Ronnie Said:

Are there any real jobs like in 'The Shining'?

We Answered:

Did see a job advert on the caterer last year for a caretaker for a small scottish island over the winter. Duties included light maintenance work and opening the bar for the locals two nights a week. Basic min. wage but it's not like you'd get chance to spend it!!

Colleen Said:

How important would you concider an English based degree is to becoming a writer?

We Answered:

I'm not a writer but it seems most good writers are like most good artists in any artistic field - they're born not made. Paul McCartney can't read music, but he was half of the greatest pop songwriting duo of the 20th century.

You seem very bright. You say you're very interested in history and classics, so I reckon you should consider doing a degree in one of those subjects. A good grounding in history and/or classics will mean you have plenty of knowledge to draw on for your writing, plus if you're as keen to become a writer as you seem then I reckon spending 3 years studying history/classics would be time better spent than if you did an Eng Lit degree.

You could do a BA in history/classics then (if your writing's up to scratch) do an MA in Creative Writing at somewhere like UEA:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEA_Creative_Writing_Course

The M.A. is widely regarded as the most prestigious and successful in the country and competition for places is notoriously tough. Alumni include Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Anne Enright, Andrew Cowan, Deirdre Madden, Glenn Patterson, Kathryn Hughes, Suzannah Dunn, Erica Wagner, Phil Whitaker, Tracy Chevalier, Susan Elderkin, Jane Harris, Martyn Bedford, Trezza Azzopardi, Stephen Foster, Mick Jackson, John Boyne, Richard Beard, Toby Litt, Louise Doughty, Andrew Miller, Susan Fletcher, Owen Sheers, Panos Karnesis, Esther Morgan, Kathryn Simmonds, Adam Foulds, Diana Evans, Tash Aw, Naomi Alderman, Clare Allen, Donna Daley-Clarke, Clare Wigfall, Mark McNay, James Scudamore, Joe Dunthorne, James Sorel-Cameron, Mohammed Hanif...

Bobbie Said:

With minimal background and fresh out of college how can a beginner work for editing in the UK as an American?

We Answered:

I can only help w. part of this question. To get a job as a copy editor or proofreader n the US, having a degree in creative writing is not much help. Because those jobs focus on the mechanics and minutia of the publishing business. CW majors are not thought of as having much experience wth that or to have a business orientation--i.e., deadlines, and such.

If you took any courses on proofreading and copy editing, then you definitely need to highlight those on your resume or CV.

If you haven't taken such courses, you can take them at a college or university or community college-but not all offer such courses.

Some colleges offer adult ed programs that award a certificate in various fields--see if you can find one with a publishing certificate program. You don't have to take all the courses and get the certificate, just a couple of basic ones, and that will show the employer that you (a) know the basics, and (b) have a wilingness to learn because you recognized that your degree wasn't the end of your education.

You have some experience, but you can still take the basic courses (I took lots of courses even after I was a big-shot editor, because I hated the thought that there might be anything below my level that I somehow missed and didn't know). Also a lot of people in the publishing world think that experience somewhere else doesn't translate to their situation, and they discount your experience, so course work helps.

As for getting a job in the UK, perhaps you could try going to the UK and enrolling in such a course or program there. Most vocational schools everywhere have some sort of help with finding jobs for their students.

Good luck!

Andre Said:

I want a creative job, but have no degree or experience?

We Answered:

I too do not have a degree and started supporting myself earlier than most.

What I did was got an entry level position with a bank, mastered that position and moved to the next, continuing to do so until I have found the right position for me. It was a lot easier for me to move up in rank already being with the company, versus if I came in off the street they may be looking more for the college education versus the experience I have to offer.

I now work in a totally different department with a totally different position and am making very good money.
I have found this to be the same case for quite of few of my co-workers.

So - if you are creative/artsy person then try getting a entry level position within a company that has room for you to grow, leading to that ideal job for you within that profession.

Also, if you have experience in the Administrative field, try taking a few classes or software tutorials for Graphic Design, ie...Adobe, PhotoShop etc... I have seen quite a few jobs out there where you can utilize your current skills of Admin. but also help them with graphic design for portfolios, menus etc....

Again, it is another way for you to build on your skills and can open new doors for you!

Good Luck!

Jimmie Said:

Personal Statement for University?

We Answered:

that is a really good draft and you sound like a really nice person
good luck
xxx kim xxx