I run to re-energize. I have been trying to build the habit of running mid-day. These past few weeks were perfect for that—the weather was great and the students and companies were not here yet. Now with companies here all day, I’ve had trouble getting out. And with some of the projects that I am working on, I really miss the break.
I write this because I was thinking about students in the Darden Career Development Center lobby this week. I see several students here several different times during the same day. I worry that it must be really difficult to get the adrenalin going over and over. What do students do to get up for an interview, or better yet, to come down from one and then get up for the next? What is really helpful for me, when I am bogged down in a project, is to radically change the environment, change the muscles I am using, something. When I do this, and then come back, I usually bring a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of energy to the project. Exercise is what I usually do, because I am not a person that likes to unwind over coffee and reflect. But that too is a good idea. We’ve suggested that you should definitely take a few minutes when you complete an interview to reflect on the interview, take notes about what you did well, did poorly, what you said and what the interviewer may have shared with you. These notes will help you when you are networking or interviewing with the same firm in the future. But beyond this period of reflection, I really think it is a good idea to get out and get some fresh air: walk, run, play hoops, bike—whatever is your passion (or whatever you can tolerate). Then come back to the next interview with a renewed sense of purpose and a little steam boiled off.
By the way, I’ve only been a runner for about a year. Every day I have to force myself to go out, even though I do love it when I get out there. It is hard for me to stay motivated, and I usually can find enough to do in the office to convince myself not to get out. So if any of you are runners, and want to run after class, give me a few days notice. I’d love to run with you. Happy to discuss your career, or not.