Dear recent graduate,
First — welcome to Manhattan!
Like you, my 23-year-old sister, a communications graduate, and I, a 26-year-old journalism grad, moved here in 2009 under the auspices of “dreams do come true.” While we were spurred by aspirations to be the next It filmmaker (my sister) and create the next huge culture-driven magazine (me), we also knew we had to pay the bills.
In short: The dream, or dream job, may take a lot of time.
To pay for our “cozy apartment” (read: convertible two-bedroom), my sister began to work at an upscale restaurant, and I got a job at a clothing store. Over the last five years navigating the Big Apple, I managed to pick up a thing or two.
With that in mind, here are 10 pointers that will aid your own career compass of the city’s fickle ways:
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1. Figure out what you want — and network aggressively to get it.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your dream occupation, a rent-paying job or both. In all three scenarios, you’ll be within arm’s reach of many important contacts. Start by finding the industry, then the place of employment — and always start from the top. Meaning? If you are going to work at a restaurant, strive for an upscale establishment like my sister did. She met many wonderful people who wanted to help her (after the appropriate amount of time — more on that later). As a bonus, the tips are better, and you will, at last, feel like a human being while rubbing elbows with Steve Buscemi (yes, this happened).
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2. Try to accept and even celebrate the gut-wrenching sacrifices and difficult times.
There’s always a new boutique or cupcake shop popping up — and in turn, a demand for determined employees. Although not incredibly attractive to many, it was the years I spent working difficult hours in retail when I learned some of my most valuable career skills — thanks to dealing with a fair share of extremely demanding people, ranging from customers to senior management. It served me well for the future.
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3. Find a hobby.
It will become your own at-home “water-cooler” outlet for times of NYC blues. I started a blog about my retail experience, while my sister created a YouTube film with a co-worker lampooning their restaurant’s outrageous patrons. They will keep you sane.
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4. Never treat anyone with disregard.
My sister and I have had an abundance of slanderous statements handed to us over the years. Today, we remember them fondly — but at the time, New York City seemed like a cold, grim place. I recall once telling her, “A female customer called me a prostitute today,” prompting the question from my sister, “What made her call you that?” From being on the receiving end of such barbs, I know never to act that way toward others.
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5. Remember who you are.
Like many Manhattanites, I began to believe New York’s world of powerful wealth was mine — despite working an entry-level, unglamorous job. Don’t justify the complementary $100 bottle of wine from the sommelier as your new lifestyle. You are there solely for two things: to pay rent and to gain job experience.
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6. “No one in New York City is your friend.”
Or, more specifically: “No one who is your competition in New York City is your friend.” Some of my father’s best advice was: “Have eyes on the back of your head, and trust no one.” Harsh, but you came to Manhattan for a reason, didn’t you? If you’re lonely . . . well, see below.
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7. Make friends!
Manhattan can be a daunting, tough and tiresome place. Whether it is through a good old-fashioned meet-and-greet or joining a volunteer group, find those people who have your best interests in mind — or simply who are NOT your competition.
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8. Dress up, damn it.
During my second year at the clothing store, my boss would look me up and down before an important meeting and say, “Good . . . good,” as if she was giving me a compliment. I wouldn’t recommend this, although she had a point. No matter what the job, if you dress just a bit nicer than your colleagues, you might catch the eye of the powers that be.
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9. Wait until the time is right to present your ideas.
Almost every night, my sister met one of her idols at the restaurant where she worked. She would act civilly, while watching some of her co-workers behave otherwise. Yes, a fast track to the next HBO series is tempting, but your diners are trying to eat — not search for the next Marlon Brando.
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10. Congratulate yourself.
It’s through your conviction that you have arrived in the city of so many fellow tenacious wannabes. Look at yourself, wipe away the tears (I certainly did) and allow elation to overcome the fear, which is half of the battle. After that, it’s all about the dream.