Expert: Peter Gabany - 12/26/2010

Question
Hello Mr. Gabany and happy holidays.
I am 24 years old from California, currently in college studying Advertising/PR.

I was wondering what type of jobs could someone get with no prior experience in the field. I have tried looking for job openings online but they all seem to require experience and working knowledge of various programs such as photoshop, indesign etc(which I haven't taken courses to learn yet).

I do have great ideas and have been told by my professors that I have creativity and fresh ideas but I'm not ready for a job in ad agencies either (because of the requirements and my skills not being as competitive as required).

I am looking to work somewhere where I can use my amateur skills and do something related to the field, somewhere where I will learn more about advertising and earn a living. I have applied for positions as an advertising truck driver with no luck. The next job that I can think of is waving signs on street corners for local businesses (who said advertising is glamorous!) but of course that's not what I am looking to do.  If my question makes sense to you please help me by letting me know what my options are. Thank you very much

Answer
This occupation path is so very challenging and people are looking for at least a 3 year college course on design, marketing or other to get in. That said a copy centre or local printer may have something for you but as a career choice rather dead end. Only said because other than the manager's job there is no advancement.

If you like using the equipment and that is what does it for you I would recommend design school. I would not waste my time looking into advertising. If you have some talent creating websites and I mean talent then they may look at you. Action Script is passe now. People are looking for application developers though - especially mobile and iPad devices.

Best  of luck. Let us know how you make out.

Pete