Jessica RamsbergerThis semester we’ve discussed resumes, interviewing skills, job hunting, etc. but we haven’t addressed what WE, as future journalists of some sort, should look for in an employer. We know what is expected of us (skills and such) but what do we expect from them?
Is pay the only thing that matters? Benefits? Training? Opportunity for advancement?
Danielle Breiter
With the economy the way it is, I think that many people may possibly be looking over seas for jobs or experience. We’ve also heard of multiple incidents that occur overseas, including terrorist attacks. Although the U.S. has had its share of attempts, I think that we all feel that the U.S. is still a safe place. We are comfortable here. I know that I have been thinking about going overseas to live for awhile after I graduate and I definitely have some fears. It would be interesting to see if other people are thinking the same or if they have any suggestions
When I am looking for a job, I look at pay and benefits. I also look for flexibility...such as what hours will I be working? will I have weekends off? holidays off?
ReplyDeleteSo obviously going overseas is an option I am looking into. I definitely worry about my safety in a foreign country. Even in countries that some may consider similar to the U.S.. I think it's very important to research and be aware of the country you are thinking about moving to. Someone should at least know how to contact emergency personnel.
Finding a job that has benefits, specifically health coverage, is very important to me. I would also like a job that has a good retirement plan. I know I sound like an old person, but I guess I need to have that security...
ReplyDeleteI've never really considered working out of the country. Staying close to my family has always been a priority for me.
I am no longer on my parents' insurance since I receive medical and health from my current job, so decent medical and dental insurance is something I would definitely look for in an employer. I agree with Danielle that my hours and schedule will play big part in the job I select. I do not mind working some weekends or evenings but refuse to work Christmas or Thanksgiving. I have nonrefundable tickets to NYC for the Thanksgiving holiday so this is probably something I would need to discuss with a future employer after being hired. I do not foresee this being a huge issue with the jobs I am looking at anyway.
ReplyDeleteAs far as working out of the US, I don't see this as a possibility for me. I love traveling abroad, but really don't like being that far away from my family for long. I would not, however, be opposed to a job that required some travel.
Money is not my motivator. I would willingly work for less pay at a place that shares my values and priorities (family first). I don't have the liberty of being at a the beck and call of an employer anymore. So, although I have an excellent work ethic, I expect a company to recognize that fact that work is not my life. I know that eliminates me as a candidate for highly competitive companies and positions, but I'm completely all right with that.
ReplyDeleteAs for living and working overseas, I would do it in a heartbeat if I didn't have a kid. If you're unencumbered and fancy free, I would highly recommend it. As for the whole terrorist thing, the places that are really hostile are doubtful to have a job available. If you are rather independent and street smart I don't think you'll have an issue. If you're really paranoid keep an eye out on the State Department's list of travel advisories (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html) and when you get where you're going make friends at the embassy.
I would be shocked if the first full-time job I find out of college will be the place I retire, too. Therefore, retirement plans and long-term security are more on the backburner for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to look at companies/news media outlets in terms of advancement opportunities and their reputation across the field.
Certain places may offer good pay for entry-level or beginners, but what if that company isn't well respected by its peers in the field, and therefore you might be unlikely to ever get hired elsewhere bc of that company's name.
There are certain employers that are known to be breeding grounds for the major market jobs (ESPN, NYT, USA Today, etc) and that would be something that really peeks my interest
As long as my starting salary is enough to pay the bills and get by initially, I'm ok with that bc in almost any career you have to work your way from the ground up, often finding freelance and/or part time work along the way.
Being a sports writer requires late nights and lots of weekend coverage, so hours are really a non-issue at this point and I would def take a high-profile job that involves working holidays too if it is at the right place.
I agree with Miranda on working overseas too, because it would be pretty stupid to try to get a job in Mexico or Iraq these days, if those places even have positions available. I'm pretty sure some other countries are more civil and sophisticated than we are, so I really wouldn't have a problem there other than having to deal with a language barrier.
I want a job that has growth potential - can I grow with this company since I probably will be starting out in a much lower position. (A few years ago I was employeed as a leasing consultant and there was absolutely no room for growth, however at the time I took the job I thought otherwise).
ReplyDeleteAs for traveling overseas - DO IT! If I had the chance I would. I'd do a ton of research and talk to locals before making the official move. And the job you will be looking for is probably not a major target for terriorist attacks - if the place is, I'd reconsider.
It's been said, but one of the big things I would look for in an employer is their health care coverage plan, especially if you are working over seas. I that know a lot of times a company's mission statement may sound corny and act as a sort of "cover our own asses" measure, but I feel like they say a lot about a business. I would hate to end up working for a company where my values and integrity are compromised because I didn't read between the lines and really find out what their about.
