Stretch Dreams

Today I applied for a job that I have no relevant experience for, but believe that I have all the required skills that would be needed to be successful. In order to figure out what I want to do next, I need to stretch myself, dream big, and apply for jobs that sound interesting, even if they seem outside the realm of possibility. Today I applied to be the Features and Entertainment Editor for the Naples Daily News.

I have never written for a newspaper and I have never been published. However, I LOVE to listen to people's stories and inspire others through writing. Editors need to generate innovative story ideas, direct planning of editorials and reviews, and adhere to tight deadlines. Newspaper readership is on the decline and budgets are tight. In my opinion, a newspaper needs an Editor with a non-traditional background to come in and bring new life to the paper on a shoestring budget. I believe my education and experience make me a great candidate for the job.

I worked on a major brand repositioning for a kid yogurt brand at General Mills and can transfer this skill to the editorial world. I am full of ideas that would bring stories of hope and inspiration to the Naples community. Stories that feature new entrepreneurs who are following their passions by opening new restaurants with tantalizing dishes, creating lively music that inspire people to dance, and writing engaging novels. I believe heartwarming stories are needed to bring hope back to Americans who have stopped reading the news due to the extreme focus on the dismal economy and rampant job losses. 

I am highly disciplined and detail oriented and was known to develop and manage project timelines while I was in MBA School. I also learned the importance of data accuracy and how to respond quickly to changes in order to meet tight deadlines while working on the Financial Planning and Analysis team at Best Buy. Discipline, flexibility, and integrity are three skills that are needed in order to be a successful Editor.

I am a quick learner who is motivated to work hard and bring a new perspective to the Naples News or whatever next job that I land. I am looking for a person to take a chance on a creative spirit who has a passion to write stories about people, brands, financial results, and to help others be successful. 

While I know that this job opportunity is a long shot, it taught me how to open my eyes to different types of jobs. I have always taken the road less traveled and believe that the right job for me is something I have yet to discover. I believe in order to get what I want, I must dream BIG and reach for the moon. If I cast my net wide and remain open, I will surely capture a STAR opportunity.