information on how to break into a job field

[Robert Sharp]

So, I am thinking about different career paths I might take, but I am having a hard time finding out how to enter them. Google isn't my friend here, apparently. Does anyone know a good way to discover how to enter into a field. For example, if you want to be a freelance article writer, how would you go about it? If you want to do consultant work for large companies....you get the idea.

[Steve Canyon]

If you want to be a prostitute, you just need a sexy outfit. Head on down to the local red light district and hang out on the corner.

I think you would have to do different things for different career paths, but basically you want to start at the bottom and work your way up.

[ElGuapo]

Step 1. Go through middle and high school. See people around you doing boring jobs they hate. Vow you will never be one of those people and you will do something you love and never compromise. Go to college. Or not.

Step 2. Figure it is what you love. Do this while doing something else you love, like binge drinking in college.

Step 3. Be directionless but unwilling to move back in with Mom and Dad. This can include getting the college degree, or not.

Step 4. Take some job temporarily that's pretty cool, like bartending or coffee shop or art supply store clerk, where you meet cool people doing stuff other than standing on your feet behind a counter. Alternatively, take a job in your field based on the money. Skip Step 5.

Step 5. Realize you need MONEY and look for a job that pays the maximum amount you can find, regardless of your experience, major in college, or training. Just do it for the money. But only for a few years, is the plan. Then back on track to idealism plan.

Step 6. Wake up 5-6 years later and realize THIS IS YOUR LIFE. Welcome to the 99th percentile of western civilization.

At least, that's how I've heard it's done.

[Ex-S Woo]

Probably the most obvious, but in my experience it has always been credentials and/or connections...and maybe giving awesome head.

[Jamie Madigan]

Depends on what field, really. It's hard to give advice without knowing specifics.

But one thing you might consider is finding out if there are professional associations in your area that you can join. So if you wanted to get into, for example, Human Resources, you might find local chapters of the Society for Training and Development or Society for Human Resources Management, or whatever. Once you join, go to the meetings and meet people. Ask their advice. Volunteer to serve on committees. Subscribe to and participate in the group's listservs or messageboards.

[Robert Sharp]

Probably the most obvious, but in my experience it has always been credentials and/or connections...and maybe giving awesome head.

Heh...just to be clear, I am not asking about how to land a specific job. I'm asking a more general question about where to look for advice on different types of careers. I already have a PhD in philosophy. Academics is still a route I am considering, but I could make a lot more money doing ethics consulting for various corporations. It is supposedly a growing field, but I have no idea how to become one. Job listings on the net don't seem to include them. I could freelance consult, but how do you start such a thing?

Again, this isn't my only option, which is why I didn't give specifics, but it is one of them.

I like Thrrrpt's advice though...I'll try and find a mentor or organization...people who have already done what I am thinking about.

[Robert Sharp]

If you want to be a prostitute, you just need a sexy outfit. Head on down to the local red light district and hang out on the corner.


Sadly, my town doesn't have a red light district, but I'll keep your advice in mind.

[Steve Canyon]

Sadly, my town doesn't have a red light district, but I'll keep your advice in mind.

Innovate my man. Start your own red light district. Think how impressive it will look on your resume!

[metta]

I'm doing that this year, Robert. In my case, I'm going to credentialize myself (back to school, weee!) and then look for work in the related field. The school I've chosen has a 70% placement rate, and helps with that process; added to which my abilities and aptitude for this field make me confident I'll find work after I graduate.

I've chosen an area I already have experience in, and made sure that the school I'm attending helps it's students find work.

I'm just sick and tired of doing work that doesn't make me happy. Life is too fleeting for that.

Good luck, mate!

[Ex-S Woo]

Innovate my man. Start your own red light district. Think how impressive it will look on your resume!

I can see it now...

January 2006 - Present
Huntsville, AL Personal Consultant

* Efforts helped revitalize the Huntsville downtown area, with local businesses reporting an increase of 15% revenue.
* Had 85% repeat clients.
* Voted #1 Consultant 4 months running.

[Robert Sharp]

Good luck to you too, metta. I already have the credentials, actually. I guess I'll just have to start hitting some companies directly...set up appointments with personnel people and see what turns up. I have to decide whether I'm willing to be full time staff or would prefer more of a self-business model.

[Ex-S Woo]

Actually, I've found out that most specialized fields tend to have special events and fairs.

It may be taking place someplace half-way across the country, but seeking those out and attending them are probably a good way to get your foot in.

I flew from Minneapolis to Boston back in October to attend a 3 day event and I managed to land a new job that way.