I never intended to be a job hopper.
I just couldnt find the right job for me.
I was the first in my family to graduate from college.
They didnt mind that I pursued a film degree or that I lacked real-world skills.
They werent concerned about my chosen path at all.
They were just happy to watch me walk across the stage and get my diploma.
With no other marketable skills or knowledge and a competitive job market I felt lost.
I worked as a barista while I figured out my next move.
Luckily, I arrived early enough to snag an interview and was offered a job a few days later.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
After 15 months at the call center, I left to process retirement benefits for a government agency.
Now I had a salary of $36,000, and the benefits were even better.
Meanwhile, I kept doing work for the band.
I taped shows and shared the videos online.
Did you know?
Making the Career Change
Getting an entry-level marketing job without relevant internship experience seemed impossible.
I did manage to get a few phone interviews but never advanced any further.
So, after months of applications (and rejections), I began to explore paid internships.
I knew that I needed to make an impression if I wanted to get a companys attention.
Most job seekers apply for jobs online, so I chose to do the opposite.
I mailed my resume, cover letter, and some work samples to a small agency.
In exchange, I offered my video production experience and included samples of my work.
The owner of the agency emailed me and said she loved my tenacity.
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
I made a list of ways I could earn more money if this move didnt work out.
I was ready todonate plasma, apply for any barista job or even sign up for a medical study.
If I could sell my soul, I would have done it.
I kept my LinkedIn profile up to date.
Every blog post I wrote, skill I learned, notable accomplishment went on my profile.
I wrote a summary explaining my experience and what I was looking for.
I applied for every job opportunity I came across.
Then something unexpected happened: A hiring manager reached out tome.
All of that work I put into LinkedIn paid off.
They needed a full-time contractor and came across my profile in the search results.
Ten months later, I became a full-time employee.
Since then, Ive hopped twice more to land the dream job that I have today.
My two-plus years of agency experience is often a requirement for marketing jobs.
Build Your Portfolio
Volunteer your spare time, and your effort will pay off.
If you want to write, start a blog and write.
If you want to be a developer, learn to code and build an app.
Do Your Research
Research companies that offer paid internships or entry-level positions, and state your case.
ensure you have savings (and a plan b) to relieve some of the financial stress.
Make Them an Offer They Cant Refuse
What will you bring to the table?
This is your opportunity to stand out.
If you have work experience, then you have something to offer.
Never Stop Learning
Get free training online.
Audit classes on Coursera.
Learn about Facebook advertising with Blueprint.
Tackle coding with CodeAcademy.
Add these new skills to your resume, too.
You, too, can make a career change.
All it takes is patience, proper planning and a smidge of courage.
Cristy Salinas (@lacristysalinas) is a content strategist and improviser in Austin, Texas.
with her two cats.
