Hello everyone,
I hope you are fine and can forgive me for such long absence. The last weeks were so intense that I cannot even begin to explain it to you.
Many protests raged in Chicago, the world woke up in response to the unsolved racism problem, and few of my friends’ friends tested COVID. On top of this, I presented my final project at university, I finished my school quarter, I left my job at university, I read three books in the last two weeks and I even took five days off from social media.
So, I have been busy! But I never forget you and I did write a lot for the blog. I have just been lazy to put up beautiful posts. Hopefully, soon.
Friday, June 19th I packed everything from my desk and left my job as a Data Analyst at the University of Chicago.
In February 2019, when I moved to Chicago, I arrived full of dreams and expectations but also with a deep understanding of my financial limitations. As much as I wanted to study in the US, I always knew I would not have a comfortable life as a student. I knew from day one, I needed to be a student-worker. So I want to take a moment to explain you and talk a bit about how I overcame these limitations since I arrived.
1. When you focus, things happen
During my first month in Chicago, I applied for all the jobs I saw at university (as an international student in the US, we can’t work outside of the university while we are students). I contacted the international office, the international house, and the Dean of my school.
My emails were polite and simple. I would introduce myself and explain I was looking for a part-time job. Everyone was super nice. I received a few tips and in the following weeks I did a couple of interviews. I started classes on April 1st and two weeks later I was starting my job.
2. When you need the money, you make it happen
There were many weeks that I struggled so much to respect deadlines at work and school. It was just too much. Everything seemed new and complicated. However, when you need money, you make it happen. I never took time away from my studies to work but I learned how to organize myself SUPER well.
3. A job and experience can be whatever you make out of it
My initial tasks were simple as a data analyst. I had a lot of data entry but with time I noticed things I could improve and recommend increasing the performance of the team. I automated repetitive tasks, I upgraded dashboards and I built work relationships that helped in the most difficult times at school.
4. The reality of being a student worker in the US
Of course, my salary and my 20 hours at university were not enough to cover all my expenses. Most of the time, my salary did not even cover my rent, but IT HELPED. Without my job, I could not make it. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
As I finish this chapter, a new one begins this week: a new routine, a new job, and a new company. I can’t even express how excited I am. Looking for a job has been a roller-coaster.
To finish, I can only say. All experiences matter, all jobs, and people we meet on the way. As sad as I am to leave my job at university, I know people who worked with me are excited for my new opportunity.
Thanks Team, Thanks University.
Daniela
Photo by Pedro Lastra & Kristina Tripkovic & Ian Schneider & William Iven on Unsplash