Industry after Graduation

 It’s been a long 12 months and I’m finally almost at the finish line, but what’s next? Where do I go from here? What is the plan? It’s a proven statistic that on the struggle many college graduates go through to find a placement in their field of expertise after graduation. The entertainment industry can be very tricky when it comes to finding placement but the key is NETWORKING! Networking throughout your degree is something I strongly suggest. People notice someone whose always asking questions and wanting to know and learn more.

            I found an article entitled Four Tips to Get Hired for Entertainment Jobs by Brian Clapp. Brian shares that “It’s easy to feel helpless in a job search,” statement that I 100% agree with. In my undergrad I had no type of experience so trying to prove myself to others was my biggest challenge. Now being in my graduate program the whole time the key into my placement was networking. Although I started late I still learned so much just by talking to others. Brian four tips are:

1.     Begin With The End In Mind

If you imagine where you will be in the end it is easy to chase after that dream. Knowing where you want to end up will make beginning seem easier. Most people don’t know where to start because they are still unclear where they want to end up.

2.     Build a Digital Portfolio

Sorry to say but with this industry as important is it to know who you know it’s also important for those who aren’t privilege to know people to have work to speak for them. You portfolio should answer any doubts one may have about your work.

3.     Critique your Interview Technique

Many people walk into an interview just hoping they will say the right things. Brian Clapp says “Sometimes being completely honest, or overselling your soft skills can hurt you in the process, despite it feeling like the right thing to say”

4.     Job Shadow

I have to say the easiest way for me to learn is by following the footsteps of those who are already accomplishing what I want to accomplish.

It’s hard to secure a job in the industry, no one said it would be easy but applying yourself to task showcases you as a person. Never allowing yourself to think you are too good to do anything. My mind set at first was that way I would think because I had a degree I shouldn’t be doing something someone who doesn’t have a degree should be doing. It’s not about that though it’s about the experiences, networking, and the relationships you build in the early stages. Never look down on someone who you might think is on the same level or beneath you because they might be the very same person whose expertise you might need tomorrow.