“Interview an agency as much as they interview you”

There was not a single sentiment form agencies that I heard more throughout my week in New York than for us to, “interview an agency just as much as they interview you.” It is important that we all find our fit and where we can do our best work, but this statement makes it seem like we have a lot more agency (for lack of a better word) in our job search than most of us actually do. For a lot of us, there are financial circumstances that don’t afford us the power to say, “this place isn’t the right fit for me,” or, “I need X, Y and Z from this agency in order to convince me to work here.”

We have a global workforce that has warped the term “entry level” into something that it isn’t. Unethical unpaid internships have been a topic on my timelines for a while now, and there are opportunities out there that borderline an unpaid internship that many folks take just for the chance at gaining experience. 

Look, I’m not going to be all doom-and-gloom, and I know that I’m not the first person to point out the injustice and treachery of the job search. For the sake of optimism, here are some ways that I’m seeing the field change for the better.

1. If applicable, ASK FOR A RELOCATION STIPEND. You may not get it, but at least you make it well-known to your empliyer from the beginning that this is a financial sacrifice and could go a long way with overtime and other benefits that they CAN give you. You have a right to ask.

2. There are relocation scholarships out there. For women in particularly, organizations like FLOCK are growing into an incredible resource for UO Women looking to make the big move to NYC. Search for organizations that will support you and are looking to fight the system in place.

3. Come to terms with the fact that you might still have to live on ramen for a little while longer? Skimp and save. I’m not the best at it myself. I’m really bad at it, quite frankly, but when it comes to chasing your dreams, nothing less will do.

There are a lot of things wrong with the system, but there is absolutely nothing wrong your dream. You have an obligation to chase after everything you’ve ever wanted. Hopefully, the knowledge gained in Eugene will serve you well in your pursuit.

- James Vos

5.14.18