Ah yes, it's that time of year again. When hope for the future shines bright and the my world looks like becoming a better place.

The election? Heck no, my statement said "better." When was the last time an election meant "better?"

No, I'm referring to job applications. This is the time of year when people like me, graduating in the near future from colleges and universities, begin the process of looking for real work in the real world. And I could not be more excited at the prospect of working in the broadcasting industry in some capacity, particularly one that makes use of the knowledge and skills I've obtained over the years so far and allows me to obtain new skills.

So far, my list of companies to apply to is relatively short, as I've been too swamped with school to do too much with hunting. I'm definitely applying to at least one major broadcast network, one relatively new electronics company, and two equipment manufacturers. Three of the four are companies with whom I already have either regular contact or have been invited to apply, and the fourth is a company I would be considering only for short-term employment prior to beginning a permanent position with a different company. And that's only the beginning, as I will continue hunting for places to apply to by the end of the calendar year.

I just finalized my resume and am about to start writing some cover letters and sending out applications, time permitting, starting with the four aforementioned companies. I cannot wait.

All I have to say is that I'm terribly excited to finally be getting out of the educational arena and into some real work. By this time next year, I hope to be in a more interesting place doing much more interesting things! =)