What am I doing wrong?

[tenaciousp]

Hi guys,

Having just finished my latest work experience placement, I'm now searching around again for another.

It seems that every time I'm on placement, I try hard to ingratiate myself, work hard and offer up ideas catered to the magazine's target readership, but when I reach the end of my tenure it's always 'thanks for your help' as they shut the door behind me.

Pardon me for feeling a tad sorry for myself, but it's really, really getting me down, especially as when I contribute a couple of ideas I usually get them interested in one; during my last placement for example, at a big magazine, I was only there for a week but knocked up a list with a load of ideas, and the guys there liked two of them. I helped research and write the pieces (hopefully will get my byline) but I still got let go.

Now obviously I'm not expecting them to sign me up on an amazing contract on the strength of two good ideas, but I'm just feeling confused. I keep working hard and keep contributing ideas, but I'm being let go every time. I have a reasonably good portfolio with articles of lots of different topics, from interior design to technology and so on, but the upshot is that I still don't have a job.

What should I do?

I'm starting to wonder if 'specialising' in something is the way to go; e.g education, science etc. Would I have a better chance of getting employed somewhere?

[Chris]

Hi,

I don't want to sound discouraging, but it sounds to me like someone has told you how to convert work experience into a job, and you've taken that advice a little too earnestly.

I have no doubt that there are some people who do manage to jump straight from work experience into a staff job, but I've not met many. In my experience, the vast majority of journalism work placements do not end in jobs, and I can think of two reasons why: 1. Most of the time, when a publication takes on work experience, they are not actually in the market for new staff, and 2. It's a buyers' market for journalists, and if an editor is looking for new staff the chances are she/he will expect to get someone who is overqualified.

The whole work experience to staff job idea is an appealing shortcut to glamourous work, but it is a long shot. If you're in a rush to get paid  work, apply  for jobs at publications that are actually advertising. They might not be as cool, but then again they might hire you. And a year or two of full time experience is a better advertisement for your skills than a couple of good ideas.