Well, I want to go into copywriting, so right now I sucked it up and starting applying to ad schools. I don't think it'll happen any other way. I'm actually only 21 so if I start next fall I'll be outta there by the time I'm 24. Which isn't bad at all. If after that I can't get a job I will cry.....

p.s. took me a YEAR to find a real job, in a real studio, as compared to doing production for some job i would hate. and i HAD a pretty good book.

vera, you are not clear about what you are "going into advertsing' for/as. in what capactity had you hoped to break in? since i have to ask that question, i'm going to guess the same was asked at all the interviews. lefton is correct: you'll need a book, portfolio, body of work if it's "creative" you seek. and buddy is right on all counts, other than the kicking down the door part. i had to pay to have the door replaced. IF you are looking for a portfolio (and i'm gonna guess at you being around, oh, 23 or so) i'd say that a finishing school would enable to you kick ass and take names, knowing what you know now. Portfolio Center in Atlanta is one i lecture at regularly, and it's a concentrated 2-year program, with the majority of students already having attained degrees in other subjects, not unlike yourself. and if i'm correct about your age, consider i went back to school at 25, having studied music previously, and finally got out at 28. but i had a portfolio, which is the only reason i went to school, with that purpose. but at 25 i KNEW i needed that (as well as the training and education that went into it). pretty sure i posted something on this site awhile ago about getting your foot in the door (also on my site), but if you need a book, you need a book. and you are ABSOLUTLEY CORRECT about not wanting to work in an area you'd hate that is not related to where you want to be. you have one life to live - if you are lucky - so make the most of it. and you can do that by being the best Vera you can be. so rock on, sister, but don't rely on your school to have set you up: have taught too many years, and seen too many crap books to believe that all schools have their students' best interests in mind. keep the faith.

If you want to be a creative, you need a portfolio. If you take another job besides creative, expect to stay there. I would look less at what you want (a job) and what you have to offer (which I'm unsure of.) If I don't know what you have to offer, how would an employer? The thing I tell all graduates is to ask themselves "does the world need another advertising person?" Right now, my guess is no, we have plenty. So if you're going to get in, it means you're displacing someone who already is in. How do you do that? You have to show you're better than them.

Eleanor had her foot on his petal, Tom

hey Vera ask yourself these Q. 1-why would they hire you? if you can show why then you might end up with a shot 2-what can you bring in if they decide to hire you ? 3- know your employer know what are his needs know if they have vacancy .....research research your employer hope these advises work for you ;)

Me thinks Roosevelt is doing wheelies in his grave.

Try offering your services for free for three months. Then if they like what they see, they hire you and start paying you. Free is always a good offer. THEN ONCE YOU GET THE JOB...Come early. Leave late. Work hard and smart. Help out where ever help is needed. Be nice and respectful to everyone. Do what you are asked to do... and more. Ask what else you can do for the agency and it's clients benefit, your just due will come from doing that, plus being loyal. Act like you know what you are doing, sort of fake it, until you make it. See if you can get the best person there to be your mentor or guide. Grab ANY piece of work you can own, look for the small stuff, or stuff no one else wants. Then make it work. Little bones thrown your way, lead to bigger ones coming your way. Starting out will be the hardest part of your career. It's gets better after you pay your dues. That takes three to five years. Don't blow this opportunity, there are countless others waiting in line to do what you can't or won't do. Good luck and enjoy the ride. Have fun and turn a profit.

Try kicking the door down. It worked for me.