Graduate Woes

[MiniN]

Hi,

I recently (5months ago) finished Uni and I am finding it really hard to find a job in the sector i wish to work (advertising/PR/marketing) despite getting a 1st class degree. Potential employers want you to have 1-2years experience minimum, but how can u get if no-one will give u a chance? I've considered volunteering but I need to keep working in the mean time to pay the bills. any suggestions?

Also I'm finding it hard getting jobs like sales assistants/office work (so i can pay the bills) because now i seem to be 'over-qualified' and they know I only want the job until something better comes along.when will this madness end???

anyone else having/had the same problems?

[ewand]

What was your degree in, and from where? Also, have you considered attempting to apply for the graduate schemes that many businesses offer?

[admarlow]

Hi, I am a media Buyer and you just can't say I want to be in PR/Advertising, you have to know the exact jpb you want to do or nobody will take you seriously (there are millions of people who feel like ''working in advertising or something''). Next thing to do is try to get an inturnship somewhere, even if you have to work for free. Do you know what job you want to do?

[MiniN]

Hi admarlow.

I've actually worked as an account manager for a reputable advertising agency and enjoyed that. I also have worked as a marketing assistant. both whilst in uni. i enjoyed them both and also the PR aspects of my marketing position so its hard to say EXACTLY what position I want to go for.like many other graduates we lack knowledge of the job opportunities and job types out there. hands on experience is the only way to learn.

[admarlow]

the problem MiniN is that every agency (including the one I work for) see tonnes of graguates who all say similar things to you. My advice to you would be decide on a job you want to concentrate on (there are loads of sites on the net with job specs on), start reading Media Week, PR Week, Campaign and Marketing every week, so when you go into an interview you can talk the talk. The worst thing you can do in an interview is show that you don't really know what job you want and what the job you are interviewing for entails. BTW Im surprised that an ad agency made a student an account manager

[MiniN]

it was part of my degree to work in the communication sector. i proved myself as soon as i got there and after 2 weeks i was independantly managing accounts for national clients. it was great.

thanks for the advice. will start reading up.

[antiguru]

I�m assuming you�ve contacted the agency that thought you were good enough to promote after 2 weeks to pitch yourself to them?

[Catso]

Part of your problem is that there are too many people with degrees, even 1sts, all after the same jobs.

My sister is working in a supermarket, and I don't think she's the only one there with a degree. My daughter (2.1, 2 years ago) has only managed to get short-term contracts, working in youth hostels; currently unemployed again.

So you're not on your own, 1000s of people are in the same boat.

[admarlow]

thats right catso, thats why you need to show that you are passionate about the job you want and have drive, a degree is no longer enough.