becoming a federal employee (albeit it took 9 years) and really liked his experience with this company.
SAIC - I'm not familiar with this but my husband pointed out so I thought I'd include.
Regardless of what you're looking for, if there's a will, there's a way. Don't lose heart. The just think of this as an opportunity to consider different avenues that you may not have considered before!
No comments:
Post a Comment