Q: I am a recent graduate of Indiana University.  I am 29 years old and specialized as much as possible in picture editing.  Since I was older, I wasn't able to do an internship.  I did network like crazy while in school and have contacts at some prestigious newspapers/magazines -- none of which has paid off.  In addition, I have was even the subject of an article in the NPPA's magazine, News Photographer about student picture editors.

The problem is that in the 7 months that I've been applying for picture editing positions (a lot) I have had 2 interviews.  My lack of experience is cited as being the reason I am not getting the positions.  I have work samples, but an actual "portfolio" is hard to provide because I don't have published examples of my picture editing work...since I can't find a job.  I am feeling frustrated and disheartened.  What can I do that I'm not doing already?

Inexperienced

A: It may be that, all for good reasons, you have been aiming too large.

Keep your contacts up, but understand that they may be waiting patiently to be your second or third newspaper, rather than the first.

So, go after smaller paper where you may need to be more of a generalist, shooting and assigning as well as editing. Still, your lack of experience, even on college publications, from the sounds of it, will be a hurdle.

When you talk to those papers, be prepared to explain how badly you want to work hard for them so that they don't eliminate you on the belief that you're just looking for a quick steppingstone.