College Grads Looking For First Job

[newsandwx]

Hi all. I received a pm from a new grad looking for a first job. I responded to the pm, but it would not go through. I am posting my entire response here so it can potentially help more new students. The question is about finding a job and what to do once you have a demo reel. (unedited question is at the bottom of the post).

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Hi there. I am so sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I read often, but don't log in very often....I started a new job in September and have been working hard ever since...

Now is not the time to get into this business. I know you have your mind made up already, but thought I should put that disclaimer out there. Ok you have a demo...good deal. The secret about a demo...It needs to be good! Seriously. don't send out crap...evaluate your stuff with a very subjective eye. That harder you are on yourself the easier it will be to find a job. When I was looking for my first job here is what I did:
1. Apply to openings posted on tvjobs or medialine.
2. Search every station website and apply to every job posted...this takes time because you have to go to each site and hunt down the jobs page, but there are openings here that don't make it to tvjobs and medialine....
3. Talk to older students you know from your program who are already working in the biz.
4. Use your internship contacts to help guide you and refer you to people who might be looking.
5. Send to talent dynamics, magid, and broadcast image. These are consultants who keep talent libraries at no cost to you.
6. Develop a list of however many markets you are interested in and work those hard. For my last job search I had 20 cities I wanted... I emailed every ND directly that did not have a job posted. I sent a link to an online clip and told them I wanted to start a conversation for the future...about 20% of NDs respond (same odds from job 1 to job 2.).
7. The job I have no I actually sent a tape to in march, never heard anything. Job was reposted in July, sent a tape and got the gig...it is fickle. Hang in there. Send me a pm if you need any other help! All the best.

[mark the voice]

Great stuff! Thanks for posting. HOWEVER, #2 is not true. Station websites are NOTORIOUS for outdated listings. Unless you see a "Posted on.." with a recent date, or "This page last updated.." etc etc, chances are good you can't trust the listings. I can't speak for tvjobs, but one of the reasons people use our service for listings is that we do all that leg work for you--we are constantly in touch with these guys (have been since February 3rd 1986--jeeze, almost 23 years!) and what it amounts to is that the opposite of what you suggested is true. There are often listings here (again, can't speak for tvjobs) that are NOT on the station websites--they may make it there eventually (we're often the first place they send 'em), and they may also stay there weeks/months after the job has been filled. We get them on as soon as they come open and we are constantly in touch with the stations, making sure the ones that stay on our site past the 30 days we initially list them (they automatically deactivate at that time until we can check and see if they are still accepting applications) are still good.

Obviously, don't get me started on job listings--after 23 years, i've got so much job listing crap in my head, i could spew forever.

But again, the original post is chock full 'o good info!

[Charlie Brown]

mark's right - medialine and other centralized job banks are far better sources for finding actual job openings. For all you rookies out there...if you're serious about getting into the business, spend the money.

[FrontierMan]

My advice is the best:

DON'T DO IT! I repeat, turn around and run away from news while you still can. It really isn't worth it. The proof is in the pudding. Look at how miserable people are around here.

DON'T DO IT! Pursue something else!

Many moons ago, I thought it would be so cool to be a local celebrity, even if I was broke, worked 60 hours a week and lives 1,000 miles away from home. It gets darn lonely.

On the upside, the experience is phenomenal and reporters' people skills improve tremendously within months of that first job.

DON'T DO IT!

[Gail sirens]

I will no doubt be attacked for being negative, but this is not a business with a future for young people.
The business model has changed drastically.
Cuts are being made daily.
Salaries are stagnant.
There are a ton of young folks who just want to be on tv and work for less than minimum wage, and the result is a lot of mediocrity.
Very few who really stand out as on air talent. So many of the tapes are interchangably bland.
More OMB's in large markets, and why not? The kids think it's great, until they burn out. Lugging the equipment around in all the elements gets tiring after a while, shorter time than you would think.
You will be asked to do more but not be paid more.
When the economy gets better, it may not improve because managers have found multiple ways to cut costs and they won't go back to the old way.
You will find a job, but you won't progress in your career the way your classmates in other fields do.

