Disclaimer: The views expressed by our interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of GradSimple. We only edit these responses for clarity. All opinions remain those of the interviewee.
- Name: Jacqueline B.
- Year Of Graduation: 2022
- College/University: University of Georgia
- Major: Public Relations
What do you do for a living? Can you share what a typical day at work looks like? Do you enjoy what you do?
I currently work as a Safety and Training Coordinator for a manufacturing plant. Soon, I plan to begin an internship at a small boutique public relations firm specializing in lifestyle PR. My current workday revolves around data entry. I am responsible for maintaining safety engagements and quizzes during our monthly safety periods. Each month introduces a new safety topic, accompanied by a corresponding quiz. I also manage training documentation, which includes distributing training packets for new hires and handling the safety portion of onboarding. This line of work isn’t something I enjoy — it’s more of a means to an end.
Can you tell me about your experience finding a job after graduation? Are you happy with where your journey has led you thus far?
While attending classes, I worked part-time in the Human Resources office at my current job. I secured this position through a connection. I went to church with one of the women in the HR office. My initial plan was to take any job I could find after graduation, and the first offer I received was to work as a secretary for a pest control company.
Before accepting, I consulted my boss, who advised against it due to the low pay. Instead, she offered me the Safety and Training position at my current company. Although I’m incredibly grateful for this job, I have been diligent in applying to other positions since graduating in 2022. To date, I’ve applied to over 200 jobs and secured only seven interviews.
The job search journey has been exhausting. The biggest challenge is the lack of responses—no emails, calls, or interviews—which can be incredibly discouraging. However, the best outcomes I’ve had have come from networking and getting in front of people.
Why did you choose your undergraduate major? Do you feel your time spent in college was valuable? Why or why not?
When I started at UGA, I intended to pursue a degree in journalism. After speaking with an older student about my goals, I realized journalism wasn’t the best fit for what I wanted to do. Still, I was determined to be part of UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. After exploring other options, I decided on public relations, a field I felt I could excel in.
I believe my time in college was valuable, but I wish I had made better use of it. I regret not utilizing more resources, spending more time with friends, and fully enjoying the experience.
If I asked you three years ago, what goals would you hope you’ve achieved, in life or career?
In January 2022, my goals were very different. I was rushing through college, focused entirely on finishing classes, and barely spending time with friends. If you had asked me then, I don’t think 21-year-old Jacqueline would have given you a straight answer—“vibing” would have been my main priority! I might have said I wanted a well-paying job, a healthy relationship, and my own place to live.
How important is it to have a purpose-driven life? Why or why not? Do you think you’re on a path to do that? If not, what needs to change?
I think purpose is essential to life. As a Christian, I believe my purpose is to live for God’s glory. This means doing everything to the best of my ability. Without that motivation, I’m not sure where I’d find direction.
I tend to be a passionate person and thrive when I’m excited about my work. Right now, I’m not passionate about my current role, which is why I’ve pursued an internship in PR—a field I truly care about.
What’s your biggest struggle right now? What led to it? How are you moving forward?
My biggest struggle is rediscovering myself and figuring out what makes me happiest. For two years, I was in an emotionally abusive relationship that changed how I view myself and the things I love. Over the past year, I’ve been relearning what brings me joy, setting new goals, exploring hobbies, and making new friends. The main lesson I’ve taken from that experience is to never let anyone or anything pull me so far away from who I am.
What interests/hobbies bring you the most happiness?
I love puzzles, reading, horseback riding, and baking for others. Anytime I bake something and hear people tell me how good it is, I get a little rush of happiness!
What do you want to spend more time working on? What is stopping you?
I really want to write a book. I have so many ideas stored away, but my biggest challenges are time and figuring out how to connect the dots. I know how to start and end a story, but the middle is always the hardest part for me. (Maybe that’s a metaphor for life!)
If we traveled three years into the future of your life, what do you want to achieve? What would you hope has changed?
In 2022, I would have said I wanted a well-paying job, a healthy relationship, and my own place to live. Those goals haven’t changed, but they’ve become more defined. By 2028, I hope to have a fulfilling, well-paying job that I’m passionate about. I want a healthy relationship where I know my worth and won’t settle for less. Finally, I aspire to own my own home.
Tell us about something (or someone) that inspires you.
I’m constantly inspired by strangers. Seeing people go about their lives—offering small, silent acts of kindness or simply enjoying life—lifts my spirits. Traveling to new places and observing strangers in their day-to-day lives is incredibly inspiring to me.
Connect With Jacqueline:
- LinkedIn: @JacquelineBelcher
- Instagram: @jac.p.b
- Website: jacpb.com
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