Just getting started in any career field can be very difficult. Employers are looking for individuals with experience, Clients want someone who has a firm grasp of the job, so on and so forth. Where does one start? This is the predicament I'm in right now. I'm finishing up my degree in interactive media and am ready to jump head first into designing websites, developing online content, and just getting going in this career field.

Unfortunately the job search is going poorly to say the least and as far as finding freelance, nothings biting. I'm passionate about web development and feel like I know the business enough to do a great job if given a chance. But all that doesn't impress potential clients or employers. They want to see someone who has been around and done the job for awhile.

So I've decided to gain the experience, sans the pay. I've started work for a nonprofit organization building their site. They can't offer any money, but I can gain valuable experience and get my name out there as someone who can do a great job. Not only that, I'm doing something worthwhile and helping a good cause, one can always feel good about that.

The idea here is to do professional work, expand my portfolio, and prove I'm dedicated to my craft. When a possible client or employer wants to see work I've done I can show them live sites, in use, and professionally done. Not to mention, it's always a networking opportunity. Who knows who may find my work and decide they want to hire me for their project, and have the money to spend on it. I'm still out there looking for that amazing well paying job, but for the mean time working for free will have to do.