# data[].attributes.body
Having my first job is like starting everything from scratch again. I will encounter situations that will challenge my present knowledge and skills. It could be that the strengths that I have in school could potentially be my weakness in the company. I expect that having my first job is similar to traveling to a new place wherein I'm in the middle of knowing and not knowing it. It's like reading about this destination, seeing its pictures and reviews online, but when you get to the actual place, it's a whole new view. Additionally, my career involves a lifetime of learning, which means I must be continuously eager to learn new things.

# data[].attributes.body
I must consider that I have to work twice as hard when I have a job. Getting the job was the easy part while maintaining it is the hard part. There are a lot of artists who can easily replace me if I don't deliver my works accordingly. This work no longer depends on a grade wherein the worst thing that could happen when I submit unsatisfactory work is a low or failing grade, and I could retake it. It now involves other people and their money and time, wherein my failure or success affects not just me, but the company itself.

# data[].attributes.body
What are the things you need to consider?

# data[].attributes.body
I expect that the first job offered to me is not the long-term place where my career would peak. It will be more of my learning ground and help me find my identity in the industry. Relevantly, I think this is the phase in my career that I will make the accidental mistakes as it is all new to me. I believe that the first job I will have is more of an extension of my "college life" and introduction to the so-called "real world".

# data[].attributes.body
Instantly, I would feel excited and happy. If I see that I fit the job, I will accept it. The first thing I would do is research and study more on how I can deliver my best in my role in the company. It's a must for me to determine how I can integrate my skills and knowledge into the company's wants and needs. Most of the time, in the art industry, it's not as simple knowing the basics; creating (art) outputs require extensive knowledge on how they should be presented. Whenever I do projects, either for school or work, I always keep in mind that I should know every detail before starting the process. It's my instinct to study something new or unfamiliar things to me.

# data[].attributes.body
Imagine being offered your first ever job.

# data[].attributes.body
I would recall my mock-job interviews in school before my first interview as a fresh graduate. I would exhaust all the details that could help me bring more familiarity with the set-up to lessen the anxiety. Reviewing the tips given by my teachers would help me identify what I should say and how to say it. In totality, I'd treat my experiences as manual and use them to navigate the flow of the interview.

# data[].attributes.body
Before heading to the interview, I would research the company's background and other necessary details. I will aim to be familiar with it instead of memorizing it to avoid delivering my answers awkwardly. To avoid having a mental block, I will also practice my answers by answering typical job interview questions.
Mainly, one of the methods that I do when I will do something that makes me anxious and excited at the same time is to stop over-thinking about it. I must remind myself that everything will go smoothly if I just put the right amount of preparedness into it. I don't want to be either over or underprepared.

# data[].attributes.body
How are you going to be ready?

# data[].attributes.body
As stated, I have experienced several mock job interviews in school. Although, the interviewers are usually my teachers, which makes the interview less nerve-racking as I already know them. As a fresh graduate, the only job interview reference I can look onto are the ones done in school. Thus, this makes me expect that my interview as a fresh graduate would be the same, but with the added anxiety. I would present myself in the way that I presented in the mock job interviews. It would serve as my script or guide on how I can communicate the necessary details to my interviewer.

# data[].attributes.body
In my belief, I think that whether or not it is my first job interview or tenth, I would always have this nervous feeling. Typically, I get cold hands and nervous whenever I meet new people, even if it's just a casual or professional setting. I have this tendency to overthink how the conversation would flow. Additionally, I have never experienced going to a job interview aside from mock job interviews in school.

# data[].attributes.body
Imagine being invited for an interview as a fresh graduate.

# data[].attributes.body
Based on the stories I heard from my teachers and professors about their careers, I noticed that most of them built their careers with connections. Some got their career opportunities by referral from their friends and family. Some of my teachers continued their professional careers with the company where they had their OJT. Upon hearing these stories, I have always considered that either of these would be similar to my career journey. From this, I knew I had to establish connections both in and out of my school. Outside of my school, I acquire projects or work from my relatives. These experiences allow me to share my art beyond my initial reach. As for inside my school, I realized that I should communicate more with my professors as they are the ones I will work with when I am in the industry. I used to be reluctant and shy in establishing a relationship with them despite wanting to be under their mentorship. With this, I must practice initiating a conversation and taking the opportunity to learn directly from them; beyond the typical classroom set-up.

# data[].attributes.body
The reality is there are already several artists who can deliver the same output as I do or even better ones. Considering this, I have to establish my identity as an artist in the industry. I have started creating more art where I can practice my skill, at the same time build connections. Additionally, I have worked with both local and foreign clients. This experience gave me an overview of what my career would be after I graduate. As I self-evaluated this experience, I realized that I have more to improve on my technical and soft skills. With this, I have been using my small business on Instagram to practice the necessary skills I need to improve. I also take the opportunity in asking the people around me about their work and such.

# data[].attributes.body
What are your action items to prepare?

# data[].attributes.body
Applying for a job is one of the things that intimidated me when I got into college. During my first year, I always felt anxious when people ask "Where do you see yourself after you graduate?" Most of my peers already had their answers, such as heading to Disney or a Japanese Animation company. The thought of not knowing made me avoid thinking of my future. Although, as time progressed, I realized that one of the several benefits my school has is helping me find career opportunities. The experiences I had and will have in my school have somewhat made me feel more secure on my first job application. I don't expect the school to give me a job, but I somehow expect that my first job would be something I have acquired because of my school.

# data[].attributes.body
My experience in applying for part-time jobs has given me an insight into the reality of acquiring a job. Before doing so, I used to think that it was as simple as submitting a resume and going to the interview, then you land the job, but I was wrong. I tried applying for around 5-8 job openings, and only one replied. With that, I envision that applying for a job after graduation would be similar. It is not a one-shot attempt wherein the first vacancy I apply for is the actual job I'll get. It may also not be the dream job I have in mind.

# data[].attributes.body
Imagine yourself a fresh graduate applying for your first job.