I met yesterday someone who recently graduated from my program. May 2009 was a very bad time to be looking for jobs, and he was one of the few to have one right out of school. He suggested choosing what area you most want to work in, and plan on going there over spring break. Send applications to firms or agencies which you might want to work for as winter break ends. Say in those letters that you are going to be available to meet anytime over break, whenever they want. This way, those employers don’t have to handle the logistics of getting you to an interview: why not interview you? He did this, got two interviews over spring break, and was offered both jobs.
Good luck!
Thanks! Though I’m not that excited at the prospect of living in the DC area, that’s where all the jobs prospects are for international development…So I think I’ll take your advice and try to visit some firms up there in March.
Happy New Year!
In Boston? Awesome, and you have a place to stay, of course.