[wx or not]

I agree with the above posters, but wish to add this: the scenery is changing for the worse. The ultimate scenario I envision has one anchor per broadcast, who not only does the breaking news, etc. but also promotes the wx. How? The stations will be online with NWS latest, specifically tailored to that DMA. Sports will be nothing more than scores and highlights. The viewer will be directed to the station website for further information. What has this accomplished? Reduced overhead, low payroll, fewer agents/contract negotiations, and a promotion for the website.

[overthehill]

As discouraging as we might be about our business, especially considering the difficult economy that's bound to get worse before it gets better, there are THOUSANDS of eager, young people entering college and about to leave college hoping to to land a job this year and in the next three or four years.

Call them naive. Call these young'uns, hopeful would-be journalists, but you're not going to shut them down easily. The same way news industry *****ing didn't stop US from entering the business five, ten, 20 or more years ago. Each one of us and each one of them was/is certain we're the one who will survive and make it.

Sure, give them the reality of what's happening in your newsroom. Based on your experience, tell them what you expect to happen with staffing levels. But please don't shatter their dreams. It's the same tough talk my father had with me (and maybe your Dad did with you) about getting a real job that will support a family and buy a house, etc.

Tell them the truth. Give them tips and advice on how they might sneak in through a crack or continue to fight the good fight.

[wx or not]

Tell them the truth. Give them tips and advice on how they might sneak in through a crack or continue to fight the good fight.

If you go into a fight, and you aren't aware of every single punch possibly thrown by your opponent, you will be kissing canvas real soon.

[Spike]

But please don't shatter their dreams.

They're not dreams. They're delusions.

[SamG]

They're not dreams. They're delusions.
Actually you don't know that. You don't know what they're thinking. I'll admit the possibility is slim, but there's probably 1-2 grads out there who are willing to work long hours for low pay, willing to lug equipment, & willing to work holidays BECAUSE THEY ENJOY IT! I got out of news 8 years ago, but I'm still in television and can't imagine doing anything else. Am I putting away a ton of cash? No. But it's not always about money.

I'm good at what I do, I like where I am (actually turned down a significant raise to stay where I am), I like (for the most part;)) who I work with and for. My company (again for the most part) takes care of its employees.

Again, (and I've thought about it), I don't know what other field I would be willing to go into.

[wx or not]

I don't know what other field I would be willing to go into.
How 'bout this one?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Sally_Field_1990.jpg/200px-Sally_Field_1990.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sally_Field_1990.jpg)
(mmmm, Sally.....)

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

Two quotes(one from professor,other from ESPN guest) come to mind when I was in J-school/College.
1)"Make no mistake guys and girls, you will not be rich in TV News."
-from Professor
2)"My wife knows I have a mistress, it's understood. My mistress is my job"
-ESPN Anchor talking to class

I worked 3 years holding 2 jobs after graduation. OMB job in SmalltownUSA paid $14,000 salaried.

It was tough....but I was one of those who wanted to do it, KNOWING THE SACRIFICES DOWN THE ROAD. It was spelled out! This is year 8 or 9 for me....I'm not sure what is in store for me over the next 8 or 9 years....but I know for a FACT, the personal stories I have to tell along with life lessons learned(through ups and downs) have made it all worth it.
I've complained, I've celebrated....sometimes more of one than the other;) but in the end, be it tomorrow or in 2020, I wouldn't take it back.

[TVMattNYC]

Am I putting away a ton of cash? No. But it's not always about money.

Trust me, eventually it always WILL become "about money" ... especially when it comes time to raise a family, buy a home, and plan for retirement.

[TVMattNYC]

This is year 8 or 9 for me....I'm not sure what is in store for me over the next 8 or 9 years....but I know for a FACT, the personal stories I have to tell along with life lessons learned(through ups and downs) have made it all worth it.
I've complained, I've celebrated....sometimes more of one than the other;) but in the end, be it tomorrow or in 2020, I wouldn't take it back.

Good for you.

For me, this is year 19. And guess what? Those "personal stories" and "life lessons", while making you the hit of the cocktail party, carry very little currency at the grocery store or credit card company.

Would I take it back? After going to my 20-year high school reunion and seeing how my classmates have progressed in THEIR careers -- which actually afforded them LIVES *while* they were building their careers -- my answer is a resounding HELL YES!!!!!!

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

Good for you.

