Happy Grad: Danielle Scaglione

Happy Grad: Danielle Scaglione

  Age: 23Graduation Date: 2013Major: CommunicationSchool: Stonehill CollegeCurrent Position: Ambulatory Service Representative II at Boston Children’s Hospital  


Q: What was your biggest fear about leaving college and entering the “real world”?

I was afraid that I wouldn’t find a job right away. I didn’t want to be looked at as a “failure." A lot of my friends were finding jobs before we graduated and, since I hadn’t found one, I was super worried and wicked anxious.
I didn’t want to be looked at as a “failure."

Q: What five words would you use to explain your job search as a recent grad?

Frustrating, time-consuming, nerve-wracking, exciting, worrisome.

Q: What is it about your situation now that makes you a happy grad?

Even though I ended up in healthcare (which was not my major), I am SO happy with my job. I graduated with a communications degree and currently work for an HR department for Children’s hospital. I LOVE my co-workers and LOVE the organization. I don’t exactly love the work that I do, but I know for a recent college graduate, not many land their dream jobs directly after graduation. I’m a happy grad because I work in an area that’s near my college friends but I also have a job that helps pay my school loans and keeps me happy. I’m also happy because I have a great benefits package. I didn’t realize in college how important having benefits was, but at BCH, I’ve got great health insurance, travel compensation, a great retirement plan, and even a pension (which I’ve learned not many companies offer anymore). Oh, and I get tuition reimbursement. So, if I take classes, I get my money back. So, grad school will be in my future.

Q: What are the best things about your current role?

I love my co-workers and I love how I feel like the work that I do is very much appreciated. Sure, I work behind a desk, which wasn’t my ideal job, but every day I get at least 30 people saying “thank you” to me, which makes my job feel worth it. I also love how I have room to grow within the hospital. I may not stay in my department long, but here at Children’s, it is very common and even encouraged to switch departments and learn more about everything. The HR department here even offers a “shadowing program” where you can apply to shadow other departments that interest you.
Every day, I get at least 30 people saying “thank you” to me, which makes my job feel worth it.

Q: What advice would you give recent grads today about leaving college, and finding a career and life they love?

I would tell them to keep their options open. Sure, you can look for a job specific to your interests, but don’t NOT look for jobs outside of your comfort zone. I took this job because I had skills for it. Sure, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do, but am I happy? EXTREMELY.
Sure, you can look for a job specific to your interests, but don’t NOT look for jobs outside of your comfort zone.
I have a family member that got a job in retail (she was a marketing major, fashion merchandise minor) she quit her job because she wasn’t happy, and somewhat refuses to look outside of marketing relating to clothing. She’s currently only working part-time and has an unpaid internship. Yet being in HR, I could easily get her a position at Children’s. She’s too stubborn to give in, but complains about not finding a job. Grads need to know that your first job may not be exactly what you want, but it could lead you into a different interest, or connect you with the right people.

Q: What are some of the best things about being a recent grad?

Well, for one, I have money. Senior year I was broke as a joke. Right now, I’m signing the lease of a Boston apartment. Sure, I’ve jokingly got the “post-grad depression,” but in the end, I still see my college pals, and I feel way more responsible.
...being able to say I am 100% independent is fantastic. I also love the amount of respect I get as a college grad that’s independent.
After graduation, I took on every single bill - car insurance, loans, health insurance, phone bills, credit card bills, and soon I’ll be paying rent. It sounds like it sucks (and sometimes it does), but for me, being able to say I am 100% independent is fantastic. I also love the amount of respect I get as a college grad that’s independent. I feel like I’ve accomplished so much in such a short amount of time that, even though it’s sad my college party days are over, I can still be happy because I’m proud of myself.
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