This week we discussed in class how perhaps the toughest job you'll ever get is the first one; this is especially true in journalism and media jobs, where the hires are few and the competition is increasingly fierce. We discussed how to focus upon the things you can control during the job search instead of those that are beyond your control. The website for our neighbors, the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, has a blog titled "Ask the Recruiter," giving advice to young people like yourself regarding the job hunt. A recent posting addresses the question that I've used as the title of this particular blog entry. Check out the link below:
http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=77&aid=176030
Here's what I think. It seems to me that some of the advice given is practical, logical, and maybe even intuitive. What do you think? How can you apply the suggestions to your own specific situation as you near graduation, even if you do not plan to get a job in journalism or media ?
Perhaps it seems cruel of me, but I can't get beyond the fact that Leticia expected to be paid well as an inexperienced reporter/writer. I agree with Joe Grimm's advice -she needs to lower her expectations. Accomplishing dreams requires time, work and sacrifices. In this job market, we should expect to have to lower our standards and fight for our place in the field. It doesn't mean giving up on our dreams, but instead finding a different path to get us there.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't intend to be a journalist, I have essentially already implemented Joe Grimm's suggestions. I joined the Coast Guard, which would definitely fall under that category of "jobs that are not quite what you wanted." Yet, it has provided me with both the experience and the resources that will get me another step closer to realizing my own dreams.
I also believe, well, not necessarily in "lowering" your expectations, but in having realistic, attainable goals after you graduate regarding your career field. I am 26, yes, 26. (I should be graduated with a job by now, according to the "life" timeline.) At my age, I don't expect to make a lot of money, or even count on having only one job after graduation. I have been introduced to people in the field that I wish to go into. All are poor, all complain of money problems, (most are married with kids which subtracts from their financial elasticity). All freelance on the side to pay bills. So, start small and grow into the field, and you will get to where you want to be one day! Think positive and be realistic in your expectations and in your actions towards your goals. =) I think their advice is right on the money with this one. Good link!
ReplyDeleteI can somewhat relate to Leticia, as I am not financially able to take an unpaid internship over a paid job. Another problem that I currently face is having to work full time on top of school, which makes it difficult for me to pursue volunteer and internship opportunities. Unfortunately, i have to have a job to pay for school so I really don't have another option.
ReplyDeleteMy main goal right now is to at least get into a company (or even a field) that I enjoy, even if I do not get the exact job that I want. After working in HR, i have realized that there are so many overqualified people applying for jobs that would have been available to recent graduates a few years ago. This is another area that we have no control over but it still worries me.
When I was in high school, and the time came for me to get my first job, I was determined to avoid fast food. I thought I was above it, I guess. The problem was, I couldn't get a job anywhere else because I didn't have any work experience. So I ended up at Burger King. I think this scenario is similar to Grimm's advice. We have to start small, and work ourselves up. This applies to any field.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what everyone else is saying. You can't expect to be "on the top of the food chain", so to speak, without experience. I could be the best burger flipper in the world just coming out of Burger Flipping School, that doesn't mean I should be flipping burgers for Obama. If I have no burgers for them to taste, how would they know I'm the best? I guess my point is that employers can't know your potential until you give them a taste of your experience whether it be internships, paid jobs, freelance work or a platter of juicy hamburgers. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, for me, I know that after I graduate finding a higher paying job will be the first thing on my list. The optimistic spirit in me wants this to happen (badly) while the pessimistic side of me is deeply in doubt. But, like Megan, I will keep my goals to somewhat attainable.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do know is my lower paying graphic design job has given me two years of experience and with hundreds of newsletters under my belt I can only hope a better opportunity will come my way...
The advice given to Leticia is very practical and some what obvious. If you can't make it in the big league...try for the minors. Why can't she do an internship while she is working? I plan to find an internship for the summer because I don't have time for one this semester. I'll have a paying job at the same time. It's all about gaining experience and expanding your network. Sometimes it's about who, not what, you know.
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ReplyDeleteThe advice Joe gave is common sense. I don't think anyone could realistically think they're going to get a job in journalism with no/very little experience. I'm not expecting to get my "dream job" (if that even exists) when I graduate. I will most likely take a low stipend internship/non paying to gain experience in the field that interests me most (community relations). Most jobs that I would consider applying for require a minimum experience in the field, and like we talked about in class, it's difficult to secure these positions without doing internships. I'm lucky enough to be able to finish school and take an unpaid internship before getting a job in journalism.
ReplyDelete(Megan W ... you're old)
It seems that with each year that passes by, the crumbling economy continues to worsen our job opportunities. I believe that work experience, whether its paid or at an unpaid internship, is the best way to bolster your resume.
ReplyDeleteThe most important advice from this can be looking for a job in places that are not popular. Getting hired in a small state/media market can be a major stepping stone and bring you one step closer to your 'dream job'. These jobs offer better job security and give you the chance to separate yourself from others and make a name for yourself..wherever you are.
