Adventures In Software

So much software… so much to learn… so worth it.

As my software development degree implies, I like software.  Preferably using software above writing software, but I can do both.  Of the various career paths that I am considering and pursuing is the market of web content writing.  For those who are not aware of what web content writing is, it is writing content that is viewed via the web.  Essentially, it is website creation in the technical sense as well as writing the sentences and paragraphs that are read by the typical web-surfer.

In the field of web content and media, it is expected that one is proficient in a wide variety of software, specifically in the Adobe suite.  As I am venturing into this field, I am learning that these programs are necessary in order to be successful… or even hired in the first place.  As a result, I am in the process of teaching myself most of these programs.  I have dabbled in off-brand versions of Photoshop and Dreamweaver, as well as other software.  However, I am teaching myself the actual product.  In addition, I am researching various plugins for WordPress that will also make me a better web developer.  Like I mentioned in my previous blog post, knowing products like Photoshop is a powerful skill.  It shows you can be creative in a business setting, which is valuable in the business environment outside of the web content realm.

One of my Photoshop projects. Not too shabby if I don’t say so myself.

As I continue to delve into these programs, I plan to make a series of posts dedicated to noting my experiences with the products.  These posts will note the connections between the software with other software that I have used as well as other observations.  This is an exciting adventure because I enjoy learning new things… especially things that will end up being exceptionally useful to me.   Look forward to Blair’s adventures in software.

May The Job Hunt… BEGIN!

Enter job here… Results may differ from expectation.

On May 17th, I completed the drawn-out journey known as a college career.  I am the first Georgia Gwinnett College student to complete  a double degree, a feat mixed in with numerous feats and bits of history to make the Spring 2013 commencement ceremony stand out.  Now comes the ominous task of finding a job, specifically one that utilizes both my degrees in some capacity.

My preferred areas of occupation are journalism, web content writing, usability testing, social media, public relations, marketing, and technical writing.  However, finding a job in these fields is not an easy task.  The job market is slim in general, so it does not help that these fields are also very competitive.  Here is a list of various tidbits that I have found out during my job search:

1. “We want bright new stars to bring us new ideas… You must have at least 2-5 years of professional experience.” 
   This is the biggest hindrance that most college graduates face when entering the workforce.  Most college graduates have had plenty of work experience, but quite honestly most companies don’t care about drive-thru orders or how well one can fold clothes.  They want to see how a candidate can actually do the job presented.  Internships help students gain experience, even if it is only for a limited time.  Another difficulty is assessing how much experience one DOES have and making it count.  If a student promoted and planned various events for a campus club, does that count for experience?  Does organizing a club count as management?  These are questions that student leaders deal with because they have done a lot of things in regards to following tasks, but it is up to the employer to make the judgment on whether or not this experience is usable.
2. “Requirements: Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator.”
   

   Come out, jobs. Come out, come out, wherever you are.

   As with any profession, there are certain types of software that is more used than other forms of software.  For example, MS Excel is used for more mathematical jobs, while MS Access is more for data keeping.  Web writing is very similar.  One needs to know HTML, CSS, and some level of PHP and Javascript (different from Java programming) and knowledge of a medium such as WordPress is useful as well.  However, one needs to know the software in order to create these pieces.  Knowing any sort of Adobe software is a huge advantage, especially since it is the standard in the web content field.  Photoshop enables the user to edit photos and create new images though layers.  Dreamweaver provides a coding environment that allows the user to enter HTML/CSS/PHP code and see the results on the other side.  Illustrator uses vector graphics to create images. These programs also have open source knock-offs that can help the user understand the concepts and some of the technique of the programs.  MS Expression, GIMP, and Inkscape are examples of programs that can help one learn with a limited budget (because Adobe is on the pricey side).  However, nothing can replace the real thing, so definitely get some form of Adobe exposure if possible.  Adobe provides a 30-day free trial of the Creative Suite, so it is worth investigating.

3. “No searches available.”
   While yes, the college student may know exactly what they want to do, there simply is not an opening.  This is the case with any journalism job.  Most newspapers are already in a mid-life crisis, so they are downgrading rather than adding positions.  Journalists who once had secure jobs are now in danger of getting laid off.  In the case of journalism, the best case is to wait until the field gets its act together or focus on web writing since it is a little more stable.
4. “Search Result: Swing Set Installation Specialist.”
   While there is the problem of not having positions, there is also a problem of too many search results… of jobs completely out of the intended range of the search.  One example being searching for “Writing” and ending up with “Swing Set Installation Specialist”.  On the plus side, that is a cool title for someone who puts together swing sets.  However, it had absolutely nothing to do with the search.   One can also search “Public Relations” (in quotes) and get a school janitor job listing.  It had the term in the listing, but was clearly not what was intended.  This is a reminder that computers do what they are told… not necessarily in context.
5. “Minimum/Preferred requirement: Masters Degree.”
   

   Aha! There’s one!

   This requirement is hard to stomach when one just finishes one’s bachelors degree.  The last thing a college graduate wants is to be told that they have to keep going in school in order to get a decent job.  Even if the job says that the higher degree is optional, more times than not, the higher degree will win.  This is especially the case for jobs in higher education, which makes sense as a college administration wants higher-level employees.  The requirement makes the job hunt difficult as it puts the job hunter back to square one… or so it seems.

While my job hunt has just begun, I know it will be tough.  I will have to compete to show why I’m the best candidate.  However, I also know that with two degrees, I am in good shape to get a job somewhere.  I have technical skills that many would kill for.   I would like a writing job if at all possible.  Though, I know that I have to pay my dues somewhere.  This journey will be an exciting one.