Golden Rules: You Say Job Search, I Say Doostang

Today, Intern Memo sits down with Doostang Co-founder, Mareza Larizadeh, for some advice on interning and an inside look into the company. The people at Intern Memo love Doostang, not only for its name, but mostly for the service it provides. Aside from listing some pretty great marketing positions and openings in various other industries, Doostang has become one of the most effective means of connecting young professionals.

Intern Memo: How can an intern try to capitalize on a successful internship to land a full-time job or a future internship opportunity?

Mareza: The standard answer here is work hard and work smart. I agree with that, but believe that the intern should also step back and see whether there really is a good fit between him/her and the company. You shouldn't have to work hard, you should want to work hard. If you enjoy your job so much that it doesn't feel like a job, believe me, it will show and you will get more than just a full time offer

Intern Memo: Why is Doostang a good resource for job seekers?

Mareza: Doostang was started by a friend and I to share content. It was a fun side project for my second year in business school (I finished my MBA in 2006). As such, the community has grown organically with many of our postings coming from members not associated with the job/internship that they are posting. Lots of good content, without deadlines etc. We expand the reach of positions for our users � companies who don't recruit at certain schools, recruit on Doostang. Since most of our members are graduates from leading schools, they already have great jobs. Hence we are able to attract the best companies and recruiters.

Intern Memo: How can someone avoid the usual frustrations of the job search?

Mareza: Figure out what you really want to do before you start the job search. Going back to (1) � if you have a job that you are passionate about, it shouldn't feel like work. Figure out what you are really passionate about � it will help you infinitely in your job search and make it much, much easier.

Intern Memo: Do you recommend focusing on one industry or seeking out opportunities in a variety of fields?

Mareza: Educate yourself on multiple industries via a couple of internships. Find your true passion and follow one field. You will most likely figure out that the field you chose wasn't your passion. If so, don't hesitate to change. You find out what you want to do by doing many things that you don't want to do.

Intern Memo: What is more important: networking or credentials?

Mareza: Credentials. Networking gets you in the door. Credentials get you in the door as well � but they take you up the ladder much faster.

Intern Memo: Did you rely on friends and recommendations when you were looking for jobs earlier in your career?

Mareza: Yes. Standard operating procedure is good but most of the best jobs come when you go out of your way to make a position for yourself.

Intern Memo: One last question: Doostang...Why?

Mareza: Comes from Latin: Dos = Talent, Tango = Verb "to reach for." Doostang sounded better than Dostango...so we brought one of the "O"s inside.

Intern Memo: And they say Latin is a dead language...

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In the meantime, if you're feeling a bit "career'ed" out by all this expert advice, just relax for a second and see what's going on this weekend.

On Saturday, take a trip to the greatest island in the world, Randall's, for Rock the Bells, a rock and rap festival headlined by Rage Against the Machine, Cyprus Hill, The Wu-Tang Clan & The Roots. When we went to high school there used to be a shuttle bus to Randall's from the Modells on 86th and 3rd every 30 minutes, but just in case that's no longer running, here are directions. We hate to say this, but a cab might be your best bet.

If you can't get tickets, twist your buddy's arm and head out to Coney Island for the Golden Arm Wrestling competition at 1:30 p.m at KeySpan Stadium Park.

On Sunday take an East Village walking tour and make your way to Tompkins Square Park on East 7th and Avenue A for a free punk concert at 2pm put on by underground newspaper, The Shadow.

But seriously, before you even think about attending any of the amazing aforementioned activities, sign up for Doostang. If you want an invite, email Mareza at mareza@doostang.com--and he'll make sure that you get one. It will be one of the top 40 best decisions of your life.

Alliteration!

The Editorial Board

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