A Matter of Degrees

ARTS AND CULTURE

It takes more than college to build a career

By Molly Hartmann Ahrens

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Mar. 9, 2005

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So you thought you'd take over the world after graduation. Or at least find work that paid well and propelled your budding career forward. But things haven't exactly worked out as planned. Maybe you're working a dead-end job that doesn't make use of your talents. Or maybe you're floundering on unemployment. Maybe you're not even sure what you want to do anymore. The path seemed so clear in college, but your goals have since changed or mysteriously evaporated. To further complicate matters, the sluggish economy and a shortage of jobs have worsened what's already a confusing and uncertain time for most. But try not to lose all hope. Help is on the way, and there are concrete things you can do to dig yourself out of that rut. If nothing else, it's a comfort to know you're not the only one having a rough time. Read on. You're in good company.

Johnny Lozano
Age: 22
Alma mater: Villanova University, class of '04.
Majors: Theology and
communications.

What were your career goals when you graduated from college?

"I wanted to stay around Philly and continue my involvement with the ministry or get a public relations job, but neither really panned out. I'd been studying acting senior year and found that I was really good at it, so I decided to pursue an acting career in L.A. instead-even though I didn't have any connections and my resume was all about Christian ministry."

How do your past goals measure up to your present reality?

"When I first went out to L.A. I couldn't even get an audition. Hollywood felt like this party I wasn't invited to. So I decided to do some internships at production companies to make some connections and make my resume sexy. I also got wind of a temp agency because I needed to start cutting my rent. My first temp job was on a gay cruise line collecting tickets. Now I'm also trying to pursue a career as a screenplay writer."

Any regrets?

"Not knowing how the film industry worked before I got to L.A."

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you graduated?

"I wish I'd chosen to do the writing thing earlier and gone to L.A. more prepared."

Where do you see yourself in the future?

"Accepting my Oscar trophy. I want to sell a script and be a professional storyteller."

Got any advice for other recent grads?

"Go for what you want, and if you don't know, be an intern."

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