The Harsh Realities of Life

LIFEGUARD

This has been my job for as long as I can remember...the water, the sun, the sound of kids screaming and splashing...now, after thinking about this for a while, I do realize that it is a fairly common summer j maybe even part-time job during the school year for students, however, I didn't realize that I would have to consider the Real world for a while. As you're reading this, you're probably questioning why I am ranting about jobs and the harsh reality of life after college in a blog about going abroad. The answer to your question is that I have just finished perfecting a cover letter and resume in both English AND Spanish. Would you have guessed that I would have to include a picture of myself, as well as my marital status on a resume in Spain? Apparently it's expected there, despite it's illegality here in the states, but I guess this will just be one of the first of many cultural differences that I will encounter during my adventure abroad. It's funny how some things like the Dean's List and GPA, things that are stressed highly here, don't even exist abroad. They hold no significance and a prospective employer will not understand them or why they have a place on my resume. Now, these letters and resumes weren't just written for the fun of translating untranslatable things, but rather to apply for an internship with a Spanish business while abroad. I figure why not? Yes it may take some time away from weekend trips, but being contracted to work for a Spanish business? Isn't that why I'm majoring in International Business and Spanish Linguistics? I know I could do a fair amount with these degrees, but working abroad would definitely be at the top of my list, up there with interpreting for the UN or going into bilingual marketing. Thus, I am hoping and crossing my fingers (you should too!) that I am able to successfully land a position during the interview process upon my arrival in Spain in January!