Trying to move (Phoenix: employment, bill, Walmart)

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by Ritchie_az

It could be interesting just to watch, I guess, if you've got nothing better to do. But I would think that every media outlet will have someone there with cameras and tape recorders. Still, you never know if you'll stumble across something unique that no one else picks up on. If you do go, be sure to bring a halfway decent quality camera and/or video recorder and a pad of paper to take detailed notes on.

Yeah... unfortunately I didn't take that much journalism in school. I think I can recall the basics. I have a good digital video camera and have an interesting, personalized version of shorthand (which means my notes have lots of abbreviations and switch languages frequently) and maybe I'll get something. I wonder if CNN, MSNBC Fox, etc. would be too much competition, because they will be there. I have an ideal place in mind... but law enforcement likely has already discovered it and may quarantine that area. A resume, cover letter and writing samples just aren't covering it

[Ritchie_az]

Yeah... unfortunately I didn't take that much journalism in school. I think I can recall the basics. I have a good digital video camera and have an interesting, personalized version of shorthand (which means my notes have lots of abbreviations and switch languages frequently) and maybe I'll get something. I wonder if CNN, MSNBC Fox, etc. would be too much competition, because they will be there. I have an ideal place in mind... but law enforcement likely has already discovered it and may quarantine that area. A resume, cover letter and writing samples just aren't covering it

An internship at one of the smaller newspapers (here or somewhere else) is one way to "break into" that field. Unfortunately, those usually aren't paid. Once upon a time when I was a freshmen in college, I got accepted as an intern at a small paper. I had bills to pay (like tuition), so I had to say no. Turns out my careers since have had absolutely nothing to do with my college education (not that I finished it), so maybe I should have gone for it anyway. Or maybe I just wasn't meant to be a journalist....
If you're willing to put in the [unpaid] work, are willing to accept some rejections and dead ends, the internship thing may be something to consider.

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by Ritchie_az

An internship at one of the smaller newspapers (here or somewhere else) is one way to "break into" that field. Unfortunately, those usually aren't paid. Once upon a time when I was a freshmen in college, I got accepted as an intern at a small paper. I had bills to pay (like tuition), so I had to say no. Turns out my careers since have had absolutely nothing to do with my college education (not that I finished it), so maybe I should have gone for it anyway. Or maybe I just wasn't meant to be a journalist....
If you're willing to put in the [unpaid] work, are willing to accept some rejections and dead ends, the internship thing may be something to consider.

Yeah... but I graduated almost 2 years ago. I tried to do volunteer work with the Greater Phoenix Economic Chamber of Commerce, but they blew me off. I think it's little things like that which have soured my view of Phoenix and have made me want to move. I was willing to work free, but they didn't even respond. I can't afford to move out of state and volunteer, otherwise I would.

[OnYourSide]

Originally Posted by phxgreenfire

Yeah... but I graduated almost 2 years ago. I tried to do volunteer work with the Greater Phoenix Economic Chamber of Commerce, but they blew me off. I think it's little things like that which have soured my view of Phoenix and have made me want to move. I was willing to work free, but they didn't even respond. I can't afford to move out of state and volunteer, otherwise I would.

Many graduates are in the same position that you are in. The local job market is extremely difficult, and there are no signs it will be improving any time soon. Keep your spirits up though, whether scrounging around longer, or moving to somewhere with better employment, you will be fine.

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by OnYourSide

Many graduates are in the same position that you are in. The local job market is extremely difficult, and there are no signs it will be improving any time soon. Keep your spirits up though, whether scrounging around longer, or moving to somewhere with better employment, you will be fine.

Thank you. I know jobs are out there... it's just frustrating with so much competition

[OnYourSide]

Originally Posted by phxgreenfire

Thank you. I know jobs are out there... it's just frustrating with so much competition

If you think of ways to differentiate yourself from the competition, it can helpful in tailoring your approach. There is a lot of energy in the D.C. area, have you considered the low unemployment region over there?

[phxgreenfire]

Originally Posted by OnYourSide

If you think of ways to differentiate yourself from the competition, it can helpful in tailoring your approach. There is a lot of energy in the D.C. area, have you considered the low unemployment region over there?

I have... I'm just trying to find something they have for me. I actually did start the application process for the CIA (because of my language skills), but they said something in my application made me ineligible.

I do recall something getting passed in Congress in 2009 of which Harry Mitchell was a sponsor... I'm not sure if it's a new department or something, but it was like an official American tourism organization, which would involve heavier marketing abroad. They said America surprisingly spends very little money on marketing. Anyway, the aim is to get more foreign money spent on our shores. They may even open local offices like some federal agencies do. I have experience in the travel industry and using language skills. Thanks for reminding me, I'm going to look that up right now.

[OnYourSide]

Originally Posted by phxgreenfire

I have... I'm just trying to find something they have for me. I actually did start the application process for the CIA (because of my language skills), but they said something in my application made me ineligible.

I do recall something getting passed in Congress in 2009 of which Harry Mitchell was a sponsor... I'm not sure if it's a new department or something, but it was like an official American tourism organization, which would involve heavier marketing abroad. They said America surprisingly spends very little money on marketing. Anyway, the aim is to get more foreign money spent on our shores. They may even open local offices like some federal agencies do. I have experience in the travel industry and using language skills. Thanks for reminding me, I'm going to look that up right now.

It is a really great thing your language skills are coming in handle. They can be a the cuttin edge in a close tie between applicants.

There are quite a few other agencies that you would still have access to. There is a lot of money being poured into the federal region such as D.C. Texas has a lot of economic growth and expansion right now too. What thoughts have you given on this?

[Ritchie_az]

There is a lot of energy in the D.C. area, have you considered the low unemployment region over there?

D.C's unemployment is worse than Arizona's.
Arizona 9.6%
D.C. 10%

[OnYourSide]

Originally Posted by Ritchie_az

D.C's unemployment is worse than Arizona's.
Arizona 9.6%
D.C. 10%

Arizona's U-6 unemployment rate is 18.5%, while D.C.'s is 14.8%.