My interview with success story Emily
Naomi: How did you find your current job?
Emily: I found my job as a Gensler Knowledge Support Specialist by setting up an email feed from Indeed.com that sent me any job post in my area that included the word “library.” The Gensler job description mentioned that a Library Science degree would be beneficial. I applied on a Friday and by Wednesday the following week I received the job offer. Fastest hiring process of my life!
Naomi: Favorite library you have been to?
Emily: This is a tough one. For sentimental reasons it would have to be the Herman B. Wells library at my undergrad alma mater, Indiana University at Bloomington. More currently, it would be the Kristine Mann Library within the Carl G. Jung Center in New York City. The library is completely dedicated to Jung’s works and interests. I did an internship there during the Fall of 2011 and so enjoyed the old fashioned atmosphere and subject matter of the collection. It is housed on the top floor of a brownstone and has lots of comfy chairs and couches, lamp light and classical music playing on the radio. It is a very special place and anyone who lives in NYC or is visiting should stop and check it out!
Naomi: Favorite book?
Emily: I recently re-read the Anne of Green Gables series which I adored as a “tween” and was so happy to know that as an adult they still hold my fascination and appreciation. I re-read these while completing my MLS thesis as a break for my brain. Prince Edward Island is such a happy place to transport yourself.
Naomi: Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Emily: The people. People in the library profession are hands down some of the most interesting, compassionate and kind people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know.
Naomi: Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Emily: Honestly, I don’t really follow many library websites or blogs even though I know I should. I do read the weekly news round-up from ALA which keeps me fairly informed of what’s happening in the industry.
Naomi: Best piece of job hunting advice?
Emily: Once you’ve found a job you want to apply to, I think it’s really important to find the name and email of the person you who would be your boss, and send your resume and cover letter directly to them. At least that is what helped me get my current job. I’d been applying to so many jobs through their online application process which I fear just puts your resume in a black hole, never to be read. For my current job, the instructions were to apply through their system, but I bypassed that and tracked down the email of the person who would be my boss. I really think that is what made the difference.
Emily Stephens graduated from Queens College Gradutate School of Library and Information Science (CUNY) in February 2012. She began working at Gensler, a global architecture and design firm in March, as a Knowledge Support Specialist. This is a new role within the firm’s Knowledge Management group. Based out of the small satellite office in Pittsburgh, PA, Emily assists Gensler employees located around the world by helping them create knowledge sharing intranet posts and keeping the digital library up-to-date.