Yesterday (Monday August 29) was the first callback of the 2011 Job Search. Well, callback is not the proper term since this firm didn't come to OGI (on-grounds interviews, frequently called on campus interviews for those that aren't at Mr. Jefferson's University), just a call-to-our-office. Thanks to Hurricane Irene, the flights the day before were all cancelled so I had a 650 am flight out of Charlottesville, or a 4 am wake up call! Luckily, that flight did not get cancelled as well, and I made it to Philadelphia pretty early. I even saw a fellow Wahoo in the airport, but she was flying to Chicago.
I headed to Sabrina's for breakfast, I had heard many good things about it and it was relatively close to Firm's office. After a delicious apple and cheddar omelet and much studying up, I headed over to Two Logan Square. Firm's interview approach is interesting, because instead of having the same conversation about your resume with all of your interviewers (Callbacks are typically multiple attorneys, one after the other), the first interview in an introduction to the firm/you, the second is a discussion of your writing sample, the third is a multi-person (2 or 3) interactive session discussion how you would think in a hypothetical case, and then a young associate or two takes you out to lunch.
I was a bit panicked at this idea, but actually greatly enjoyed all of the discussions. They all seem very nice, enthusiastic about their work, and understanding of my reasons to be in Philly. Lunch was outside the Comcast center, Table 31, which was a great location for such a pretty day but the only options for me were salads. The salads, though listed as appetizers were massive! Neither my lawyer companion nor I could even make a dent in them!
After lunch, I took the Phlash, a trolley that has multiple stops around the city, the rest of the day. Unfortunately, not being in a hotel, I had nowhere to put my bag, so I was worn out after a day of interviews and touring. I headed to the airport pretty early and did some research there, as I had another OGI today (Monday morning) to prepare for. Scenes from the Phlash:
City Hall
Philadelphia Museum of Art, cue the Rocky Theme!
Plenty of people were either running up the stairs here, or doing the classic victorious pose (some venders were even selling t-shirts to poor tourists), but one group of foreigners kept taking pictures of each other in front of their trolley. I wanted to explain that they should turn around but figured they could choose the pictures themselves. It's a pretty background, regardless of the cultural significance
Elfreth's Alley, the longest continually inhabited street in the U.S.
Love Park
Ok I'll admit, I didn't take that last picture. I kept meaning to get out at this stop since I had not seen the famous statue on trips past. But the first time the trolley passed it, I had briefly dozed off out of exhaustion and couldn't shake myself awake enough to get off in time. The second time, a different driver, made me feel like I was in a Speed sequel. The driver was whipping around corners, hit a few curbs, and didn't stop at any of the stops on the route until we hit the museum again. Then she stopped for what seemed like an eternity, and it being late in the evening, I thought she might be done for the night. I got out to call a cab, and moments after I did, she left (some passengers still on with her). Apparently, the trolley driver really wanted me back at the steps. I would have attempted to run up with the rest, but with my flip flops, suit skirt, and computer, I did not think it wise. See you in a week, Philly.
