Job Hunt Roller Coaster

Job hunting is a roller coaster, man.

Last week, I was invited to interview for a Science Analyst (Aquaculture) position at Seafood Watch where I currently work on a part-time-until-September-consultancy basis.  I was elated, because I also had an interview in DC for NOAA's Digital Coast Fellowship with NACo/NSGIC (National Association of Counties/ National States Geographic Information Council).  Two great interviews in one week, on opposite sides of the country!  I felt pretty stoked about landing them.

The SFW interview went pretty well, but as soon as I came down off the high of interviewing, I was kicking myself for failing to prepare cheat notes for myself regarding all the things I thought I had in the bag because a) I work at SFW, and b) I've been studying sustainable aquaculture for 2 years. All the majorly obvious details slipped my brain when it counted most.  Effing brain.  It was no where near as bad as exams in vet school, though the fact that I was being judged by scientists definitely put me (momentarily) back in the board room at Tufts where I was being interviewed to see whether they'd let me continue my schooling or not.  Fuuuuuuu.....

The DC interview went better, thankfully, I didn't have the same niggling feeling afterward, I just had a really strong feeling that I did well.  AND, I'm so glad I went!  I felt like it would be a better fit for me--it's a dynamic position and the folks I'd be working with seem super genuinely eager to help me launch my career.  We'll see.  But they did ask if I'd take the position if they offered it to me, and they asked when I could start.  I'm hoping that bodes well.  Otherwise, it's a mean trick to play on hopefuls.

Today, I learned that they hired someone else for the SFW position, with the feedback that the other guy was more on top of details.  Expected.  At first, that was fine--I had given up on that position being my numero uno--but as the day went on, and I was still working at my desk at SFW, I had this overwhelming sense that I had disappointed myself and them.  Not a great feeling.  Very 'wah wah'.  Blaahhh...

So I'm hoping I hear from the DC fellowship people soon.  Fingers crossed.  And in the meantime, the very real possibility that I might not get that position either looms. Already thinking about what Fulbright I might want to apply for...