I think that the advice is pretty much common sense, as has been agreed upon by the rest of the class. But I think it's necessary advice, and it's the best advice to give. It makes sense. If you're determined to get to your dreams, you need to be willing to do what it takes. In my opinion, it all falls back onto time management. Ask the people who have full-time jobs and go to school full, or even part time. It's difficult, but you have to really want and enjoy what you're going to do. When I graduate, if I don't find a job, I plan on working whatever job I can, and in the meantime freelancing. We learn how to find topics that matter and are newsworthy, so might as well apply that. Build up work experience, clips, add to my resume and portfolio, and keep trying.
ReplyDeleteThis advice is something that everyone needs to hear, but probably doesn't want to hear. When students attend college, we build up big dreams of being the best, most famous, brilliant _____ (fill in the blank). The truth of the matter is that no matter how amazing you are, you don't go from college Sr. to CEO. I think one key element that is missing from the advice is the idea of networking. Though it is a term so often used, few actually understand how to do it and its true potential. I know just from working in a restaurant I have had about 20 or more job offers, though few have involved any kind of writing, I do make it a point to get everyone's card and keep up at least a pleasant, open line of communication in case I ever need them or their resources. Taking a job in a small place, or a low level job is a great idea just keep talking. Talk to everyone you meet, no matter if they seem like they can help you or not because I have a stack of business cards that is about 6 inches high and most of those people know me by name so if I ever did need them for something, I could call them right up. Establishing relationships where you are able to show people your potential, to me, is the best way to move up quickly, no matter what field you are in.
ReplyDeleteLet me just begin with the fact that I am surprised Sybil wasn't the first to comment. :) I don't even know if I can respond properly without having read her response first, it had become somewhat routine in our blogging career...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think it's juvenile for anyone in our field to think that upon graduation they're immediately going to land a job, if any nowadays, that pays well. They're are only setting themselves up for great disappointment. The industry is highly competitive and bursting with eager writers armed with their recorders and legal pads.
Simply bearing the universal job essentials deem little importance in my opinion. Reliability, punctuality, time management, bla bla bla. All great to have, but we learned that with our summer jobs during high school days. What will really help a person in this field is immersion, going out of your comfort zone for stories and building relationships with people to a point where a degree of trust is established. Truly LISTENING to what people have to say. Maintaining the attitude that you know very little can actually get you very far.
As of right now I am really nervous. I haven't had an internship that relates to journalism and the clock is ticking. This summer is my last opportunity to find an internship (I don't care if it's paid or not). But, the idea of starting small and building over time sounds kind of exciting to me. Taking a path like Grim suggested would afford one an opportunity to see and experience new places. It would definetly allow me to discover if journalism is something I want to turn into a career. I remember talking with the journalists from Africa last semester and they all told me to go to Africa and try to get a job with a wire service. They told me how the competition is less fierce compared to America. So I have been entertaining this as an option.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the advice that was given. When I was in high school, I interned at ABC 7 in the news department, the two story desk operators both worked part time at a restaurant to supplement their income.
ReplyDeleteThey worked in the field they wanted, but did what they had to do to take care of themselves. I wonder if Leticia ever considered this. A part time writing job and a part time serving job can more than enough cover the bills. In all my years serving tables, I knew several people who served part time just so they could do what they loved.
I see myself being the kind of writer who may never work in the "field." I don't want to be a journalist, I want to write books. I can follow Joe's advice by finding an internship in publishing and keeping my job at Starbucks... not the most glamourous life style, but eventually it will pay off.
I agree with the advice given in the blog. Joe makes strong points about taking the first steps in looking for jobs, assessing expectations, and embracing the idea of unpaid internships.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am looking forward to graduation, I am very nervous about getting a job in the field of journalism. I support myself, and I know that when I graduate I will probably have to divide my time between an unpaid internship and my current job at Victoria’s Secret. However, my maintaining the attitude that I will be fresh out of school and work my way into the market will stabilize my situation.
I chose this career path for myself because it is what I love. I am more about writing than almost anything, and it’s what I want to spend my life doing. I know that journalism tied with ministry is not going to make me a wealthy woman, but I am happy with my decision to pursue this career.
This is an interesting piece because I see there are people like me in this class who do not have internships and this make me very nervous. I could take them because my time was full of classes and work, so I could not quit my job for an unpaid internship. I agree with Joe you can not expect to start at the top. Joe was also right when he said we missed an opportunity to take an internship. I am not trying to be a news journalist, I am trying to become a sports writer and photographer. I am hoping the job market will be a little more open in these fields.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is not what you know, but who. Create a new network of friends. Surround yourself with people who are on the same track as you. In order to move ahead, you have to be creative. We have to think outside the box. One of my favorite sayings is 'you get what you settle for.' I know it's tough out there, but have some perserverance and you will find what you are looking for-it just may take a little longer than expected, but it's there!
ReplyDeleteI think Grimm's advice is good, but it seems like something that most journalism graduates have been doing for some time now. Everyone knows it's easier to get your first job in a small market as opposed to some where like New York or even Tampa Bay. The advice about finding a job that isn't quite what you wanted, but in the right place is helpful. Journalists have a variety of skills and could very likely find themselves working for a publication doing entry level jobs such as answering phones or selling ads. These jobs might not be very exciting, but if the right people like you it could eventually lead to writing some articles. I think making contacts is also as important if not more important than Grimm's advice. Applying for jobs generally seems to be easier when you hear about it from an insider as opposed to the internet.
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