How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

After many months of my job search, I realized that I want to get into STM (science, technology, medicine) publishing. I don't have any direct editorial experience, but I do have my PhD in neuroscience and have published my own work. I've tried applying to many positions, including full editor positions as well as editorial assistant positions. I have not heard back from any of the editorial assistant positions, but I've had 2 interviews for higher up positions. I didn't get one, and I'm waiting to hear back on the other.

If I don't get this other position, what can I do? I feel like I am not getting these jobs because I lack experience, but no one will hire me for the lower level jobs where I can get experience.

Any suggestions on what I can do? I even knew someone at the company where I got rejected, so I don't think knowing anyone will help me in this case.

Re: How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

Can you volunteer or do an internship somewhere to gain editorial experience?

I am an attorney and now a realtor, but in the past I've thought of going into publishing as an editor. I've published legal articles and I've done a lot of editing work both in law school (for a legal journal) and at my law firm (briefs, articles, etc.), but I have no "formal" editorial experience. When I was looking into it, I did some research on how to break into the business, and a lot of articles recommended either volunteering to edit a community publication or trying to get experience through freelance work.

Good luck!

Re: How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

I second the internships and freelance work idea..In cracking a new field, its all about generating new leads and networks..The person you meet today may know someone, who knows someone else in a position to hire you in the future...I also recommend going to locales where these people already work..see if you can find out where employees of certain companies like to go after work or on weekends, and just try to learn their routines, schedules, etc.

This worked for my cousin who was working an admin temp position at FIT but had zero experience in graphic design. He was a non trad student and his entire resume was geared toward Education and not art. He took some non-credit classes, chatted up students and professors and eventually got a lead for a company that needed volunteers for a project. He immediately showed up and was able to get experience in the field..

Message edited 3/29/2011 12:59:26 PM.

Re: How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

Yeah, I think volunteering/internship is going to be the way to go, as well as just trying to put yourself out there in these circles like was mentioned already.

I was reading an article yesterday in fact that SO MANY new grads especially are in this same boat where they are willing to "work for free" to get the experience to eventually get hired.

It sucks. I know in my field it's often a catch-22 because many people can't get the experience because they can't get hired, and a lot of places won't even consider "internship" experience because it's not looked at as "real working experience" because a lot of supervisors feel that you are sheltered a lot as an intern.

I know in some cases that's true, but for many, it's SO not.

Re: How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

If you want to get into publishing NYU used to offer a summer publishing course. I know a few people who found jobs through people they met there.

Re: How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

You can try temping too. Some publishing companies have in house temps or find an agency with publishing contacts. Both could lead to a perm position.

Re: How to get into an area where you have no direct experience?

Thanks everyone. I know that volunteering is probably a great way to get into a field, but since I don't even have a job right now, getting a paid position is my first priority. But if I end up in a job not in publishing, then I could look into volunteering in addition to work.