Navigating the job market

We interns had a bonus museum culture seminar today with the human resources department.  They gave a presentation about looking for jobs and going through the application and interview process.  As with many such trainings, it was geared more toward the museum world (understandable) than to the library world.  That is not to say that I took nothing away from it.  On the contrary, it was very informative to hear about the hiring process from the recruiter and human resources point of view.  One thing that they stressed was the importance of utilizing the benefits of LinkedIn.  I've got a profile which I've kept updated, though I have yet to find LinkedIn to be particularly helpful.  However, I figure it can't hurt, I keep it anyway.  And it's got a link to the lovely blog you are currently reading. 

Today's mileage: 2.29 mi

Researching jobs

So as I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been scoping out the library job market again and it's pretty overwhelming.  Especially since soon I will actually be qualified for those that require an MLIS.  Job hunting is not fun.  I am working on mentally preparing myself for potential applications and interviews.  I'm also trying to think about where I might like to work.  This is about the longest I have ever been away from Gainesville and I must say, I miss it (by the way, creating that link was probably a terrible idea; I paged through the Wikipedia article and got a massive pang of homesickness).  Though I'm not sure if this is like a hump that I have to get over and then I will be totally fine being away from home, or if I am actually meant to stay there, or someplace near at least.  Or maybe just not New York City.  I mean, New York is great and all, but let's face it, it's not meant for everyone.  Maybe it'll grow on me.  We'll see.

Today's mileage: 2.92 mi

Same old, same old

More good ol' cataloging today at the Guggenheim library.  Nothing terribly exciting, though after having worked in the public library for 7 years, a lack of excitement can be a good thing.  Trust me.  And speaking of working in various libraries, I've decided that I should probably begin looking for a real job for when I'm done with my internship and have my MLIS at the end of the summer.  Hopefully, I will be able to go back to my UF job in August but, you know, at some point, I should really go for something that requires a Master's, what with the fact that I will have spent 2 years and around $20,000 on it.  In the past few days, I've begun scoping out Florida Library Jobs, ALA JobLIST, LibGig, and LISJobs.  If anyone hears of anything awesome and perfect for me, let me know.  If it works out, I will bake you the delicious baked good of your choice.  And you know I will, too.

Today's mileage: 3.11 mi

Last day at ALF

Today was my last day at my job at UF's Auxiliary Library Facility (ALF).  I have really had a great time working there and love all of my co-workers.  I do so very much hope to come back to my job with Team Dedup after my internship.  I don't think that I ever once in the 4 and a half months that I have worked there not wanted to go in to work and that's got to say something.  After some bad job experiences, I have most definitely learned to appreciate a good one and this has been one of them.  I learned a ton, made new friends, and felt like I belonged there.  (For more photos of my last day fun, go here.)

But alas, I mustn't dwell on what I will miss but on what lies ahead.  And what lies ahead is the Guggenheim and New York City.  Whoa.