How to Land Your Dream Job
A note from Jennifer Seidman, a Career Advisor at the Graduate Career Management Center:
Dimitrios exemplifies the epitome of a success story in collaboration with the GCMC. From the outset of his program, he arrived with a clear objective: to carve a path in data analytics and secure a position at L'Oreal. Despite lacking relevant work experience, Dimitrios diligently researched the skills required to position himself as a competitive candidate. In addition to completing his master's degree coursework at Zicklin, he proactively enrolled in a data boot camp.
With a solid academic foundation, Dimitrios dedicated his time to meticulous job search preparation. Over the course of more than 25 meetings with the GCMC, he actively engaged in strategic discussions, honed his pitch, meticulously crafted his resume and cover letters, and sharpened his interview skills. Armed with confidence, he networked tirelessly and cultivated relationships within his target company.
By consistently collaborating with our office, Dimitrios not only established a rapport with our team but also forged a valuable partnership. Through our coaching and his unwavering commitment, Dimitrios not only secured an internship at his dream company but also adeptly converted it into a full-time position. His success is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and adept relationship-building skills.
Here is Dimitrios’ story:
How it All Began
Around the age of 18, Dimitrios left his home in Greece to study abroad in Paris, a city known for its iconic landmarks, passion for arts, and leadership in fashion. But if there was anything that Dimitrios noticed most while being in Paris, it was that almost everyone talked about one company: L’Oreal. His professors looked up to L’Oreal; most beauty products were from L’Oreal; almost everywhere Dimitrios went, he was exposed to L’Oreal.
That admiration for the cosmetics company, however, was not confined to Europe. When Dimitrios later moved to New York City to study at Parsons School of Design, he was again surrounded by discussions revolving L’Oreal. So, the signs were clear. Dimitrios, who already has a passion for beauty products, decided that he wanted to work there. It became the goal; it became the dream.
The Climb
Just before graduating from Parsons, Dimitrios applied for a position at the cosmetics firm and successfully passed two interviews. Unfortunately, he did not hold a green card at the time, and it cost him the third interview and the job. Though disappointed, Dimitrios did not give up: “I’ll be back,” he told himself. “And I’ll be back stronger.” Two years later when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dimitrios applied to L’Oreal again, yet again he had no luck. After another two years, Dimitrios decided to enroll in the MS Business Analytics program at the Zicklin School of Business, where he also diligently visited the
Graduate Career Management Center. He worked closely with career advisor Jennifer Seidman, networked, and attended numerous career workshops even if they were not for Baruch students.
After much hard work, Dimitrios finally landed another interview at L’Oreal and secured a position in a 12-month program for recent graduates. And soon enough, his hard work paid off. His resilience and determination led to the one thing he wanted most: a full-time job at L’Oreal!
Living the Dream
Currently, Dimitrios is a Data Quality Analyst and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data collected using Amazon tech tools and coding. He also creates training tools for teams and makes sure operations run smoothly and are up-to-date. But perhaps best of all, Dimitrios gets to work in his office located at Hudson Yards, where he can “look at the clouds all day long”. And to make things even better, L’Oreal supports and cares for its employees, says Dimitrios, and having such support is important.
His Advice to You
For someone who is pursuing a dream job, or is trying to establish the right career path, Dimitrios reminds them that “it is a process and journey.” He suggests that it is also important to have clarity on what you want to do right now, not necessarily long-term. And if you know the big dream, determine what little steps you will need to take to get there. Dimitrios then suggests that you make a list of the top five companies where you want to be an employee and for each, have clear reasons why. Once those are established, reach out to people, study those companies: “Start small and go deep. [Don’t just go] for whatever comes your way.” Dimitrios’s final advice: “Know why you want [that company], [not] why they want you.”
Elizabeth Moy is a graduate student in the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences at Baruch College, pursuing an MA in Corporate Communications. She is also a College Assistant with the Zicklin Graduate Career Management Center.
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