For me, this is year 19. And guess what? Those "personal stories" and "life lessons", while making you the hit of the cocktail party, carry very little currency at the grocery store or credit card company.
!!!!
Uhhhhh....I appreciate the afterthought Matt, but I wasn't talking about a 'cocktail' party. I was talking about experiences I've been a part of in 8 or so years that some people don't experience in a lifetime. Experiences that(IMO) outweight moving up some corporate ladder. This low-paying line of work isn't for everyone...but please don't make your experience the definition.

Some people don't need 'stories' to be the hit of a cocktail party....but as I respect your decision to wish you'd never have gone this route...respect mine for LOVING every up and down part of it.:cheers:
(edit to add)
My KAROAKE singing makes me the hit of the cocktail party!!!!:thumbsup:

[TVMattNYC]

Uhhhhh....I appreciate the afterthought Matt, but I wasn't talking about a 'cocktail' party. I was talking about experiences I've been a part of in 8 or so years that some people don't experience in a lifetime. Experiences that(IMO) outweight moving up some corporate ladder. This low-paying line of work isn't for everyone...but please don't make your experience the definition.

Some people don't need 'stories' to be the hit of a cocktail party....but as I respect your decision to wish you'd never have gone this route...respect mine for LOVING every up and down part of it.:cheers:
(edit to add)
My KAROAKE singing makes me the hit of the cocktail party!!!!:thumbsup:

Actually, there's a HUGE difference between *experiences* and REPORTING on *experiences*.

This industry offers precious few times, if any, to be a PART of the *experience*.

[Spike]

Experiences that(IMO) outweight moving up some corporate ladder.

How would you know unless you've done both? You have no idea what kind of life you can't afford and are missing.

[platypus]

I know people here will disagree with me b/c there is a tendency to be negative on this message board...

I actually like the way this business is going. I think it is exciting that you can instantly interact with your viewers on the web. I enjoy updating my blog. Live streaming video is also fun. Editing software is becoming more and more advanced, so packages look fresh and exciting. Cameras are also smaller with increased features, allowing for more creativity.

In other words, combine the web with better technology, and the possibilities are limitless. Now it will take some creative minds to figure out the best way to package it and present it to the viewers.

TV is a dying medium? Good! It was getting boring...

[SamG]

Trust me, eventually it always WILL become "about money" ... especially when it comes time to raise a family, buy a home, and plan for retirement.
Let's see, I'm married, have three kids, I'm on my 2nd (larger) house, and I'm ~25 years from retirement. Exactly what family are YOU supporting?

[Kace]

I think Sam just arrived at There. *gasp*

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

How would you know unless you've done both? You have no idea what kind of life you can't afford and are missing.
I agree with the fact that I don't know what it's like.
But I think it boils down to the type of person.
I prefer a good overnight camp outing over a trip to the beach with the kindness of a hotel room. I have a close friend who can't stand sleeping anywhere that doesn't have a real bed. We are two different people....he is corporate, I am not. And he looks just as happy with life as I feel. But yes Spike, you're right, I have no experience with corporate other than what I hear.

And Matt, I'm not sure what "experience" you seem to think no one can have in this industry....that's unfortunate, hopefully everything will work out for you in your search to find something, large OR small, that you'll cherish forever. :hug:

[gdiamante]

The same way news industry *****ing didn't stop US from entering the business five, ten, 20 or more years ago.

Broadcast news has been "dying" for at least 22 years...that's how long I've been in.

[The Thrill]

I think Sam just arrived at There. *gasp*

Get 'm a State Farm NFL ad!

"Feelin' kinda Sunday..." :rockon:

[JoshNYNews]

You guys are scaring the hell out of me! Is this business really THAT bad (I knew it wasn't going to be glamorous, but man...)?! I know the hours are bad, the pay sucks and its probably not the best place to be for someone with high blood pressure like me...but dont you guys still get goosebumps listening to Murrow? Or is that simply a temporary illusion of a recent college grad who just entered the business? Probably the latter... :(

[Spike]

...but dont you guys still get goosebumps listening to Murrow?

Murrow is no longer in the business.

You see anybody else around who gives you goosebumps?

[JoshNYNews]

I like Brokaw and I enjoy Rather's show on HDNet -- but point taken. But shows like Sunday Morning and 60 Minutes still make me proud to have entered into this business. I am hoping that feeling lasts for at least a little while...!