Lots of creative skills, don't know where to apply anymore! Need ideas and advice.

[arianelstl 2]

Hello!

A couple months ago I moved from Montreal, Canada to Boston with a K1 visa. I recently got my employment authorization and I’m very eager to start working. I started applying for jobs last week. Mostly all in visual merchandising, but I need help on where to look and what kind of positions would be good for me that I haven’t thought about... besides merchandising.

 

I graduated in Presentation Design in Montreal last June. I don’t think this course is offered in the States, but here’s what I learned during my program:

• Graphically illustrating concepts and ideas with Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp and (some) Autocad
• Sketching ideas and concepts by hand
• Operating manual and electric tools
• Designing concepts for store product displays, window displays, stands and small events
• Developing and constructing accessories and decor elements
• Visual merchandising
• Reading/creating planograms
• Dressing up mannequins
• Setting up lighting
• Organzing photoshoots and styling people and even food

I did my internship in a big Canadian department store, and I have worked on window displays for independent boutiques in Montreal. While waiting for my work permit, I have been designing brochures and flyers for my husband’s company as well as my aunt’s moving management company. If you wish to see some of the work I’ve done, here’s my portfolio.

As you can see I’ve acquired many skills, and had I stayed in Montreal I would have a better idea of where to look simply because of networking and also through my course, but here I am kinda lost. I would love to work at Anthropologie, I love their creative marketing, but there are no openings at the moment. A lot is happening in Boston and I’m sure there are positions that exist out there that I’m not even aware of.

So if you have any ideas of business and positions that would be good for me, even outside of retail, or where I should search for more creative jobs, please share!

Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

[databit 328]

What about looking into onstage theater production work? Set building, program handouts, posters, costuming?

[xmgirl 4]

Hello there. I think there are multiple places where you can apply for jobs. I was working for an e-commerce company. My degree is in Computer Science, I basically have started working in the call center but then I moved up to the IT department which is where I really wanted to be and then after that I got the position of QA Tester. This company located in NC and they have a large Merchandising department. If you would like to check their jobs check www.sportsendeavors.com. I know you may not want to relocate here but you can look at what they are looking for and have an idea of what to expect. By the way they sell sporting goods for Soccer, Rugby and Lacrosse

[TBoneTX 45,567]

Try this idea, previously posted by the member Darnell:
---
Each city has a chamber of commerce.  Find it.

Once you find it - talk with the secretary - tell her you want a schedule of events and let her know you'd like to attend.

Then - go in person to the Chamber of Commerce Office - talk with the President of the Chamber, tell him/her you want to volunteer at several of their events.

Attendees at chamber events are business owners and sales geeks, all looking for new business.  It usually is an informal-enough gathering where you can approach people and talk with them.

Now, the cool thing about being a volunteer there - is that you will be talking to everyone at least once - you might be at the reception table, you might be at the greeters table, you might help to run the audio/video system - whatever - but - the point is that you can meet everyone there, face to face.

 

Attend 2 or 3 of these, and folk remember you. When folk remember you, they will remember you are seeking employment and will consider you, because you're just not some name on a piece of paper - they met you at a chamber event and know that you were volunteering, helping out the chamber.

Go Get Em, and Good Luck!

PS - live in a really small town? go to the biggest town that's within 15 miles of your house.

[kandikandi 31]

I have seen vacancies for many visual merchandising opportunities at Macy's, Target and JC Penney.  Indeed has loaaaaaads of those vacancies, try there.