Perseverance is the key. In my brief career, I've had a few breaks, but I've been broken just as often.
From two dynamic internships to my first account coordinator position in tech PR, I was rather fortunate. Then the job market shifted, especially with tech PR in San Francisco. I was forced to learn the ins and outs of unemployment at 25, and was shifting through more jobs than I had during all my college years.
Competition was fierce. Finding the right job became nearly impossible because it got to a point where any job would do.
Then, at the height of my despair, came Sterling Communications. I was initially hired part-time for editorial services, far from day-to-day account work with our tech clients. One day I told my manager that I was considering other full-time jobs. Though I loved the office atmosphere, part-time work wasn't enough anymore. She appreciated my honesty, and began campaigning for a more expansive position that very same day.
After an interview with an account supervisor, I accepted a position split between our two Bay Area offices. Now, I couldn't be happier.
Tracy Yen is an account associate with Sterling Communications in San Francisco and Los Gatos, CA.
