What is the best job for me?

[amulet]

I'm interesting in working in advertising. I currently have a degree in primary education. I also have a superlative knowledge of editing in Adobe Photoshop and video editing in Pinnacle Studio 9. Does anyone know of any paths that I can take with these skills?

[joko]

i'd suggest an advertising course - you've got no chance with what you have got so far, as those qualifications are not related to advertising (though would be useful in the future) but you need knowledge of the industry, techniques, market etc etc etc etc...

it such a competetive industry, you wouldn't even be seen for interview with your CV i am afraid - why would they when they have media and marketing and advertising graduates applying too?

also if 'superlative knowledge' means self taught, then i'd suggest getting some proper training there too so that you can prove you can use the software rather than just telling people.

good luck

[gammaray]

You could get a job as a digital artist or comper, but as Joko says you should try to get some formal training to lend some authenticity to you skills. Although that said you don't actually need it if you have a healthy portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills and can get a foot in the door at an interview.

[buckaroo2]

Having worked in the advertising industry for a number of years, albeit a few years ago, one of the best ways of recruiting new staff into jobs for which you seem interested in was either word of mouth or work experience. Be persistent, call the studio manager or whoever runs the section you're interested in and ask to go in for a couple of days. Work shadowing or even offering to work for free for a week will get your face known. If you're enthusiastic, friendly and competent then you're half way there. Advertising is seen as glamorous so there are always lots of people wanting to apply which means you need to be persistent.

You may want to try and gain some experience with smaller design agencies or even printers. It depends if you want to go down the route of print media or video.

You will also need to be competent in a few more packages that those mentioned, eg. web design or DTP. An eye for design is useful even for basic operator roles, as is a broad technical understanding of the area you're trying to get into. All of these you can pick up on the job, a formal qualification isn't absolutely necessery. However, you may find yourself in a junior role doing mundane bread and butter tasks without a great deal of creative input. A design qualification is useful for junior designer positions where you get to have more control over the finished job.

I would strongly urge you to try a placement or work shadowing at a number of agencies, ask lots of questions and be enthusiastic. People are more than happy to offer advice - take them out for a coffee over lunch if needs be.

Good luck