When I walked across the stage in December 2007 to receive my degree in communication arts from Marymount Manhattan College, I felt the same sense of excitement that every new graduate feels. But my timing couldn’t have been worse — I had officially graduated during the first month of the Great Recession, and within weeks, the job market had all but collapsed.
Despite strong internships, including a coveted spot at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the reality was stark: companies were freezing hiring, layoffs were mounting, and “entry-level” roles seemed to have vanished overnight. For the next seven months, I cobbled together retail shifts at Anthropologie and babysitting jobs, scouring the internet daily for opportunities. My go-to platforms back then were Media Bistro, Craigslist, and EntertainmentCareers.net, but even with dozens of applications sent out, interviews were rare — and offers nonexistent.
The Job Offer That Came From a “No”
The turning point came in the most unexpected way. I had interviewed for a position I didn’t get, and months later, the person who’d rejected me reached out. She had a friend in the industry looking for an entry-level hire and thought I might be a good fit. That lead turned into my first full-time PR job in June 2008.
The role wasn’t glamorous — the agency specialized in wholesale technology, and their biggest client manufactured deep-sea underwater cables, something far removed from my dream of working in entertainment PR. The salary was a modest $28,000 a year, far lower than what recent grads before the recession had earned.
Still, that job was a lifeline. It gave me hands-on experience in client communication, meeting management, and foundational PR strategy. More importantly, I had great mentors who taught me skills that would shape my career.
Lesson learned: Take every interview, even if it’s not a perfect fit. You never know which conversation might open an unexpected door.
A Career I Didn’t Plan, but Grew to Love
While I never made it into the entertainment PR world I had envisioned in college, the recession forced me to explore industries I hadn’t considered. Over time, I discovered a passion for healthcare public relations, a field I might never have entered if the job market had been stronger.
The early challenges also built resilience — something I would need again and again in my career. By the fall of 2009, I decided to enroll in graduate school at University College Dublin. Even though I had a job, I knew higher-paying roles were scarce, and it was actually cheaper to study in Ireland than in the U.S. That year abroad became one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, introducing me to lifelong friends and expanding my worldview.
My Advice for Today’s Graduates Entering a Tough Job Market
1. Take a job for the skills, not just the industry.
Your first role might not be your dream job — and that’s okay. Focus on positions where you can learn transferable skills that will serve you in the long run.
2. Network through your professors.
Especially for recent grads, professors (particularly adjuncts who work in the industry) can be powerful connectors. Don’t be afraid to ask if they can introduce you to colleagues or industry contacts.
3. Keep the long view.
Tough markets don’t last forever. It may take longer than you’d like to get your career started, but salaries and opportunities will eventually rebound.
4. Consider an adventure.
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling, studying abroad, or pursuing graduate school, a challenging job market can be the perfect time to do it. My year in Ireland not only enriched my personal life but also broadened my professional perspective.
5. Say yes to every interview.
Even if you’re unsure you’re a fit, an interview can be a stepping stone. The conversation might not lead to an immediate job, but it could spark a connection that pays off later — just like it did for me.
Today, I’m both a PR consultant and an adjunct professor at my alma mater, where I often share my story with anxious students worried about their futures. I tell them what I wish someone had told me in 2008: You will find your path. It might not look like you imagined, and it might take longer than you planned, but the resilience you build now will serve you for the rest of your career.
