Where to start (advice urgently required)

Hi Graham
I was in a similar position when i finished Uni, though i did a completely different degree to you. My problem was that i did the wrong degree to the career i found myself wanting. I work as a modelmaker, which is renound for employing freelancers only but i managed to bag myself a full time job (practically unheard of). This isn't because i am the best out there, nor am i an exceptional bullsh*tter. Its because i phoned and sent my portflio to everyone who had an address, and my work and determination made me unforgettable and once in, i did everything i could to make myself indispensable to the company.

The most important thing to do, i found, is to aim high, but expect to start low. Accept placements in any organisation in your field, no matter how low down and soon enough, you will be able to make your mark. Bear in mind, once you have your foot in the door, you are in a better position for openings in said company, plus you get to hear about them first (normally). My freelance writer friend started as a tea boy/runner type at a publishing firm, and worked his way up through the copy write route, and is now in good stead for getting a column. He finished Uni a year ago.

Unfortunately, like me and every other person out there battling for a place in the world, its all down to making yourself known and indispensable.

Just remember, if you have the determination and self belief and the talent, A Levels wont come into it. I dont know anyone that got a job off the back of their A Levels (unless they dont have a degree), and even though i did a different degree to the job i wanted, i still forced my way in and succeeded.

You can do the same

Good luck!

Hi:

Thanks for the reply and the advice. I hope the post did not sound too defeatist. What I really wanted to find out (and this is what you touched upon) is where to start. It would appear that your friend started out by doing a low-paid job at a publishing firm and as I am looking at going into journalism, I should be looking for jobs in publishing etc at a low level.

Unfortunately, my portfolio is somewhat slim. I have several business related profiles of companies looking for investment from venture capitalists. I wrote these on behalf of a VC consultancy. I have also written several research pieces for the local council I work for and for a development agency.

Thus, where do I go from here? How do I go about beefing up my portfolio, also is there a forum or website that advertises jobs especially for the publishing industry. Once again although I would love to work in business journalism or on videogame writing. If I end up working for "What flange?" so be it as long as I get the experience.

Sorry if it sounds like I am asking to be spoon-fed information. I am not; I just want to come up with a fairly solid plan and then soldier on with it.


Thanks

Graham

Hi:

That sounds interesting, can you please provide more details?

Thanks

Graham