Mary Caroline Funk

EDU 220
Journal Entry 1

Journal Entry #1: Introduction and Information Gathering Process

Why are you in this course and what are you gaining now that we are underway? Explain
current motivation.
- I am in this course to continue what I learned in EDU 120 about the world of work and
careers. I want to further my knowledge of what I can do now for my future career and
how I can get internships and gain connections in the future. In this first week of the
class, I have been reminded of the importance of using flexible language and not closing
any doors to the possibilities of all kinds of jobs when answering the dreaded question.

Discuss reading Roadtrip Nation. Which pieces of advice or stories are the most useful to you
personally at this point? (Please use stories/vignettes from multiple sections of the book.)
- The concept of having goals in your life and having to reach them throughout your life
as the strategic survivor versus the random walker who does not have many goals and
samples a lot of places in life was very useful. It made me think about my own life, as
someone who never really had many short-term goals growing up, but now thinking
about my future and four years of college, it has made me think about which I would be
considered: the random walker or strategic survivor. I would say I am more of a strategic
survivor because I know somewhat what I want to do in my life and have some goals,
but those goals are very widespread where I want to sample a lot of places, leading me
to be more of a random walker.

Which aspect of the information gathering process seems most relevant to you right now?
Why?
- For me, the most relevant information would for sure be the information regarding
classes, majors, and making connections with people in the professional world. The
continued reminder to keep an open mind and explore more jobs has helped me to
realize that there are a lot of other jobs that I could do in life besides the few that I have
heard of.

How helpful are the informational interview suggestions from Roadtrip Nation (p. 227-280)?
- The book talks about the trip you go on to land your final destination in career. What
stood out to me is the way it talks about exploring other options than just your one,
narrow area of interest. Asking people questions in your field of interest, but also all
kinds of fields around it will help you to have more advice that is widespread.

Share one of the insights you have learned in our course so far (a reading, activity with a
significant adult (one of your “adult fans”). What was their reaction or response? Did they have
anything to add in terms of advice or insight?
- I like the concept of not closing off any doors and creating connections with people
through LinkedIn and other resources. I have learned it is important to talk to people
 who might not do exactly what you want to do, but to talk to them in order to build
connections.

Use the final sentence(s) of this journal entry to describe the way you would ‘tweet’ your
current status as it relates to the world of work (140 characters).
- I am exploring options in the world of work, especially in athletics and non-profit
organizations. I am looking to build connections with people, and would love to speak to
other people about their careers, especially in the sports marketing world.