Hi,
I’m moving to Los Angeles (from New Jersey) in a few months.
I don’t really have any concrete ideas of what I’ll be doing when I get there, but I’m hoping to find something media or publishing related.
Anyone in the LA area have any ideas or suggestions?
My dream would be to work for a magazine, but I love all things entertainment and am totally open to all kinds of opportunities. Ideally, I’m looking for a full-time job, but would also definitely be interested in part-time, freelancing and internships.
Does anyone know of websites or other resources I can use to find something? What about temp agencies? Are there any good ones out there?
Has anyone else on here made the move to Los Angeles? Have any advice on how to make the transition?
Any suggestions, ideas, or advice would be really helpful!
Thanks!
Thanks everyone! I’ll
Thanks everyone!
I’ll definitely look into some of those magazines.
maglover12 - I totally understand what you’re saying, and I know it’s not going to be easy. I’m definitely not expecting to show up and have my dream job fall into my lap. It’s just that I’ve spent the past year and half applying to a billion magazine jobs in New York City, with no luck, and I just need to try something new. I’m assuming it’s going to be just as difficult(if not more difficult) in L.A., but I really want to give it a shot. I’m going to be realistic and understand that it might not work out, but I think it’s worth it to try. Plus, I just REALLY need to get away from New York City / New Jersey. This place is just not right for me.
And yeah, it really is also about who you know, which sucks because I don’t really know anyone in publishing, and I’m not great at networking. Plus, from experience I have learned that even when I do try to network, nobody really wants to help you and everyone is only looking out for themselves.
Anyway, thanks again for the responses. And if anyone has any more advice or personal experience with working in or moving to LA, I’d really appreciate it!
well, i don’t mean to
well, i don’t mean to encourage you, but i moved to LA in june 08 and found a job in magazine publishing (nothing glamorous) in six weeks, practically right out of college. i didn’t even have anything magazine related on my resume.
my point is not to brag (believe me there’s nothing brag-worthy about my salary/job), but to show you the other side of the coin and to tell you that it can be done.
and if the economy wasn’t so bad, i’d love to take some unpaid internships and get into entertainment writing/publishing. fortunately, i still have my job, but there have been a lot of layoffs in the last year.
in LA unfortunately, it’s really what you know, who you know, and probably most importantly where and what you’re looking for, if that makes sense.
I wouldn’t move to LA
I wouldn’t move to LA unless you have a concrete (PAID) opportunity lined up. I moved to LA in Dec. ‘07 and was there through Oct. of ‘08. I interned/worked as an unpaid editorial assistant at 3 different magazines during that time period, and still couldn’t get a job that paid enough for me to afford the cost of living there. Don’t show up and hope to find a job once you’re there - the city is overrun with future actors/actresses who are doing the exact same thing, and most of them are working in retail, food service, or hospitality while waiting for an acting gig to open up. I don’t mean to discourage you, I just think it’s important to be realistic. Most of the magazines in LA have small staffs with low turnover rates, so that makes it difficult to get on board.
Foam, Filter [hiring an
Foam, Filter [hiring an intern now], LA Weekly, Flaunt [i think], Flavorpill LA [http://flavorpill.com/losangeles].
Also check out the media bistro job listings:
http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/default.asp?gdsr=1&=0&jbdr=1
InStyle
Don’t know if they’ve filled the position yet, but last I heard, InStyle (located in Santa Monica, I believe) is looking for a full-time editorial intern, minimum wage. Good luck!