Ya Gotta Whanit!

Brenda Griffin Get A Job Expert

It sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its opportunities, but its own talents. ~ Eric Hoffer

     The rotunda in Brea Hall is beautiful.  Filled with marble and majesty, most people speak in hushed tones to respect the power of the space. As a graduate student, I sat on the first floor steps one January morning.  I asked myself over and over, "How do I stay?"

     It was the start of the second semester and I was broke. A medical emergency turned my family and fall semester upside down.  It bled my bank account but not my resolve.

     When the dust settled, and life became as normal as it would get, I had little time to evaluate options. I only knew one thing; I wanted my degree!  I felt I needed it for my future.  Quitting was not an option. That was my reality. That was my focus.

     As I sat on the steps, I became paralyzed by words bouncing off the rotunda walls.  Time stood still as they vibrated in my mind. "I'm losing my graduate student today.  He's moving right when I need the most help." 

     BINGO!  A WAY TO STAY! 

     Horace was tall, wearing a burnt-orange down jacket over his suit. As he turned from his conversation, I was right there. Stretching out my hand, the words flowed, "I'm Brenda Griffin and I am your answer! I'm a graduate student ready to help you. I can start today." 

     Talk about shocked! Who was this young woman boldly and confidently asking for a job?  Horace leaned back with surprise and started to laugh, stopping just short of a chuckle. 

     My eyes were locked on his.  That's when he realized I was serious. Totally serious.

     He twitched his mustache, studying my face.  He honored my sincerity by asking a few questions. "How much PR experience do you have?  Have you ever organized an event for 5,000 people?  Are you a communications major? Why should I consider you?" 

     I was honest. I had no PR experience, wasn't a communications major, and never organized a large event. BUT I was willing and able to learn. I enjoyed working with people. I like taking on challenges. I really wanted the job. I was motivated to work, and therefore, I would do a great job for him.  What else could I say?

     He listened and observed. More importantly, he gave a complete stranger a chance. He said if I really wanted the job, to make an appointment with his Assistant to formally apply.  Fair enough!  He offered me the job, including full tuition, within minutes at our second meeting a few days later.

     Was this just chance?  Not in my book!  Knowing and focusing on what I wanted allowed me two things:  1) the ability to see the opportunity and 2) the courage to take prompt action without hesitating.  Does that sound like a strategy for your job search? Can you see how this gets quick results? 

     Ask yourself, do you really want a job or are you casually thinking about it?  On a scale of 1-10, how badly do you want it?  If you are a 1 today, move the needle! Take time to focus and let your need consume you.

     As you tune in to your need and it starts to grow, your focus will naturally become sharp and sensitive.  That's when the magic happens. Opportunities appear!

     Think about what happens when you decide to buy a car.  Suddenly, you start seeing the kind of car you want everywhere.  Did you notice them before?  No, because you weren't focusing on cars.  That doesn't mean they weren't there. See what I mean? 

     By the time you see the opportunities, you won't hesitate to take action. You too will naturally do what you need to.  Because it's what you really, really want! Why wouldn't you go for it?

     Yes, you can focus your search just like I did and get results quickly.  It all starts with one thing. Ya gotta whanit!