<span class="bold">The job:</span> Logistics specialist.</p><p> <span class="bold">The employer</span>: MIQ Logistics, headquartered in Overland Park, provides global logistics solutions designed to improve companies&#x92; transportation networks and overall supply-chain efficiencies.</p><p> <span class="bold">My role:</span> My job consists of tracking inland shipments for two of our biggest customers, one of which is based in New Zealand. I make sure freight has been picked up and is moving to the correct location in a timely manner. I also check that the correct parties are paying for the freight charges and those charges are correct. Another job responsibility is reconciling accounts and updating financials for our customers.</p><p> <span class="bold">How long have you been in this position?</span></p><p>Since June 2011, a month after graduating from college. </p><p> <span class="bold">How did you find your job?</span></p><p>Through William Jewell College&#x92;s eRecruiting website, an interactive online database used to connect students and employers. I applied for the job by attaching my resume and signing up for an interview time with one of the logistics supervisors, now my boss. After that interview, I had another interview a few days later with that same supervisor and a couple of other supervisors. It was a little nerve-racking to be interviewed by a panel of three, but I worked to be honest, make good eye contact, listen well and let them know what I could offer. I think it also helped that I am Australian, as one of our customers is a New Zealand company, Mainfreight. They seemed to think it would be neat to have someone from that part of the world. A week or so later, I was offered the job.</p><p> <span class="bold">What helped the most in the job search? What didn&#x92;t?</span></p><p>Working through the William Jewell career services department, which helped me with my resume, and the eRecruiting site. A lot of the employers who post jobs at the eRecruiting site are alums of the college, who have a rough idea of what they&#x92;ll be getting from someone who has a William Jewell education. What didn&#x92;t work was applying at a lot of online sites, where most of the jobs required some experience. </p><p> <span class="bold">Did you reach a low point in this process?</span></p><p>I wouldn&#x92;t say a low point, but I was somewhat discouraged, especially with my situation being an Australian and having awork visa. My temporary, one-year work visa scared some companies away, even though I explained it&#x92;s a simple process to go online and fill out the paperwork to extend it. I did try to keep positive about the situation as best I could, as it seemed like there were new jobs opening up on many of the websites. I felt something would come up.</p><p> <span class="bold">What is your best advice for others in the job search?</span></p><p>To keep positive and be proactive when looking. I was looking every day, and having updates sent to my email account when specific jobs opened up to stay on top of any new opportunities that arose. I would also say not to expect to find the perfect job or perfect position when looking for work, especially for college grads, but even for people who have been in the work force before. With the economy the way it is right now, a job with a paycheck is better than no job.</p><p> <span class="bold">What is your educational and work experience?</span></p><p>I have a bachelor&#x92;s degree in accounting from William Jewell College in Liberty, where I also worked in the college&#x92;s facilities management department. I worked several jobs in Australia before beginning my college education. I have experience as a retail assistant, forklift operator, landscaper and balustrade installer. </p><p> <span class="bold">How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?</span></p><p>The transportation industry is very interesting and fast-paced. I have learned a lot. Being an accounting major, this specific job does not fit into my major, but has offered some experience in dealing with basic financial ideas and fundamentals of billing, invoicing and auditing procedures. Ultimately, I would like to run a small business of my own in a different field, but I am enjoying the experience here thus far. </p><p> <span class="tagline_name">Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star</span>