First Job : ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help or Work for Free’

Part-time work is a way of life for many young people, but that first full-time career-oriented job is different. What’s the key to finding a good job? What is a good job? These and other questions are asked in this new occasional feature, First Job. If you’ve had an interesting experience, write or call Voices about it.

LISA-ANNE SAMUELS

Television production assistant, Universal City, 23

I was an English major with an emphasis in theater at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. I knew I wanted to be a part of theater. That didn’t work, however. So I took three weeks to drive out here to look for work in television.

My resume got on the right person’s desk and that person passed it on and I got very lucky. They hired me to be a production assistant.

Usually a PA does anything people tells them to do--from making coffee to running out and buying supplies. I have been assisting the executive producer. I help by typing the budget and schedule for the associate producer. I help schedule meetings and take care of clerical duties.

A PA needs to be enthusiastic, know about the industry and know how to operate different computer programs. After that, everything is just luck.

My advice to others trying to break into this business is don’t be afraid to ask someone you know for help. Ask them to please pass around your resume. Don’t be afraid to work your first job for free. And work hard. You might start at 8 a.m. and leave at 7 p.m. or later.

CAROL SAKAI

Accountant, Deloitte & Touche, Montebello, 23

Deloitte & Touche is one of the top six international accounting firms in the nation. I was supposed to work here after I finished my undergraduate studies, but they extended my offer for another year so I could go back and get my master’s degree. They gave me the summer off and I started in September.

When I was an undergraduate, I got involved in a lot of student accounting organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting fraternity. In my senior year I went through a series of interviews. I received a number of offers. I decided to work for Deloitte & Touche. They just had more opportunities. The master’s degree helped, but most of this work is on-the-job training. I learned a lot of theoretical and conceptual information, but I’m learning practical application. I’ve met a lot of interesting people who have a lot of experience.

My advice to anyone who wants to work in the accounting field is to set your goals and achieve them. Don’t give up because sooner or later you’ll make it. It all depends on how much work you’re willing to put in. And I want to break a couple of stereotypes: First, you don’t have to be good in math to go into accounting. You just need to be logical and have a sense of business. Second, accountants aren’t boring people.

JOHN GEREAU

Design specialist, TRW Space and Electronics Group, Redondo Beach, 24

I graduated from UCLA in 1992. I design mechanical parts for satellite structures.

When I was a sophomore in college I was on a scholarship program at TRW through the Minority Engineering Program at UCLA. I had an internship here that was supposed to lead to a job.

Everything was going great, but when I graduated, the company was laying people off. I ended up getting a job in another place. I kept in touch with my old manager. When things leveled off, he offered me a job.

Anyone who wants to pursue a career in this industry needs to get internships for experience and to network with people. They also should know that there may not be jobs available when they graduate because of all the cutbacks. Out of all the people I knew who were studying to be an engineer, I’m the only one working as one.

DESMOND BLACKBURN

Marketing director, KMAX radio, Pasadena, 25

I ran a small part-time janitorial business while attending Cal State Northridge’s journalism classes. Although the business was doing well enough for me to pay my bills, I really felt this conviction deep in my heart that I wanted to be in broadcasting.

I contacted a friend who referred me to a radio station in Ventura. We met and he hired me as a sales representative. That was a tough move for me. It was a straight commission job for a small radio station chain.

There were times when I was barely eating. But I would always go beyond the call of duty to distinguish myself as a dedicated worker. I came in really excited about the position. I got my business plan together to help me accomplish my goals and expand business for the station. Ironically, the guy who hired me was fired and the station offered me the job after about a month. It turned out I would get a base salary, benefits and commission. My primary duty is to get sponsors on the air to fund our gospel segment. My other duties include everything from public relations and copy writing to on-air announcing.

My advice to other people who want to break into radio is don’t be afraid to work for free. A lot of internships just let you answer the phones and make coffee. Volunteer for everything and make sure you’re learning concrete skills.