Sunday, February 01, 2009

Direction, Please Come Back

Life's trials and tribulations definitely make me who I am, but lately, I'm not sure where they are leading. At times, I've been far too content with the status quo, but Darden has shown me a revived need for direction. And with that, the daunting task of making new and harder decisions. In the last few days, I've been all over the map. I woke in a funk the other day that didn't seem to vanish until the wee hours of the next morning. I can't even pinpoint what make me so distraught.

I suppose I don't show it much, but I'm worried about my internship prospects. Yes, the game is not over, but for IB, it has concluded. I've sent out a number of CLs and CVs since, however, I've received little, if any, positive response. I sometimes wonder if my resume doesn't lend itself to my chosen direction and perhaps that's simply the economic conditions. I have academic strength where I need it to prove my aptitude for financial concepts. Maybe I'm just highlighting the wrong aspects of my background.

Recently, I've tried using my network. Nothing has surfaced, but I'm hopeful. I have had an entire 4 interviews and am starting to feel sub par. Two months ago, I knew exactly what I wanted whereas it's fuzzy today and I'm starting to feel that I simply want a job, which is something I could have gotten without business school.

(Please note that by no means would I ever change my decision to come to business school...)

9 comments:

adekku said...

Hi Paige. I'm sure you'll find an internship. I keep my fingers crossed for you! ^_*

Metal said...

Paige, keep going. The recruiting numbers are definitely going down this year but don't forget that everyone's in the same boat.I am sure you will get something of your choice.Cheers

Irene said...

What can I say? I've been waiting for two weeks for news about two second rounds, I know how you feel. This game requires a certain amount of fortitude!

Anonymous said...

Paige, coming from another top 15 school, I share your frustration.

In fact, I sometimes regret coming to business school. Yes, the people are great and I have made wonderful friends. But I spent $300,000 to come to school (tuition, expenses, lost income). And for what? To get a job that I probably could have got WITHOUT an MBA.

Sorry for being pessimistic, but it's tough. I also wanted to do banking and have been shut out.

Ameya said...

I am sure something great will come around; just hang on. Its just that you are a wee down... Life will turn great soon!

Anand said...

Tough times tell us who we are, what we like and what makes us happy. Ask yourself these questions and you'll know how to tackle these challenges.

aaron said...

perhaps consider a non-banking job with a banking type focus? strategy consulting for financial institutions?

sometimes I find we don't want the job...we just want to be able to engage a theme or topic. what have you looked at outside finance?

keep that head up, kiddo. it'll all work out.

JulyDream said...

Thank you all for your comments!! I appreciate the support. :)

Jackie said...

Behind on this thread but wanted to add my $0.02. I realize this search has been challenging but you are far from sub par. I believe that, at all times, we are where we are supposed to be. You are at Darden for a very specific reason. I trust that through this process, you will discover that reason. You're incredibly talented so I know you will land a great summer internship. See you soon, dear!