Please write a ~500 word piece (or upload a reflection in another medium, such as video) on the first meeting you had with a career advisor this semester.
I met with Camille McGrady for the 4th time on Monday, February 19th. We talked about the dynamics and ethics of using family connections to get a leg up in applications for internships or jobs. It really just gets you an interview. Yeah, but an equally qualified applicant might not get that opportunity. Other people are going to do it. That doesn’t really make it right. A qualified parent advocated on your behalf is a legitimate recommendation. But they only know you’re qualified because they in part raised you to be. Other people don’t have that opportunity. But other people are using the nepotistic opportunities they have, so what are you going to do? Even getting advice without a family member putting a word in is an advantage that privileges the privileged. I guess that’s how the world works. I’m glad the Career Center is available to all students, but I guess the playing field may never be evened. My parents and grandparents know a lot of people. They know of a lot of people. I guess it’s a good problem to have. Woe is me.
Per my dad’s recommendation, I sent emails to two leaders in the field of political consulting, Matt Barreto and Nick Baldick. Nick’s son went to elementary school with me and goes to Wesleyan now. I wonder if Nick would still have responded had I not included that fact in my message. Camille helped me draft my email, which asks if they have any opportunities, and for an informational interview if they do not. In previous meetings she helped me edit cover letters to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). I think those would be great opportunities for me. It would be nice to be in DC for the summer, and the work they do aligns with me interests and I feel they’re on the right side of the issues. I think I put my best foot forward and portrayed myself accurately and positively in those letters. Camille said the magic number of applications for the summer is between 3 and 35. Obviously I want to get a good position, not just for the prestige, but to do good work. But 35 is a lot. I have a lot going on and this internship/job search is stressful. But after I submit or send each application and interview request, I feel good. Accomplished. I think it will be really helpful to continue completing these assignments. But this is also another thing on my plate, albeit an important one. I’m trying my best and I’m going to keep trying and keep meeting with Camille.
