Caroline Rules

Caroline Manzo puts the real in The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and her fans relate to the reality star's no-nonsense attitude, focus on family and, above all, abundant common sense. Check back at Glo every Monday as Caroline helps solve your most pressing dilemmas.

The Dilemma: I graduated about two years ago from Penn State, and I have been having trouble finding a "good" job. I have a bachelor's degree in communications and am currently an administrative assistant for a performing arts center. However, this position is not helping me excel. It is time for a change. I understand that I have to start from the bottom to work my way up, but I have not been able to find a job that will utilize my skills. I understand that the economy is suffering. How do I stay confident when searching for a job when I tend to get discouraged after a long day of searching? —Lauren

Caroline's Ruling: Welcome to the world, Lauren! First of all, congratulations, Penn State is a great school, and to have a degree from there is a great asset! I know so many kids your age who have graduated from wonderful schools and are not employed in the field that they have their degrees from. That's OK; things are not especially great in the job market now, so you may have to bite the bullet for a bit and take any reasonable position that comes your way.

If I've learned anything in this life it is to go with the flow. Sometimes things don't happen as planned, and you need to adjust and bend with the “roadblocks” that are prohibiting you from achieving your goals. I understand that you may be in a position that doesn't help you grow professionally, but whether you believe it or not, you're growing in other ways.

Keep your eye on the ball, never lose sight of your goals, and do something to work towards them every day — big or small, it doesn't matter, just keep those goals in the forefront of your mind. Go to work every day and do the best job you can possibly do. You never know who's watching and who that someone may know. Continue to keep an eye on the job market and go on interviews for positions that interest you. Maybe even volunteer somewhere in your off-time as an assistant or something just to get your foot in the door. Life is funny; the strangest things happen in the most unexpected ways.

Unless you're fortunate enough to be in a position where you don't have to work while hunting for a job, I suggest that you stay put at your current job and make the best of it. You're gainfully employed and that's a blessing. Remember one thing: It's a small world, and you never know who or what may cross your path any given day. You may find your next employer is the person you have a conversation with in the subway or on an airplane one of these days!

You're so young, Lauren, and you have a wonderful future ahead of you. Stay the course, keep your eyes and ears open. Trust me, opportunity will find its way to knock on your door. Good luck!

Do you have a question for Caroline? Send it to CarolineRulesOnGlo@gmail.com and it may be selected for an upcoming column!