What are y’all’s best tips for starting in a new industry in your late-twenties?
I graduated from a BA in Graphic Communication in 2016, but decided to (move half way across the world and) undertake an MA in English with a Creative Writing concentration. I am about to graduate, and with visa restrictions I haven’t been able to take on any jobs while studying here. With a looming graduation and a work visa awaiting me, I’m scared of how to make my mark in the industry once I am finally allowed to take on a job(s). While I am still somewhat interested in a creative career of sorts, my visa restricts me for what jobs I am allowed to undertake, which makes me feel a little out-of-the-loop.
Replies18
- @Beatrice Garcia Lots of inspirational and motivational tidbits there, thanks Beatrice!
- What @Scott Morrison says is fantastic and true. There's a proverb that says "Necessity is the mother of invention" and in your case Ruby, I'm sure you will turn those limitations into your greatest strengths.From personal experience, having changed career from finance to the creative sector in my mid to late twenties I'd say, don't compare yourself to your peer group. There will be ups and downs in your journey and trying not to compare yourself to others I've found helps you to stay on your path. Just like popcorn kernels each one pops( or suceeds) at their own pace. Hope it goes really well for you!Bea
- @Harriet Anstruther This is such a lovely reply Harriet, and speaks so true of my experiences so far as a "foreigner" (I'm ltierally just a Brit in the USA - so not that foreign). Thank you!
- @Avi Grewal Yes, I definitely appreciate the ability to move within a company and earn a reputation that builds you up from within.Unfortunately my current visa is somewhat strict in the type of jobs I will be able to undertake; however, in saying that, as long as I am able to 'prove' that the job relates back to my English degree, then it is still possible, and there are many ways to do that. Thanks Avi!
- @Scott Morrison Thanks Scott!
- @Alexandra (Lex) Hearth Alexandra, thank you, that is a really great point that employment doesn't have to be creative, nor the be-all-and-end-all of my abilities. Thanks!
- Above all be yourself and celebrate what you have as a duck out of water. You will only make your mark on people by leaving them with an emotion, so be unafraid to speak up, stand tall, speak with a different accent! Be engaging, listen and research others in your chosen fireld that inspire you. Write to them. Aim for top and smile.
- Hi Ruby,Keep the faith! I was in a similar position to you many moons ago- I studied genetics at university and because of that I didn’t feel that I could pursue my dream of working in the creative field. I was in my mid 20s and felt that I was too old to do anything new (which seems crazy to me now!)What I didn’t realise at the time was that so many jobs within the creative industries are not actually ‘creative’ and they’re great way of getting into a foothold into a company.I applied for a job at Channel 4 as a receptionist and managed to wriggle my way into the commissioning team as an editorial assistant - both admin based roles but once I was in I had the opportunity to move around and build up some creative skills.I wonder if your visa would allow you try something like that? I learnt so much by osmosis in that creative environment!Good luck!
- Hi Ruby.There’s a brilliant phrase about creative and advertising by John Hegarty which says:“Give me the freedom of a tight brief”In other words, allow your constraints to guide your creativity - work out what they are and use them as a way of creating workarounds or real focus on the things you’re able to do.For instance, if you have a time constraint use that to power up your ability to take on tight deadlines and urgent requests.Work through your constraints and turn them into opportunities.I have also created a series of toolkits that will help you with this so feel free to download at:https://www.unleashtheboom.com/Boom%20Your%20Sell%20Download%20pageStay Boom!S
- Hi Ruby! Couple of things I would want to be thinking if I were in your shoes. Firstly, age doesn't matter, so don't feel like you should be further on if thats what you are feeling. Not everyone's timelines are the same and if you want something to be a part of your life, make your way into it! The other thing to consider is whether you can have one primary source of income and one creative/side space where you can explore exactly what you want to do with total freedom. Sometimes people get frustrated because they're main employment doesn't match their creative ambitions but if you start the creative thing, it's more likely to happen for you at some stage even if it isn't straight out the gates. Hope that makes some sense to you and is helpful, Alexandra x
- @Ruby Helyer I was in a simialr position in the year 2017 and as recent as in 2020. My conclusion from my experiences is that for me personally, doing work that I actually enjoy and am good at is more important than being able to stay in a certain place. Identify your priority and stick to that. Don't let the low hanging fruit distract you.Best,Vishanka.XX
- @Antonio Willis Thanks Antonio. The imposter syndrome is a big issue with applying for jobs for me, but I'll keep that in mind.
- @Vishanka Gandhi It's an all-emcompassing stress, but I agree that I need to forget about the visa restrictions and work hard at what I do. Thank you, Vishanka.
- Don't let the thought of visa restrictions get to you. Stay focused on doing great work and go all out building connections and pitching. good luck!!xx
- @Andrea Siegel Great advice - thanks Andrea!
- Trust that you are good enough. Dont' be afraid of anything. You have dealt with a lot already and can manage whatever comes your way. Good Luck!
- @Esther Malkia Roberts Thanks Esther!
- Portfolio is everything, pitch work for both paid and unpaid opportunities to be published. Good luck Ruby.x
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