AVOIDING BURNOUT
The process of searching for a job or internship is long and often arduous.
That said, employers look for talent throughout the year, and many of our students secure opportunities in winter and spring quarter. Many employers even prefer to hire students/soon-to-be graduates on an ad-hoc basis, approximately one or two months before they’ll be available to work.
The job search is a process of finding the right fit, and that may take time. You shouldn’t feel discouraged by some initial setbacks, nor obligated to accept the first offer you receive. Instead, accept the first offer that aligns with your values and priorities.
As you continue with the application process, here are a few strategies to avoid burnout:
1. SET SMALL GOALS
As with anything, successfully navigating the job-search process takes consistent, concentrated effort. Attempting to finish it all in one fell swoop will leave you overwhelmed. Instead, set out incremental goals that, in total, will result in securing a professional opportunity. For example, start by committing to 30 minutes of researching jobs and companies each day or a couple times a week. The next week, focus those 30 minutes on drafting your application materials and iterating. Keeping your goals manageable will give you a steady stream of momentum.
2. AUTOMATE YOUR SEARCH
As iSchool students, you know technology can make our lives more efficient. This applies to job searching, too. Whether you’re looking on iCareers, Handshake, LinkedIn, or any other job board, you can set up email alerts for job postings that include specific keywords. Websites like Handshake are also helpful in that once you upload a resume, contacts can reach out to you even before you apply for a specific opportunity (depending on the site, you may need to opt in to this feature). Note that this approach will require you to craft a more general resume, but it can save considerable time.
3. KEEP DOCUMENTATION READILY AVAILABLE
Keep copies of all cover letters, resumes, references (and so on) you submit, with file names that are easy for you to locate. Being able to quickly consult these in the future will save you from having to start from scratch for each new application. Don’t forget, though, that you’ll still want to do some tinkering to customize your application materials for the specific job in question.
You may also want to save copies of job descriptions. It’s possible a position may no longer be posted by the time you interview, but you’ll want to consult the JD in your preparation.
4. MAKE TIME FOR FUN
While it might not intuitively sound productive, taking time to de-stress and do something enjoyable will reenergize you, giving you increased focus when you return to the job search. Some suggestions:
- Grab coffee with a friend
- Take a class or play basketball at the IMA
- Read, draw, write, take pictures
- Explore a new part of Seattle
It doesn’t need to be for a long time — even just half an hour of leisure during an extended period of searching job listings or writing resumes can help you cultivate a more refreshed, positive outlook.
These are just a few strategies for staying motivated during application season. For more on the subject, consider this Muse article.
Upcoming Events
iSchool: More info and registration via iCareers
- HuskyTech Membership Program Winter 2020 Cohort
- Jan 17: iSchool Research Blitz; 9 – 11pm, Odegaard 220
- Jan 21: Accenture Consulting for STEM Majors Info Session; 5:30 – 7pm, HUB Room 332
- Jan 21: How To Navigate a Career Fair; 11:00 – 11:50am, Odegaard Library Room 220
- Feb 1: 2020 Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) Conference; 8:30 – 3:30pm, HUB
- Feb 3: iSchool Career Fair; 12:30 – 2:30pm (iSchool Student only), 2:30 – 4:30pm (all students and alumni welcome), Hub Ballroom
- Feb 7: Library Expo; 12:30 – 2:30pm, Odegaard Library Room 220
UW Career Workshops and Employer Events
Other Events
- Jan 29: Diversity Career Fair; 5:30 – 8:30pm, HUB Ballroom
- Feb 13: UW-Seattle 2020 Winter Job & Internship Fair; 1pm – 5pm, Hub Ballrooms
Positions for Consideration
- Teach for America Corps, Teach for America; Apply, Sign up to meet with a UW recruiter
How will you lead? Apply to the 2020 corps today or sign up to meet with a UW recruiter.
NEXT Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2020
All majors accepted. Full salary and benefits. 60,000+ alumni network
- UDS Storage Software Engineer, Dell Technologies; Handshake
- Data Science / Machine Learning / Statistics – Mobile App Dev, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Handshake
- UX Design Intern, Ruby Seven Studios; iCareers ID 10142
- Project Manager, EarthCorps; iCareers ID 10147
- Archives Assistant, Portland Community College Library; iCareers ID 10141
Questions or feedback? Contact us at icareers@uw.edu | iCareers
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