Need encouragement

ecupirate12

hello ladies, I think I've hit my breaking point.  I graduated from ECU one year ago and STILL cannot find a job.  I feel like I have tried everything from an unpaid internship, to networking and more.  I am so depressed and embarrassed that it is really affecting me in a negative way.  Any of you have any advice or encouragement?  While I'm at it, if anybody knows of a communications related position in the charlotte area I'd be grateful!

SassyPants150

I too struggled and I was determined to find a job in the Charlotte market.  If I could do it all over again from start to finish I would have started small.  I was a business major and I wish that I could have started at low totem pole, such as a job that doesn't require a college degree, and work my way up through a company.  Then you get experience in a business setting and eventually you get where you want to go.  Keep your head up...its tough out there.  I've been fighting the Charlotte market for over 3 years.  For now I'm stuck in sales with no opportunity for advancement, I work for FI's dad and he refuses to take me out of the sales department.  He hired me after a year and a half of not having a job and I can't say its what I'd like to be doing which is why I wish I had just entered a business at entry level to advance that way.  Good luck!

CJ4578

Hang in there! I know it's rough out there but just keep your chin up- it doesn't have to do with your lack of skills or you at all, it's just cut-throat with all these people looking for jobs. You'll find something, it does take so long now though, it can seem really daunting. My co-worker was laid off from here last June and she just found another job. It was a long time, but the job is perfect for her and pays even better than here! It will happen for you.

My BM lives in Charlotte and she says a lot of non-profit organizations are hiring, and they often have development (fundraising) or marketing assistant positions available that might fit what you're looking for.

Try ncnonprofits.org, that's where good non-profits tend to post the best jobs (and they get fewer responses there than craigslist, which is great to find non-profit jobs but then you have to compete with more applicants.)

sunnysarahinNC

Hey girls! I was in the same boat- I've been out since May 2009, and started the position I'm in now in January 2010. Same deal- I'm blessed to have found something to do for now, but there is no room for advancement, and if FI doesn't find a job when he gets out of grad school next may (2 weeks before the wedding!) we will struggle to make it on my salary in Charlotte.

I fell into this position through some people I met while volunteering. That is my best advice to you- although I had many, MANY  interviews that did not result in a job, everytime I did interview, people were really impressed that I had been dedicating time to community outreach. It also helped me internally, becauase I was very down about everything I was going through, but seeing so many people in worse situations than mine, who still had so much faith and joy, was really reassuring. I think it was such a blessing for me at the time. Even if it doesn't result in a job, it's really great for the soul!

Good luck & hang in there! I will pass you job info if I get any leads!

CLTKate

i would recommend seeing a career coach.  do you want me to pm you info for a great one in the clt area?

Beth0882

I don't have much advice, but as far as encouragement, just remember that the economy stinks still, so there is no need to be embarassed or think that the problem is due to your skills or talent in your field.

aleighk1

What was your major?

alliegator8

Not sure which area of comm you are in, but there are a bunch of tv stations in charlotte and g-boro that are hiring.  The nascar tv network (who's name I am completely blanking on right now) is a good place to try.  It would be entry level editing work, but at least your in.  They are based in Charlotte.  I interviewed there several years ago, but it seemed like a cool place to work.

I am in comm too and desperately looking for a new job, but in the Raleigh area.  I will let you know if I come across anything else.  I also recommend checking out indeed.com. It organzies all the job sites into 1.

ecupirate12

Thank you guys so much! You all are the best.  I'm glad to know I'm not in this same situation and I hope that we can all find employment soon.  Thank you all for the suggestions and CLTKate, I would love to hear about your experience with the career coach.  Thanks again everybody!