You're in Ninz Space

Woot! House 105!

So...I've always been meaning to start a blog, but never really got around to doing it. So what made me do it now? I don’t know. The last few weeks have just been such amazing weeks; I just felt I had to document them. Actually it’s been a kick ass year. It’s kind of bitter-sweet at the moment. I’m preparing for graduation in about…40 days. That’s 40 days till my last class (no exams baby!) and then another two months to convocation. I’m dying to take the next step, work…travel…spend time with friends. I’ve been so freek’n busy this past year…I feel I’ve definitely neglected some people in my life. At the same time I feel like I’ve worked so hard…everything is finally paying off.

I haven’t started officially job hunting. OK. I lied. I started in the fall by going to all those “waste of time” info sessions that big corporate jack asses like “Kraft” and “Telus” hold at each of the universities. So they visit all of the top schools in Ontario, make you fill out all these online forms, spend hours on your resume, then make you attend a mandatory info session to network with their reps…all for ONE position. Are you kidding me? So after realizing that I wasted a good three weeks that got me no where I figured I’m going to change my approach and do something different.

I’ve spent the past few months doing a lot of cold calling and networking. At first it was pretty frustrating because NO ONE replied back. After a while people started calling back and then it went all up hill. I can’t say looking for your dream job is easy…but you have to do your research. I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do since I was in grade 10 and never stopped researching.

So anyway…it’s been a kick ass week…not just for me…but HOUSE 105 (me, Evan and Kenny). Last week we got some good news…all within a couple of hours.

I have to add this pic we took right when we shared our news:


Kenny got accepted into Mac’s MBA program and CORNELL! Evan got accepted into the UofT Masters Program but what’s even cooler is that his research prof invited him to do his research half the year at UTM and the other half in Paris, France. Kick ass!

As for me…a few weeks ago I was referred for a Marketing Proposal Manager position at Ellis-Don (www.ellisdon.com). The position looked great, however, it required 5-7 yearswork experience in proposal writing and the start date was February 17, 2006(which I could not do). Anyway, they called me for an interview knowing I wasstill in school and said that if I was a suitable candidate they would waituntil my graduation date. So I went for the interview – and it was tough – but I felt confident it went well. I did learn that the position wasn’t as creative atthe job description said it was. Majority of the position included “technicalwriting” which I wasn’t too fond of. Either way, I thought it was a goodexperience to go through.

Last week I got a call back saying that they interviewed a number of people and that they narrowed it down to me and another candidate. They also asked for my salary expectations. On Thursday I received a call from the VP of Marketing and she said that they offered the position to the other candidate - a woman who was much older to me and who had the experience for the position….But, they felt that I had the potential to grow within the organization and theydecided to create a new position for me. I received my letter of employment onFriday and have a few days to think about it. This position is a“Marketing/Communications Specialist” role (it’s a tentative title) and they felt it suited my experiences a lot better as well is a better transition out of university forme. Also, I have booked my grad trip to Australia and I return June 2. They haveagreed to let me start on the 5th of June.Now…I also had an interview with DDB on Friday and she offered me aninternship on the spot which is GURANTEED into full time end August.Unfortunately the position starts in April because the campaign she wants me to work on is for the Toronto Jazz Festival. She said she would have loved to let me start June 5, but because the festival is mid-June it would be pointless starting so late. Because of my Australia trip…I had to turn it down.

It’s ok. Australia will be totally worth it.

I’m about to sign my employment offer form with Ellis-Don. But before I do, I requested to meet with them and have the actual job description sent to me in writing before I sign.

Ahhhh I know I’m just ranting on here…but it’s because I’ve had so much on my mind the last few days I feel like I’m confusing myself. I've asked so many ppl in the industry for advice...

My heart is longing to work in an agency, but I know this opportunity will get me far.
What to do? What to do? It is pretty sweet though that I can sit back, finish school and know that everything is taken care of.

Ok. I’ll stop thinking about it now. Peas. Out.

posted by ninz @ 5:14 PM