How I got my job: profile of a recent graduate

August 6, 9:02 AMBoston Entry Level Careers ExaminerJanet Aronica

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Meet Catherine Alton, a December 2008 graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y.  Catherine landed a job as a public relations and marketing specialist for Sonnet Software, Inc. In addition to being an entry-level rockstar, Catherine is a fashion enthusiast, ambassador for anything Coach, and one of the sweetest girls you will talk to.  Here is how she landed her first job

1. How did you get your job?

I have to thank my older brother for my job. He got me into the company at a temporary position while the office secretary was on leave for surgery. While I was doing my temp job I must have done something right to impress the boss, because after only a few weeks on the job they offered me a full time position at Sonnet Software, Inc. as their Public Relations and Marketing Specialist.

So, while I still get the jokes of how my brother got me the job, and that I was being “interviewed” since the day I was born, I know that I was able to prove myself as an asset to the company with my own skill set. Greg may have held the door open for me, but I was the one who walked in and made the best of my situation.

I am very fortunate to have such a good relationship with my brother where we can work together, and even more fortunate we don’t live together anymore.

2. Describe your job. What do you do? Where do you do it?

I work at a software company…Anyone ever see office space? No, but seriously I enjoy the company I work for. It is a small business with under 50 employees, but we have representatives across the globe.

I work with some of the most intelligent people in the country. Most of the employees have at least a master’s degree, and there are even more that have a Ph.D. Working with engineers does take some getting used to since they have a tendency to analyze every aspect of a problem, but it certainly keeps me on my toes. I couldn’t ask for a better or nicer group of people to work with.

Now what is it that I do, you ask? I market high frequency electromagnetic software. Trust me, it can be as much of a challenge as it sounds, but I have already learned so much about the topic. Before I worked here I did not know what high frequency electromagnetic software was.(If you are really interested in finding out what it is, do a quick google search)

In an office full of engineers and technical writers, I have to be the creative one. Basically I do any task that is related to: advertising, marketing, public relations and communications. I truly do embody integrated marketing communications. My tasks include: designing graphics for advertisements and promotional pieces, planning and executing all of the tradeshows where Sonnet exhibits, organizing Software training classes, writing press releases and media relations.

My office is in North Syracuse, N.Y. It’s your typical office with cubicles, and regular offices on a second floor of an office building.

3. What previous job experience or internships did you do that you believe helped you get this job?

Honestly, all of my experiences from internships as well as classes have helped me in my job. Yes, there is a lot that I am learning on the way, but all of the basic knowledge of PR and Marketing I have used.

The best things that I learned through internships were how to act and handle yourself in a business setting. Through internships, I learned how to be friendly with co-workers, and be-friend journalists. I know it may sound ridiculous, but for those of you still interning out there take note of how your supervisor interacts with co-workers, bosses, and people outside of the business. You will learn a lot more than you think.

4. What job experience or internship do you wish you had to help you do your job even better? Any classes you wish you had gotten to take that would help you with your job now?

I wish I took more technical classes and learned HTML and how to use Dreamweaver. That is an important skill for PR and marketing people to have, especially if you are going to work at a small business or non-profit. The more skills you can offer to the company, the more valuable you become. I really do wish I took more web design classes, and video editing classes, rather than focusing only on media relations and Public relations. My advice to those who still have the opportunity: learn as much as you can, and diversify your skill set. It will come in handy some day!

5. What do you know now about jobs, careers, and post-graduation-life that you didn't know six months ago?

I’m not going to lie…it is really nice to get home from a day at work and just lounge on the couch and watch tv. There is no homework. When you are at your job you work, when you are at home, you can relax. (Trust me; there will be days you will be very thankful you will come home to have no work whatsoever to do).

The one thing that I really did learn is you won’t be doing what you dream of doing. And if you are, you are a very lucky person. My dream job would be doing PR or Marketing for an art museum or for a major fashion designer. At college I feel like you are given false hope with encouragement of “you can be or do whatever you want.” That is not always true. You have to work your way up and gain experience fist, and even then you may not always have your dream job.

6. You probably have a lot of talented, smart, but unemployed friends. What advice do you have for your friends that are looking for jobs right now?

Don’t be afraid to take a job in something other than what your major was. I started off as a secretary and ended up in a Marketing and PR position. Don’t feel that just because you have a bachelor’s degree you are above a certain job.

Network, network network! I know it has been said in the past, and it may be redundant but seriously, folks. The more people you know, the more you get your name and face out there, the more likely you will get a job. Let your neighbors, friends, cousins, parent’s friends or co-workers, or anyone else know that you are looking for a job. They may hear of something that you did not know about, or they may have another connection. Just be patient. You are all talented, and something will come out of it.