ReplyDeleteAs for working overseas, do it. You've got the rest of your life to end up behind a desk with a mortgage and family. Sure there may be dangers abroad, but there are plenty here in St. Pete and the rest of U.S., so don't let that hold you back. If you have the time and freedom, then go for it. Even working somewhere in the U.S. that isn't St. Pete is a new experience. But more importantly, find a job and a location where you'll be happy. I know for me, that when I'm 50, I don't want to look back and say "I wish i would've..."
In future employers we should look for a company who is willing to let us have room to grow. We're coming out of school jammed full of knowledge about our field, but now we have to apply it to our paycheck. A good employer, in my opinion, is someone who is going to offer you guidance on how to become the best in your field. When I worked in TV, the owner of the company was more than happy to let me do mindless work while he was in or out of the office. It backfired on him when I got 7 weeks ahead of my schedule and I quit because I was bored, and had nothing to do. Room to grow and improve is necessary if we're going to go into this field for the long run.
ReplyDeleteHealthcare, sick days, and vacation time are all nice perks, but I've lived without them before, so I'm sure I can do it again.
Working overseas has never occurred to me before. If I were to do it though, Healthcare would be at the top of my list.
Straight out of college, I'm really not picky. I want a job where I can gain experience with someone who knows what they are doing offering me good, substantial advice on how I can improve. I want enough security to get by paying the rent and the bills, and then I'll make do for the rest. The long-term is what I want to keep in mind rather than instant satisfaction, because if I look for everything beneficial now, I'm going to seriously cut back my chances of finding a job. Something will come to me, I just have to be patient and determined.
ReplyDeleteAs for overseas work, I would love to work somewhere in South America eventually, and I would probably take an opportunity if I saw one presented to me. I've thought about even working as a freelancer while on a sort of extended vacation down there while traveling around to multiple countries so that it can help pay my way to stay. I may be a dreamer, but what else do we have right now?
I think it depends on how desperate you are for a job. If you care about benefits ect. then you should look for a job that offers those things. Personally I'm looking for a professional job that offers at least insurance. All though it would be nice to get paid vacations and stock options! Right now I want to focus on getting experience, even if the benefits and pay are not that great.
ReplyDeleteDanielle's question is one I've wrestled with for awhile. I've always wanted to go to Europe or to South America to teach. I have a friend in South Korea and one in Indonesia right now. After talking to them and hearing about their experiences it makes me really want to look into it further. The best advice I would have is to talk to someone you know who has/is teaching abroad. They can tell you the negatives and positives about their company, what to expect, ect.
I am not terribly pick, especially in this economy I think it is necessary to drop your expectations. I am hoping to get my teaching certification and teach, I know I would enjoy teaching elementary children more, but I know there is a need for math and reading teachers at a secondary level. So I think as new professionals we have to meet the demand. Once we have more experience under our belts, then I think it's fair for us to have our own expectations. Of course the employers have to be realistic in the pay and benefits they offer, they can't totally deprive us, but we can't expect too much.
ReplyDeleteAs far as going overseas, this is something I have actually contemplated a lot. I was looking to teach English in Spain for a few months, but not as a permanent job. It's not that I don't like the adventure aspect of taking a job overseas, but I am very close with my family and find myself missing them after just being away for one weekend. I am one of 6, two of my siblings are married with children, and I know I would hate to miss watching my nephews grow up. My dad is my best friend and I would hate to be away from him as well. So it would have to be a pretty damn good job that allowed for much time to visit my family, because in the end family > job. ALWAYS.
Going overseas is a great adventure, because you never know what will happen. I think taking a chance against your fear will inspire as well as help you grow. I say go for it! Some of the best journalists have put themselves on the enemy line to educate the public on current affairs. I say you have to step out of your comfort zone to do great things, and don't be afraid of the world, or it will get the best of you.
ReplyDeleteAs for Jessica's post, I strongly agree we should be looking at the employer as well as trying to sell ourselves for the job. It is important to work in an environment in which you will thrive and grow, and if you don't like a large part of the people or the company itself, you will not grow there, and you will be miserable.
When looking for a prospective employer, I feel that aside from pay, advancement is very important. It is essential to know whether or not you have the opportunity to advance to higher positions. If there isn’t an opportunity, do you still want this same job? Chances for advancement play a key role for me. I want to know that my hard word is going to be rewarded and that I have something to work for.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of you health coverage is very important and a retirement plan would be handy too. Since I will just starting out money will be a big motivator for me as well. I have not really considered an overseas job. I think if it is a safe country and money was good I might consider it. Megan is right it is an adventure but Americans will always be targets. When looking at employers I will be looking at chances for advancement as well.
ReplyDelete