Tips on finding work in new sectors with little to no experience?

I have a background in Graphic Branding and Graphic Design (newly graduated) but have always had an interest in other areas, like production for example. I have no experience in this professionally but would like to give it a go! Any tips?

Replies6

  • Some great advice already on here, so I'll just add that if you don't try, you don't get (one my favourite motto!)

    Sometimes it's as simple as connecting with the people you admire and sending them an email. For example, if you like a campaign they've worked on, tell them why you love it so much and mention that you would love to learn more from them. Then see what they say.

    The more people you connect with, the more chances you'll get.

    Best of luck with everything!

    Rebecca (@thiswayuppodcast)
  • Hi Phoebe,

    I would say on a junior level you can always beat experience with attitude. The best if you try to find some internships through personal contact and then get yourself out there if you have a bit of experience. I have a friend who become a photographer in high end fashion from being a stylist assistant simply by always being around, working hard and being nice with everyone.

    If you don't have any personal contact try to pick some startups and let them know that you would be keen to do graphic design and production as well. They possibly give you a chance instead of hiring two different people for the jobs. Hope it helps.

    Feel free to connect on https://www.instagram.com/annadoralascsik/ as well.
  • Write to the people you'd like to work for - and tell them what you want. Be interesting and interested. You never know, you might contact someone just as they're looking for someone like you. They won't know you exist unless you show them.

    Best of luck.
  • Hey Phoebe - think it's great that you're interested in broadening your skillset. I would suggest, finding some work (or professionals) who inspire you, and have a go at creating some similar work yourself. You can then use this to demonstrate your active interest in something and build a bit of a portfolio. You'll also learn faster than others! Hope that helps, Alexandra x
  • Hi Phobe, my only suggestion would be to learn as much as you can about the sector you are considering working in. Courses, voulenteering, internships. A graduate who'd taken a year out contacted me a couple of weeks ago and I suggested that she looked at the specific sector she wanted to work in and then make contact with compaies, really sell her passion for that sector (in her case food). She contacted a few companies highlighting her love of the sector. She was offered 3 x internships within a week, two of which were paid. Hope this is helpful.
  • Hey Phoebe :) It doesn't help that we're in an incredibly difficult time right now coupled with many more applicants per role you have to fight out. The majority of roles I've seen often ask for a portfolio of work, so I would suggest creating samples of work to be able to send in and strengthen your applications. This way you can teach yourself new skills and stand out from the crowd, whilst demonstrating your suitablity to the role. I hope that helps and good luck with your seach! :)

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