I'm a college graduate with a B.A in English/Writing who wants to start my career as a copy editor. But everywhere I look, it's "We want 2-5 or 10+ years experience!" HOW IS ANYONE GOING TO GET A START IF NO ONE GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO PROVE THEMSELVES?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have excellent grammar skills and usually catch every grammatical error thrown my way! I proofread papers for the other students while I was at college, all receiving A's. But I am constantly told that does not count!!!! It's a wonder how anyone ever receives a job at this rate!!!
2006-09-03 20:33:56 · 19 answers · asked by i_luv_the_irish23 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Why don't you contact some of these places and tell them your situation and ask for their advice? You are in a familiar dilemma, but everyone has to start somewhere. I'd ask the person in charge of hiring what they would recommend for a person in your situation, and tell them you're really anxious to get started on your career. At the very least, you show initiative and a willingness to learn, and maybe that will impress someone. Good luck!!
2006-09-03 20:41:54 · answer #1 · answered by AFL lover 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know. I'm going thru the same thing. I'm fluent in both french and English. no accent. I was raised in France. And also spoke english at home.And I'm always searching for these jobs that need a french speaker, teacher, transalator, sub tittle editor or what not. And every time I go they say that I need to have a B.A. or something like that to qualify for the job. It makes me so mad.
I hate it. I'm like you guys need someone asap to fill the possition and are going to be picky like it's easy to find a french person. Some people are ignorant. And think that theyre are no "colored" people in france and that i was just making it up. I was hurt. Yeah people can be pretty cruel sometimes.
I've had it rough finding the perfect job. And it wasn;t easy.
But i've learned that the best way to get the job that you really want is getting to know the people in the inside. what i'm saying you need inside connections to guarrantee the job. I know that I can pass a french class with flying color but honestly i see it as a waste of time.
And one day someone suggested work for me that work at this corperation refered me and I got the job. People are so anal nowadays. Just keeep looking around. And let them know some will not even worry about it. If you can give them a good statement. they might take your word for it and hire you. =]
good luck.
2006-09-03 20:43:58 · answer #2 · answered by blah blah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try starting with a job at a little local newspaper - even if it's only a classified ad Pennysaver-type company. That will get you some experience to put on your resume, even though it's not glamorous. Proofreading is not the same as editing - although people ought to proofread their work and not count on a spell-checker to catch all there (sic) errors. HAH!
2006-09-03 20:54:27 · answer #3 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many years ago when I entered the job market, I found the same thing. I know how totally FRUSTRATING it can be! The people who said that you need to start low and work your way up were right. Once you can get your foot in the door of a company, you can let them know your potential. When a position comes open, you just might get it when you show them what a hard worker you are. You need to work hard and not complain...even if it is a lesser job that what you wanted. That will show them your worth. That's how you get experience. I hope this helped. :)
2006-09-03 20:50:16 · answer #4 · answered by Living the Alaskan life 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You better start writing!
Write a blog at minimum. It will help you really develop your skills.
Do freelance work and submit articles to any magazines you can. If you look at industry rags they will often take unsolicited work that is in their area.
Write a book. Even if you have to self-publish. That's the writing-world equivalent of a startup on your resume.
Sorry to add...go get a masters in something else. A BA is OK but add an MA or MS in something different and you'll show that you are a bit deeper.
2006-09-03 20:38:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a current student in pursuit of a degree in English writing, you have placed fear in my heart. I wish you the very best of luck! Getting a start is never easy, but once you have experience anyone will hire you. The trick is getting the experience. Start out with a job you feel is below you. Work your way up. Its the only way in this day and age.
2006-09-03 20:37:08 · answer #6 · answered by legallyblond2day 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
write on the internet for 2-5 years
2006-09-03 20:35:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel for you. But don't lose hope. Everyone starts out somewhere--even if nowhere seems to be where you are right now. I'm sure one of these days, you'll get the job you want. It's just a matter of time and perseverence.
2006-09-03 20:39:32 · answer #8 · answered by Bub 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't want to take everything at face value in the business world. Don't be intimidated by them - it's your job to market yourself and convince them that you can benefit their company. Be creative and show them how you can increase their bottom line...that is, if you can.
If need, be just get in to talk to someone and tell them what you've explained here. Sooner or later someone will admire your attitude and determination.
2006-09-03 20:41:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ain't life screwy? It's full of catch-22s I'd say try to find a job in the feild you're interested in and work your way up. But, I know what you mean... it sucks.
2006-09-03 20:37:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