4 answers
KiArra
Student
Lincoln, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
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How should I begin to look for a job after college or where should I begin searching?
I am a college freshman majoring in studio art and hoping to become a photographer. I'm worried that being an art major isn't going to help me find a well paying job in the future.
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would look at finding potential employment at a local county or state career center. Many colleges and universities also have these employment and career centers, to assist students in finding internships and employment.
These centers offer resources like job listings, workshops on resume writing and interviewing, access to computers, and career counselors who can assess your skills and refer you to suitable positions.
You can also use statewide online job boards and resources like the federal CareerOneStop website to find local American Job Centers and opportunities.
Colleges and universities normally also have job centers, where students can browse opportunities, internships and volunteer employment options, to help them gain more experience
So, these might be options to consider.
These centers offer resources like job listings, workshops on resume writing and interviewing, access to computers, and career counselors who can assess your skills and refer you to suitable positions.
You can also use statewide online job boards and resources like the federal CareerOneStop website to find local American Job Centers and opportunities.
Colleges and universities normally also have job centers, where students can browse opportunities, internships and volunteer employment options, to help them gain more experience
So, these might be options to consider.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi KiArra. You need to visit your college's career services office. They can help you make a resume, build a portfolio, practice job interviews, and find internships. Even as a freshman, going there early can help you understand what employers want and what skills you should work on during college.
Another big step is to start building your portfolio now. In creative careers, your portfolio is often more important than your major. You can use class projects, personal projects, and freelance work to create a collection of your best pieces.
You should also try to get experience while you're still in school. Many colleges have on-campus jobs for photographers, such as taking pictures for the student newspaper, sports teams, or school events. These jobs help you practice your skills and meet new people. Off campus, you can offer small photoshoots for friends, families, or local businesses. These small jobs help you grow your confidence and build a strong portfolio.
Networking is another important part of finding work. This simply means getting to know people in your field. You can go to gallery openings, art fairs, or photography meetups. You can also join online groups where photographers share advice and job opportunities. Meeting the right people can lead to internships, part-time work, or even your first full-time job after college. All the best.
Another big step is to start building your portfolio now. In creative careers, your portfolio is often more important than your major. You can use class projects, personal projects, and freelance work to create a collection of your best pieces.
You should also try to get experience while you're still in school. Many colleges have on-campus jobs for photographers, such as taking pictures for the student newspaper, sports teams, or school events. These jobs help you practice your skills and meet new people. Off campus, you can offer small photoshoots for friends, families, or local businesses. These small jobs help you grow your confidence and build a strong portfolio.
Networking is another important part of finding work. This simply means getting to know people in your field. You can go to gallery openings, art fairs, or photography meetups. You can also join online groups where photographers share advice and job opportunities. Meeting the right people can lead to internships, part-time work, or even your first full-time job after college. All the best.
Philip Holman
Director Of Visual & Digital Communication
2
Answers
Boone, North Carolina
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi KiArra. This is a great question. I actually majored in studio art (BFA in printmaking) and went on to become a photojournalist While photography was not my concentration (I was a printmaker) I spent most of my time at college working for various outlets at the university. After taking a couple of basic photo classes I started working for the student newspaper, moved on to working for the yearbook, and then finally worked for the sports information department as well as a student magazine.
My suggestion is wherever you are working on campus (and later in your career), be enterprising and come up with your own stories and ideas. For starters this means you get to pursue stories that are of genuine interest to you. This way you also don't have to wait for someone to assign a story or an event to you. I've never come across a photo editor who wasn't happy to have someone give them a story that is ready for publication
If you can take classes that expose you to a variety of forms of photography -- from product photography to portraiture to weddings, photojournalism, etc. Maybe reach out to a local photographer and ask if you can shadow them for a day or two. The more varied experience you get the more likely you are to figure out what field of photography you're going to want to pursue as well as just gain varied skills that will serve you well. Finding what you enjoy most will carry you through your career. Finding a summer internship will help you narrow down what you might want to do too. All the while this will build your portfolio, and set yourself apart from students who are only relying on class assignments to build there's.
My other suggestion would be to make sure you diversify your skills. Having a good understanding of shooting and editing video as well as your still photo skills will mean you have more to offer a future employer. If you're interested in product photography, familiarizing yourself with where AI is taking that field will be helpful too. I hope this all helps. Good luck and enjoy yourself!
My suggestion is wherever you are working on campus (and later in your career), be enterprising and come up with your own stories and ideas. For starters this means you get to pursue stories that are of genuine interest to you. This way you also don't have to wait for someone to assign a story or an event to you. I've never come across a photo editor who wasn't happy to have someone give them a story that is ready for publication
If you can take classes that expose you to a variety of forms of photography -- from product photography to portraiture to weddings, photojournalism, etc. Maybe reach out to a local photographer and ask if you can shadow them for a day or two. The more varied experience you get the more likely you are to figure out what field of photography you're going to want to pursue as well as just gain varied skills that will serve you well. Finding what you enjoy most will carry you through your career. Finding a summer internship will help you narrow down what you might want to do too. All the while this will build your portfolio, and set yourself apart from students who are only relying on class assignments to build there's.
My other suggestion would be to make sure you diversify your skills. Having a good understanding of shooting and editing video as well as your still photo skills will mean you have more to offer a future employer. If you're interested in product photography, familiarizing yourself with where AI is taking that field will be helpful too. I hope this all helps. Good luck and enjoy yourself!
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
127
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey KiArra,
I believe getting a degree in art is an excellent plan for your future. I like the idea that you want to pursue a career in photography. Having a degree will allow you to earn a living as you build your photography business.
I do not know what you consider to be a good paying job nor what genre of photography interests you. Income possibilities vary according to which genre you pursue. Advertising photographers earn the most money. Advertising photographers in major cities are the big earners. They also are the most costly to establish a professional studio.
In my experience, 55 years as a photographer, this is a tough profession, as are any career in the arts and photographers who make a lot of money are scarce.
If your passion is photography and you have the determination to succeed, you will do well.
I believe getting a degree in art is an excellent plan for your future. I like the idea that you want to pursue a career in photography. Having a degree will allow you to earn a living as you build your photography business.
I do not know what you consider to be a good paying job nor what genre of photography interests you. Income possibilities vary according to which genre you pursue. Advertising photographers earn the most money. Advertising photographers in major cities are the big earners. They also are the most costly to establish a professional studio.
In my experience, 55 years as a photographer, this is a tough profession, as are any career in the arts and photographers who make a lot of money are scarce.
If your passion is photography and you have the determination to succeed, you will do well.