In between job applications, fourth-year student Mingyang (Caitlin) Zhang is interviewing alumni about starting their own careers. In episode three of the Econ Job Search Podcast, Caitlin spoke with bank manager, marathon runner and student mentor Kat Lin Ji. The Department of Economics interviewed Caitlin about what she learned from Kat.
Department of Economics: One of the themes in your conversation with Kat is managing expectations. When new graduates start their job searches, they are often surprised at just what entry level tasks are. Data entry, fetching coffee, doing early-stage calculations are all things you can be asked to do. How have your expectations about what your first job will look like changed through these interviews?
Caitlin Zhang: Sometimes I find myself admiring friends who land really good first jobs, but I do understand that everyone starts from a different place. I’m still not entirely sure what my first real full-time job will look like. I’m a risk-taker, always willing to try different tasks and roles, so I hope my first job will give me room to grow and allow me to build positive connections with people.
DOE: Kat cautions students to prioritize their physical and mental health, as well as their relationships with family and friends. Life’s ups and downs never stop! What have you learned about keeping yourself balanced during your job search?
CZ: During the job search or application process, it’s easy to lose yourself and lose confidence after receiving many rejections or getting no response at all. Staying connected with the community around me and doing things I enjoy, like this podcast, has really helped me balance my well-being with the intensity of job hunting.
DOE: Kat has been open about sharing her career journey with its achievements and its difficulties. How do you think your conversations with alumni help you prepare for your own career journey?
CZ: It’s been extremely helpful to have conversations with alumni, each of them has had a very different journey, and they are so open about sharing their experiences. As I prepare for my own career path, it’s reassuring to understand that the tough job market isn’t my fault. I can choose to build up my skills and interests during this challenging time. Realigning my interests and abilities will help me find my goals and feel more confident when applying for jobs.
Listen to Episode 1
Listen to Episode 2
Return to the Department of Economics website.
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