Article Proposal

Dear Jourdan,

Picture this: you're a brand new hire for a prestigious professional services firm. For the past several years you've gradually mastered the skills needed to succeed in a demanding academic program. You are confident in your qualifications and excited to make a splash in your field of work. But during your first day on the job, you realize that you may be in over your head. The work is difficult and technical. Training programs and new employee meetings call attention to the gaping holes in your resume and skills set. In short, you're suddenly not the hot-shot you thought you were.

Beginning a new job is stressful and daunting. Learning new duties and making first impressions on experienced coworkers can cause even the most self-assured young professional's stomach to churn. Yet there is hope. By having the right attitude, building the right relationships, and asking the right questions, anyone can survive the first overwhelming months with a company.

I propose to write an interview style article in which I highlight the experience of a close friend who is in the middle of a high-level internship with Ernst and Young, America's leading accounting firm. He has learned first hand that transitioning from a BYU course load to real workplace responsibilities is difficult. But he has also gained invaluable insights that I am confident will inspire and encourage our readers. Because he himself is among our target audience, my friend's advice and perspectives will make this article especially appealing.

I envision that my proposed piece will take up about a page and a half of an issue of Aspire, including a picture or other image. I suggest a picture that shows a new hire working closely with a senior employee in a professional setting. Please contact me with questions or suggestions about this article proposal. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jeff Nielson