Making It Big.... In the real world.

[DarkBarrels]

This is not about becoming a professional surfer or anything in that sorts, but I have been busting my a** trying to find a job that has something to do with the action sports industry. I have a degree in Marketing, with a specialization in Management. I know most people will say never mix your passion with work, but I feel like this is the only way to keep me motivated and focused. Obviously myself I would love to do something involved with surfing, but at this point I do not have a preference (surfing, skating, snow, biking etc.). I will do anything just get a foot in the door. Malakye.com is an excellent job search engine for the action sports industry, but I feel as if every job is in California, and they won't even acknowledge the fact I live all the way in Jersey. In my cover letters and resume, I state that I'am or have relocated, just so they would hopefully glance at my resume (I HAVE NO PROBLEM IN RE-LOCATING, ANYWHERE).

I guess my question to you guys is are there any tools I can use to maximize my search? Is it really all about who you know? I have a feeling moving out to Cali, the "mecca" of surfing and action sports industry may help, but then what? I have minimal amounts of money. I have tried attending the huge trade shows in NYC, and CO, but you need to represent a company, which I dont. I would appreciate it if you guys had any information, or know of anyone that I can get in touch with, that may be able to help. I'm just a young surfer trying to live out his dream, and launch his career! Any info would be much Appreciated!


Cheers!

[super fish]

Internships are great experience

[DarkBarrels]

Agreed, and I would absolutely do it. Problem is, most internships are only for college credits (which im out of school), and mostly unpaid. In my situation it would be extremely hard to swing an unpaid internship. I've looked into a bunch already. I understand some will say you can't just jump into your "dream job", you have to put in the grunt work. But I have been searching non stop, and have had NO luck whatsoever, even for just an entry level marketing position. It's getting old fast! The saying "its all about who you know", has never been more true. I want to say 95% of the people I speak with about the "job search" have scored one through someone they know. It's the hard truth, but I refuse to let that get in my way........

[aka pumpmaster]

be willing to take anything to get your foot in the door and a chance to prove yourself. don't shoot for the big job right away. Having stated the obvious, its a tough time right now. There are some local companies in Jersey that you might try. Small clothing companies, Hyperflex (??). what about rep jobs. Anything to get something 'real' on your resume would work. If you have a good relationship with a local shop, you might want to talk to the owner to see if he can get your info in front of reps. Sometimes they can hire helpers at very minimal salaries.

[ClemsonSurf]

Start making stickers and t-shirts.

[brek]

Because I "knew" someone, I was able to get the unpaid internship that eventually led to my job.
If you manage to land an internship, get a job at walmart to pay the bills and say goodbye to your social life.

[Stranded in Smithfield]

Watching and helping 3 friends break into the market starting a skate shop and brand...Action sports is a 'bro club' any which way you cut it... it is who you know...if its what you want to do it there's dues to be paid...it sucks...I did free labor at their shop...provided food and beer a lot of times as they invested all their time and borrowed alot of money for a year and a half without receiving a single take home dime...started small... local brands like Cape Fear decks...Worm...Schmack...Glass...Jetty... then right on the verge of success... serious meetings with Norfolk City officials about skate parks... landing a few major brands and getting theirs off the ground...taking on a serious investor...tax time revealed one of the friends wasn't a very good friend and almost two years without pay made him steal $20,000 from the company...
Anyways the moral is probably all things you already know but... start small...you'll be poor but take whatever... make connections...and if a couple of dummies with a dream can almost do it...I'm sure you can too

[Swellinfo]

EXPERIENCE... Both in Marketing and the action sports world. Get the experience any way you can, this will open up a lot more interest from potential companies for you to work for.

[Gfootr]

I have a design & marketing firm - would love to get a "surf" related client. Willing to offer a great deal for a "foot in the door" opportunity. Websites, Ads, Marketing materials, Trade show or POP displays, whatever you need for a surf shop or surf business, shapers, etc...

Darkbarrels - sweat equity goes a long way... sounds like you're young and have the freedom you need to search out the perfect opportunity.

[zaGaffer]

I will do anything just get a foot in the door. . .Is it really all about who you know? . . . I have a feeling moving out to Cali, the "mecca" of surfing and action sports industry may help, but then what? I have minimal amounts of money.


Cheers!

What have you got to lose?