I've submitted at least 45 applications for various positions in higher education for teaching and administration openings and I've only had 2 phone conversations (they didn't call them interviews...we were just talking, getting to know each other). I've even gone so far as to call a friend who is the president of a university, who informed me that just because I had now earned a Ph.D. doors wouldn't open for me. I asked him would he consider interviewing me for a Director position on his campus after reviewing my CV. His response, he wouldn't interview me because I didn't have any experience in recruitment. This is also the same friend that promised to help me after I obtained my Ph.D. His words to me were, "All you have to do is tell me which positions you're applying for and at which institutions and I will make a phone call." I had to blink back the tears of hurt...because just like everyone else he had not truly taken out the time to read my CV and he had went back on his word.
For every position that I've applied for I wasn't asking for a handout. I either met the qualifications that were in the job description or I was over qualified. I have over 5 years of experience in the field of higher education as a social work instructor and administrator and I have over 20 years of experience in the field of social work, but I've received over 15 letters that I like to call "Dear John...we don't think you're good enough..." letters. I've made phone calls, I've sent out emails, and I've prayed and I've prayed. It doesn't seem fair that I've gone to school and busted my butt to only be told no over and over again. It hurts like hell to be honest. And when Sallie Mae sends you that statement saying that your student loan payments will start in 6 months your heart just breaks in a thousand pieces.
But two 2 weeks ago I received a phone call from an associate that I met back in my best-selling author, radio host days that changed my outlook on this entire job search. She was calling because she had been offered a position as a co-host for a morning radio show, but couldn't take it so she had referred me for the position. I was floored. This wasn't in higher ed, and it was actually me going back to my former life, life before the Ph.D. (something I secretly desire to do). I considered this new path that I would be taking, I thought about all of the rejection I had received from the field of higher education and so I agreed to the interview process.
Last week I woke up at 4:30am for three days straight and drove to New Orleans to be a part of the WBOK 1230AM morning show. And I must admit, it was fun, exciting and I had an awesome time doing something that I love so much. I won't know if I've gotten the position until July 1, but if I don't get it, it's still all good, because that experience reminded me of who I am and what I love doing the most and that's educating people and touching people like only I can! Sometimes we don't reach people through textbooks or standing in front of a classroom lecturing. Sometimes it's through novels and self-help books, television or a radio show...
My friend was right, no one is going to give me a job simply because I went out an earned a Ph.D. I'm going to get the job that's right for me because someone out there will see that I am qualified, that I will make a difference and that I am passionate about helping people. So I'm going to keep holding on until the right position, the position that God has just for me comes through. And to my friend who refused to help me...no worries, I'm still going to see you at the top hunni, believe that! :-)
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