what to do with degree/masters?

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hi all,

im writing on behalf of my boyfriend. he has a BA in english and history and a masters in communications and development from NUI maynooth and kairos, plus years of retail experience. the thing is tho, he hates retail and is finding it impossible to find a way of putting his education to use. its really getting him down...has anyone any advice i can pass on to him? are many people in the same situation as he is? he's really creative and would love to do something involving editing or radio production (i know his dream is to make music videos!).
are there any angencies that deal with this industry that he can go to?
any advice is greatly appreciated! im sure he would be happy with any job that makes him feel like his time in college was worthwhile.

sorry if this is on the wrong page (feel free to move it if it aint!)

thanks guys,
SMS

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anyone???

Xcellor

I studied at college for 4 years and find that the position I am in presently really doesn't use what I studied. I did programming / IT.

I find myself in a team lead position over a technical support team of 6 at least its using IT I suppose! It's unlikely your bf will find exactly what he wants and sometimes you just have to make do with it.

I am currently looking for jobs and never stop, just in case something more exciting comes along. Maybe your BF needs to start looking outside of retail by trying to go for jobs outside his comfort zone. All employers want to know is that you can apply the skills you have learnt from your previous industry to the new job with an open mind to take on new ideas and learn...

X

cronos

Come up with a list of jobs he is interested in. Then come up with a list of jobs he is qualified for. Compare both lists to see if any jobs show up in both. If you cant do this then you need to do some research into both available types of jobs and the usefulness of the qualifications.

pauldiv

1. Keep working - for now.
2. Get a small but cool portfolio together and put it on the web.
3. Write about his creative interests.
3. Get to know other people in same situation because they will become friends.
4. Keep believing and in time he will have the confidence to promote his own
work rather than relying on others to give him a break.

It's no fun being straight jacketed in a society that judges you purely on what qualifications you have. Everyone wants to pigeon hole everyone so they can label you and put a price on your head.
Agencies are a useless in my experience. Agency = £££ for the agency.

If he really wants to break out of the rut he is in then it could take a few years to realise his dream.

I'd personally start small with the portfolio because and take a bit of time with this.
As the portfolio starts to come together his confidence will increase because every time he looks at it he will be reminded of the progress he is making.

Finally i'd tell him to ignore anyone who says he can't follow his dream.

Hope this helps.

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thank you pauldiv,
i appreciate all your help guys!