In a few sentences can you tell the Class of 2015 a little about yourself.

My name is Jordan and I am a graduate of the Class of 2014 majoring in Art History and Visual Arts. I work for the City of Burlington in the Mayor’s Office.

What was your first year out like?

Living in Burlington was really important to me – I had spent the past four years here and developed many relationships and connections. I knew that I had the best shot at finding a career-path job was to stay here and continue to network.

Towards the end of my senior year, I started working at Hotel Vermont I worked there for over a year while looking for other jobs. Shortly after beginning my “second-year-out,” I landed a job working for the City of Burlington.

What was your biggest challenge that year and how did you overcome it?

I think that opportunities for success are somewhat lined up for you in college, and I was disappointed when I couldn’t find a more stable and career-oriented job right after graduation.

I wasn’t engaging anything I cared about and was rather going through the motions of having a job and managing basic responsibilities.

That fall, I emailed a local screen printing company, New Duds, and asked if I could intern for them in my free time. They were actually looking to hire someone part time so I was able to start working with them in addition to my job at Hotel Vermont. I learned a lot about running a small business and industrial screen printing.

While I wasn’t paid much, I was happy to engage an interest I cared about.

What surprised you the most about that year?

Vermont is a huge place outside of UVM! And I can imagine that Vermonters cringe when they hear people say that. As difficult as it is to admit it, UVM is a bubble, even if you are living off campus.

Working in a restaurant, I learned about the importance of local food and visited farms around the state. It was great to see all of the different things going on in Vermont outside of Burlington.

What’s one thing you wish someone told you your first year out?

Give yourself some time to adjust to a new lifestyle! I didn’t want to waitress forever, but I found a way to enjoy it and find value in it. I also got to go to the beach every day.

Do you have any advice for the Class of 2015?

I cannot emphasize the importance of networking! Sometimes, doing job searches online works, but I think you will have a much better shot at finding a job that you are happy with if you ask the people with whom you have relationships to help you. And they will!

It’s definitely hard to ask but almost always, people are really excited to help you find a job or connect you with a person also willing to help.