03-03-2005, 07:25 AM
Count Duckula,Mar 3 2005, 08:07 AM Wrote:I don't know anything other than school. I know the basics of apartment finding and job hunting but I don't know what all I can do as an English major who doesn't want to live in a major US city.
First up, Congratulations!
Make sure youcelebrate completion of such a big task.
As to ideas, what about overseas travel? In NZ it is almost standard for about 1/3 to 1/2 of graduates to go overseas initially. As a writer it would provide you different experiences to draw upon. (<plug> Wellington and NZ in generaly has a very vibrant creative scene at the moment, driven from the government level (Prime Minister enjoys her arts scene))
If funding is an issue, then a stint in the retail or services sector can't hurt. Apparently 'our generation' has issues with starting at the bottom and working our way up, graduates expecting to slot right in at the top levels. If our parents had to start at the bottom then surely we are able to do so also.
In addition, while living in the city attracts higher wages, it also costs more. Living in small towns can be a faster way to build up money, particularly if you do the research and are flexible on which one you will head to. With the progressive urbanisation your specialised skills should be attractive to a small town.
Note: If you do a cold calling excersize (mailing/emailing/phoning etc.) don't expect more than a 2-4% response rate (so you either need to do a whole lot go in person, or better yet, use your network of friends and relatives let you know of insider positions going)
Am I off topic yet?