Backstory
A little over a year ago, I was beginning to get a clue about what it was I wanted to do with my life. I’ve always been sort of bookish (yet tremendous 
) and nerdy. I like too many things, but love too few. My lack of clear passion lead me to stacks of library books about personality, resume writing, and career planning.
The short list of Katie Career Stats September 2005:
- I’d been out of college for over a year.
- I did not really know html.
- I knew how to write.
- I had no clue what “SEO” meant.
- I lived with my parents.
- I was addicted to the internet.
This is the Part about SEO
I beat them down. Well, not really. I was persistent and almost begged–but it was professionalish begging. When I say “them” I am referring to my present employer. I had finally gotten a clue and decided to try to be a copywriter. That’s how I found the ad. The agency was looking for a copywriter, but I wasn’t qualifed–I continued my investigation of the company website and found a page for internship opportunities. Wow-JACKPOT. I could intern. I was qualifed. I’d do it for free because even working for free was moving forward.
Enter…SEO.
In September 2005, I had no idea that SEO was Search Engine Optimization. From there, I learned that SEO had something to do with getting a site to rank in the search engine results. From there, I read, read, read, and read some more–all on the internet.
That passion I couldn’t find before? It was there on SearchEngineWatch, Cre8asite Forums, High Ranking, SEOmoz, John Battelle’s Searchblog and… about 200 other places. Finally, a way to blend my love of analysis, writing, and the interweb!
Where I Am Now
The short list of Katie Career Stats November 2006:
- I’d been out of college for over two years.
- I really know html.
- I know how to write.
- I love SEO.
- I live alone (with my cat.)
- I am addicted to the internet.
The thing about SEO is it takes a major time investment. Not just implementing, but researching, staying involved and active. I could liken it to my reverse fat project. You can’t get lazy and expect good SEO just like you can’t be lazy and expect to keep losing weight. Link farms like diet pills = short term results and possible long term damage.
I’m trying to climb back on that treadmill of SEO. My time has been needed elsewhere, but I’m trying to make that commitment to get back to what I love. (I’m also trying to learn php.)
Answer the Question!
But Katie, that’s not an answer!
So, how do you get a job in SEO? You take a step forward and you keep taking steps. That’s it.
