Before, During, and After Landing my First Job “Out of College”

I was three semesters out from graduating with my bachelor’s degree in strategic organizational communications when I decided to start applying for “big kid” jobs. I thought it would be great to get some practice interviews before I graduate and possibly have a job lined up after graduation. So, I hopped on Indeed and started applying for positions that interested me. Imagine how shocked I was when I got my first interview and then when that interview led to my current position at Bryghtpath. It was completely unexpected, and I have never been happier.

Before

Throughout my degree, I worked many “crappy college jobs,” which left me feeling under appreciated and underutilized. I worked as a scheduler for a call center, a front desk employee for a gym, an auto parts delivery driver, the manager of a rock-climbing gym…the list goes on.

While there were good parts about each job, many of my boxes were still left unchecked. In searching for a position I could make a career out of, I created a list of things I wanted from whatever job I accepted.

1. The ability to create a work-life balance and have a flexible schedule. At all the other jobs I had, I had a demanding schedule that did not allow me to take any time off if I wanted or needed to. I had to pick between family and work, which caused me to miss out on family events that were important to me.
2. Room to grow with the company. Ideally, I wanted to be able to accept a position with a smaller company that would give me opportunities to improve myself through educational and professional development.
3. Fair salary and benefits. Nothing is worse than putting in the effort at a job and not being compensated fairly. It just added to my not feeling valued at the jobs I worked.
4. Company Culture. In my previous jobs, there was enough gossip and drama to fuel a TV series, so I wanted to focus on company culture for my first job out of college. I didn’t want to feel like I was walking onto the set of a reality show every time I went to work.
5. Feeling appreciated. I hadn’t found a job where I truly felt valued, and I knew that was something I needed to add to my checklist of priorities.

Was it even possible to find a job that checked these boxes? At the time, my expectations were pretty low, but then I had my first interview.

During

A few days after turning in my application for a communications specialist with Bryghtpath on Indeed, I got an email to set up an interview time with the CEO, Bryan Strawser. I was dumbfounded. I could not believe that I had my first big interview and immediately launched into doing what I do best; research.

By the time the interview came around, I had thoroughly combed through every Bryghtpath social media account, the Bryghtpath website, and each employee’s LinkedIn profile. I was more than ready.

The hour-long interview went by in the blink of an eye, and at the end of it, I barely remembered what I had said but apparently, it warranted an email a few days later from Bryan offering me a position at Bryghtpath. I accepted and scheduled a meeting with my new boss to discuss the specifics of my offer letter.

It was determined that I would start part-time as a communications specialist while finishing school and then move to full-time once I graduated. I would have full benefits, unlimited PTO, and a killer salary to start. Not to mention that accepting this offer would check all the boxes that were left empty at previous jobs. It was a dream! Imagine my surprise when that dream continued to get better.

After

After I joined Bryghtpath, I quickly realized that this company and the position I was in surpassed my expectations. I honestly did think I was in a dream for the first few months. I created a work schedule that I love. I took time off to see family. I finished my degree. I got to work with a fantastic team. I started to LOVE my work.

Now, instead of waking up and dragging myself to a job I hate, I wake up excited to walk into my office and get to work. Instead of working so much that I don’t get to see my family, I can take my job on the road and see them whenever I want. Instead of working a billion hours a week and not feeling appreciated, I work the hours I want and know that my work is valued. I finally have a life like a dream, and I have never been happier.