Since returning from Europe, I've been on the hunt for my first "career" type job. Having been out of university for almost a year already, I have had some time to contemplate what a "career" means to me and what exactly is it that I'm looking for in a place of employment. I quite often get the common question "so, what sorts of things can you do with a BA in geography?" I often reply to this common question will equally common answers...the typical verbiage of listing off skills that I have acquired and what areas of employment go hand in hand with a geography degree. I've come to realize, though, that life is not always linear and B does not always follow A. An even bigger realization I have made is that I, myself, am not always a straight-and-narrow person and am quite OK with meandering through possibilities to find my desired opportunity. Many of the opportunities I have had over the last 5 years have come as a surprise...unplanned turning points...and I try to be patient with myself, roll with the punches, and see what meets me at the end. 9 times outs of 10 the experience has been SO worthwhile. For me, I do not necessarily need or want a job where the main criteria is listed as "degree in geography". It does not mean that my education will go unused or be wasted. It does not mean that I'm not living up to my full potential. It means that I see my education as a tool to open doors for me that I never knew existed...
There a several key things that I am looking for in a place of employment and feel if all aspects could be met, I would possibly find a career that provides me with longevity, growth and satisfaction. Here they are:
1. To be employed with a company/business/organization that is progressive, forward thinking and growing in a positive direction.
2. To be part of a young organizational culture that is motivated and focused.
3. A place of employment that values its employees and takes care of its people -- ie. through a benefits program, incentives, room for steady growth, openness, etc.
4. To be in a position where I can travel, either while working or have enough time off and make enough dough where I can travel some.
This list is not meant to be static...but it is something that, I think, could provide me with a solid base in any job.
Now for my good, good news! I've been eager to tell the world that I am employed!!! YAY!! And I am beyond happy and super excited to start my new career as an International Travel Consultant with a world-wide travel company...
Yes, the perks of the job are amazing, however, not only am I excited that I am able to mix work with travel, but also know that this is a great fit for me because I do have a job that meets all of my desired criteria. I can see myself going a long ways within this company and learn many valuable new skills while broadening my current ones.
After quite an extensive recruitment process, I received a job offer last week! I have been working for a week and a half now at my home location in Edmonton, and next week my job is sending me to Vancouver (all expenses paid) to attend a 2 week intensive training course! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooOoOoooOOOOOOOOOOOO! Can you tell I'm excited?! I already know there is a sh!tload to learn...my co-workers have explained to me that the learning curve ahead of me is more like a learning wall...that I will run into repeatedly.
I have refrained from informing the whole internet world of where and with whom I work for...as a privacy precaution for myself. But, if any of my faithful blog readers out there are looking to travel sometime in the future and need some advice, let me know! Through this blog, email, Facebook, phone, whatever!
I was excited to share my good news with you all...thanks for reading! :D
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