International Cinema Festival of India

A lot of us get fed up with routine and the repetitiveness in our lives. Some try to shrug it off and force themselves to adapt to a less than enjoyable career, picking up depression along the way. Others respond to their true calling, refusing to self-impose a life sentence of job dissatisfaction. They begin a new focus in life: to build a career based on what they enjoy doing. Apart from getting some formal education (which often isn’t even relevant for some creative careers), what should you do?

To start off, you need to narrow down your passion. It is always more advantageous to specialise in one skill, then to try and pass yourself off as a jack of all trades. Within the extremely encompassing range of fields, including dancing, acting, singing, writing and filming, it is crucial that you can demonstrate what you are especially good at. It is easier for the employer to hire several specialists, instead of somebody who demonstrates a mediocre capacity for a range of related job skills.

You will also need to consider your prowess in your passion. The fact you are not currently making a career based on your passion is a good indication that your interest is not up to professional standards. If possible, going or returning to tertiary studies may be necessary. Be wary of recognised universities that seem to have a degree in the the creative arts. Truth is universities do not usually have the resources to provide their students with hands-on training, and while that bachelor may make you look smarter than a diploma from some polytechnic school, it is ultimately useless in the industry. Research on individual tertiary providers to pick the ones with the greatest emphasis on practical courses. If possible, speak to someone currently employed in the field to give you good recommendations.

Keeping a good portfolio is of utmost importance. An employer will only be able to judge your potentials based on your own record of your passionate activities. Videos, sound recordings and images are what they will be looking for to determine if you have reached industrial standards. A great way to enrich your portfolio is to include entries to competitions, regardless if you have won anything at all.

Finally, never underestimate the importance of networking. Most of the vacancies in the creative sector are never advertised, instead they have been fulfilled through referrals. If you don’t have any best buddies working in your dream field, start reaching out to them. Create instances where you can impress potential employers, whether that be unpaid internships or competing in contests and festivals.

Finally, never forget that this is one of the more marginalized sector among all job sectors. Having a safety net – i.e. a sustainable job while you work towards your portfolio and networking is practically mandatory. Good luck!

If you have a magazine subscription you’ll know that all those words need to be generated by someone. Often, magazines are happy to take contributions by enthusiasts. Find one you enjoy, for example, a classic car magazine, and approach the editor.. Unique version for reprint here: Making a Switch to the Creative Industries.