By J.T. O’Donnell
We’ve quietly had info about CAREEREALISM University up for a while now on the site. We don’t really promote it. Perhaps, that seems like a great way NOT to sell something, however, we want people to seek us out to join this first-of-its-kind private career social network so they get the best experience possible.
That being said, we realize it’s probably time (graduation season is coming and another 2M people will enter a very tough job market) to share how CAREEREALISM University works. So, below is the testimonial of Mari…
As soon as I got Mari’s e-mail explaining her situation, I knew I would enjoy working with her. She was the classic example of today’s smart college grad who simply needed some insight into how to connect herself with employers. There are things that every student should know, but never gets taught in school. Things like how your personality impacts the job search and interview process, how your strengths need to be branded in an interview to ensure you are seen as the best candidate, etc. But most importantly, new grads need support as they navigate this process for the very first time. It’s like learning to walk – someone holds your hand, but before you know it, you are off and running.
Last week, Mari started her dream job. So, I asked her to share her experience with CAREEREALISM University so others could understand its value. Here is her testimonial:
“As a brand new college graduate in December of 2008, all I could think upon graduating was that it was some pretty awful timing on my part to be born in 1986 and entering the work force 22 years later, in a job market that some might say is catastrophic. With student loans coming due the stakes were high, and so out a mixture of curiosity, desperation and a genuine need for direction, I signed up for Careerealism after reading about it on a blog.
I didn’t know what I was in for. I was shocked to realize that not only was I getting a career coach, I was getting THE career coach, J.T. O’Donnell, the subject of the blog post I had read and the brains behind the whole operation. I was expecting spam emails and mass mailers, but instead I got personal, in-depth emails and even phone calls from J.T. With her guidance, I learned how to capitalize on my strengths and interaction style in interviews, how to be prepared for any interview question, and how to be appropriately selective in my job search. This last point is a tough thing to accomplish in an economy that seems to dictate taking the first offer that comes along.
It was J.T.’s encouragement and insight that gave me the confidence to wait for the career path that I had been working toward for years, and she would not let me settle for anything else; not even if it was close-but-not-quite, and not even if it meant a paycheck to cash. I got in touch with J.T. O’Donnell and Careerealism in January, and got my dream job in February. That was no accident. I am now in a job that I would have been lucky to get even in the best of economic times. I was told that over 100 others applied for the position. Because of Careerealism and the personal support of J.T. O’Donnell, I was the one who stood out from that crowd.”
Well, that’s how it works. If this sounds like something you’d benefit from (by the way, it only costs $29), then click on this page to learn how you can get started TODAY on the path to career satisfaction!
About CAREEREALISM
I'm sorry, I should have clarified that I specifically didn't include Mari's company in the post because she would get a lot of people e-mailing her asking for advice. I didn't want to do that to her. However, Mari is a member of the CAREEREALISM University network, so those that join have the capacity, just like on LinkedIn, to invite her to connect with them and can then correspond with her directly.
Oh no, don't get me wrong, I applaud her success, and I don't think I made
that clear in my comment. I apologize for that.
I always come to this blog/website and I was expecting a post which was the
polar opposite of what I read. You are right, it doesn't happen to
everyone. To say that easily in 2 months it's possible, I don't agree. I
haven't been able too and many capable people that I know, who I graduated
with me — especially, recently, from my MA program are jobless.
For example, I know a very capable girl, who graduated with a PR degree from
the second best PR program in the country. She's smart, resourceful and
currently is working for $10.00 doing sales at Carnival Cruise Lines. At
least my “in between” job is better than that, but not by a lot.
Maybe it's our city (Miami) and that together with the market is the
farthest thing from our favour. But I just do not agree that it's THAT
easy.
But once again, would like to point out, and apologize for not making that
clear in my initial post, that it's good for Mari to have landed something
she loves and feels is the right spot for her. But you didn't say in the
post where she is working?
I do believe, on that note, I will take you up on your e-mail :)
Where is she working?
I think this is an lucky case. Sorry, I just don't see it. In a job economy where half of my friends are unemployed and half of those have a post-graduate degrees, like myself — I just don't see it.
I think this is more about timing and luck than anything else. It's also, and I'm sorry to say because I usually enjoy all of your posts on CR, a misleading heading with a misleading body text.
Where is she working?
I think this is an lucky case. Sorry, I just don't see it. In a job economy where half of my friends are unemployed and half of those have a post-graduate degrees, like myself — I just don't see it.
