Post: #1

Recently came upon this after contemplating ideas for work/finding work-dont know if people here have seen it or not but its saying a lot of the things that get brought up here and thought maybe some of the guys here would like it.
http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxCMU-C...-The-New-W
http://www.slideshare.net/ramit/recessio...te-1722975

Now my question is, Im up in DC (out of town in SC right now though to get a break, thank goodness) right now trying to find work with a BA in Poli Sci and I have not quite been too successful. I had heard a couple months ago about basically doing this exact thing almost, just contact companies and say you'd be willing to work for free (some type of agreement) for a certain amount of time. If it works out, you get the experience, foot in the door/market, and maybe a job (plus its much better careerwise than some bs like waiting tables, etc.)-if not, you were already waiting tables. I pretty much realized I dont wanna do politics if I can, and would be more adept for PR and shooting for work in a growing international market (preferably the green sector/renewable energy/energy efficiency or possibly healthcare/volunteering at a hospital....which Poli Sci won't exactly allow to do-but if you worked somewhere for free you then can get your foot in the door instead of having to take what you can get with some crappy sales job, etc).

However, this guy is clearly doing internet marketing/work that gets talked about so often here so it doesnt completely apply because I dont have those skills as of right now (which he talks about not working in an office, but again remote work. I would have to be working in an office at least somewhat, if I want some skills for PR/experience. I could pick up internet marketing if I wanted to, but I definitely need the office stuff too). So its got me thinking I basically need to learn in demand/semi-hard skills. Im 24, without real career experience yet and no luck finding anything yet. I can pick things up quickly, but just gotta keep the habits of staying on the work/skills. Im just wondering to all the free lancers/remote workers out there, what skills might be the best to learn at first. Online marketing/blogging? (and yes I know about the search button before you even ask) Just something Im wondering cause I know Im not the only in the boat of this problem, and just wondering maybe what could be the best step to go from here.

Thought some of you might like hearing these ideas as well cause I know I aint the only one thinking/wondering this,

Thanks guys and good hunting

(Okay, complete nerd reference too-but Im just a young Padawan looking for advice from the Jedi Masters here, hahahaha)

Post: #2

One other member commented that the best advice he ever got from a professor was find your dream job then find someone who has your dream job and offer to work for him for free for a year. Most people cannot afford it. Im on the fence right now about asking a buddy of mine if i can do work for free at his bank. REAL Banking skills such as analyzing income/cashflow statements are in demand in almost any industry. Only thing stopping me is I work full time and would only be able to commit 10-15 hours per week and have no time for myself.

I like the 2nd link you posted. I may try that, working for free on projects. I just have to think up some "high hanging fruit" to offer my time and resources to.