In my last entry, I wrote about setting short term and long terms goals to combat your quarterlife crisis. I also established the following:

Long-term goal (Next 5-10 years): Entrepreneurship on the web

Short-term goal (Next 1-2 Years): Junior-level web marketing/social media job

As you all probably know by now, I have a bachelor of arts in psychology and political science. Other than creating e-mail campaigns, my current job mainly consists of creating marketing content for traditional print media. With only a liberal arts degree in hand and one year of work experience in marketing, I had to figure out ways to bolster my resume for a web marketing/social media job. I came up with the following mini steps that will get me to my short term goal (keep in my mind that I gave myself several months to accomplish all of this):

I. Build a Positive Online Presence

I cannot emphasize how important it is to have an online presence these days, especially for job seekers. Beware though, having no online presence is bad but having a negative online presence is even worse. If you haven’t already, Google yourself. This is what recruiters and potential employers see when they look you up, and they can easily do so. Make sure what comes up in your search sheds you in a good light. Think of it as free publicity. Market yourself and don’t forget to add your Linkedin and online potfolio link to your resume or cover letter.

1. Linkedin:

-         Often one of the first links that show up when you Google your name

-         Make professional connections

-         Ask your coworkers/manager/supervisor to write a recommendation for you. Remember to return the favor or pay it forward.

-         Fill out your profile as much as possible.

-         Tip: Add a book that you are reading, preferably a book that is relevant to the industry you want to work in. This also means that you should read the book! Don’t bluff.

-         My Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/catwchang

2. Facebook:

-         Another link that often shows up on the first page when you Google yourself.

-         Make sure to keep your profile picture classy and to make your photo albums, wall, and info private. You don’t want potential employers seeing you doing body shots or belly dancing on a bar stool.

3. Website/Online Portfolio:

-         Create a webpage with at least your resume on it.

-         Showcase work that you’ve done in the past.

4. Blog + Twitter:

-         Create a blog like this one! Write about the industry or a topic that you are passionate about.

-         Use twitter to promote your blog. Use twitter to connect with others who are blogging or micro-blogging about the same topics.

-         Attach Google analytics to your blog. You get to see all kinds of interesting stats, and best of all it’s free!

II. Take Relevant Classes at a Local University or Community College

I took a couple of professional evening courses at Stanford the past year, including classes on Web 2.0 and its Business Applications, Running Profitable Internet Ad Campaigns, and Introduction to Advertising Copywriting. Not only was it a great learning experience, it was also a great networking opportunity. I highly recommend taking at least one class from a prestigious university in your area to meet other professionals. I also just started taking a PHP class at a community college.

III. READ REGULARLY!

Seriously, even if you don’t enjoy it think of it as studying for your next interview. Read books, magazines, and the news on a regular basis! It never hurts to pick up on some key issues and hot topics so you’ll be able to hold an intellectual conversation when networking or interviewing.

Here’s a blog that my friend showed me: http://30sleeps.com/blog/2007/12/22/how-to-achieve-your-goals-faster/ It was really helpful in clarifying how you can impose constraints on yourself to achieve your goals faster. Instead of just thinking about doing things, constraints can “stimulate growth by forcing you to take immediate action.”