I think this is more about timing and luck than anything else. It's also, and I'm sorry to say because I usually enjoy all of your posts on CR, a misleading heading with a misleading body text.
Hi Sasha,
I can appreciate your frustration, but I don't think it's fair to discount Mari's success. As the person who worked personally with her, I know that she learned a lot of things about job search and personal branding that she did not know as a recent grad via CAREEREALISM University.
While the job market is tough, I will tell you that those who understand the new rules to job search are getting offers. Are all of them doing it in 2 months? Perhaps not, but there is something to be said for learning the right approach. Job search is actually very similar to weight loss…
Lots of people who go on fad diets or think they can diet on their own. Some succeed, but many others fail to get the results they desire. At the same time, some people invest in themselves and get the help they need, and then, coupled with their own positive mental attitude, move forward and get results.
Each person is entitled to approach it the way they want. In Mari's case, she sought help and it made the difference.
Feel free to contact me directly info@careerealism.com if you'd like to take it off-line and talk more about it. I hate the fact that you felt frustrated by this post and would like to help. Perhaps hearing more specifics would benefit?
Oh no, don't get me wrong, I applaud her success, and I don't think I made
that clear in my comment. I apologize for that.
I always come to this blog/website and I was expecting a post which was the
polar opposite of what I read. You are right, it doesn't happen to
everyone. To say that easily in 2 months it's possible, I don't agree. I
haven't been able too and many capable people that I know, who I graduated
with me — especially, recently, from my MA program are jobless.
For example, I know a very capable girl, who graduated with a PR degree from
the second best PR program in the country. She's smart, resourceful and
currently is working for $10.00 doing sales at Carnival Cruise Lines. At
least my “in between” job is better than that, but not by a lot.
Maybe it's our city (Miami) and that together with the market is the
farthest thing from our favour. But I just do not agree that it's THAT
easy.
But once again, would like to point out, and apologize for not making that
clear in my initial post, that it's good for Mari to have landed something
she loves and feels is the right spot for her. But you didn't say in the
post where she is working?
I do believe, on that note, I will take you up on your e-mail :)
I'm sorry, I should have clarified that I specifically didn't include Mari's company in the post because she would get a lot of people e-mailing her asking for advice. I didn't want to do that to her. However, Mari is a member of the CAREEREALISM University network, so those that join have the capacity, just like on LinkedIn, to invite her to connect with them and can then correspond with her directly.
Great testimonial Mari. I hope that others take your advice and sign up for this great program. Careerealism University can definitely help the panicked senior but this tool should be utilized way before graduation week. The fact that Careerealism University DID help you find your dream job in just about a month is a testament to the program's success .
Congrats on the job Mari!
CAREEREALISM University sounds awesome. With today's economy, people need every advantage they can get in order to get a job. Learning how to brand yourself and set yourself apart from others is HUGE.
I have been to my university career center a few times and every time I left with nothing but papers and confusion. I feel like they only give you the “general” help that is given to everyone.
Getting personal help makes a huge difference. Being able to have constant communication with a career coach is great. All of the little tools and tricks are avaliable to you because of JT and her wisdom. I think people will only be hurting themselves by not signing up for this.
I think Careerealism University is a great idea.
Having a career coach can put you way ahead of the crowd when applying for a job, this article is a perfect example.
All through college I had an advisor I would go talk to if I had any questions about classes and he kept me on track to graduate. Careerealism University is the same kind of idea as having an advisor throughout college, but now you can have a career advisor you can ask any questions to that come to mind and have them answered.
Everyone can use a little extra help getting started on the right path and I think Careerealism University is the tool you need to excel in this tough job economy. Having personal support and someone to hold your hand through the tedious process of finding a career that is perfect for you is amazing. I definitely think every/anyone can benefit from such a great offer.
It doesn’t only seem extremely helpful but it’s cheap too, which is great for a poor college student like myself.
Congratulations, Mari! You must feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from your shoulders.
I love J.T.’s approach to helping those who are currently dissatisfied with their career or are having difficulty finding work.
CAREEREALISM University is a unique idea and it has success written all over it.
It seems this program is focused on giving users a very personal experience. This is great because it's much easier to give advice to someone when you know them on a personal level.
Instead of the user having to adjust to the program, the program adjusts to the user.
With the job market being so competitive, I feel this is such an appropriate time for a program like this to be developed.