Q: I'm 24, have been out of college for over 2 years, and am still trying to figure out what I want to do with myself. Only recently (and probably with a little help from Sex and the City) did I realize that not only do I want to be an advice columnist, but it's the only thing that I think I might actually do well.
As you’ve mentioned, the path isn't a clear one, and I feel like it may be too late! I majored in Psychology, but I didn't take any journalism/writing/reporting classes. Heck, I even tested out of taking English courses. I can't afford to go back to school right now, and without experience writing an advice column, how do I begin attempting the transition?
I live in the DC area and not only does the Post already have an advice columnist (with credentials beyond my reach), but I feel like they'd point and laugh at my resume. Is it worth approaching smaller, local papers with the suggestion of adding an advice column to their paper...and letting me be the columnist? Perhaps even for free and part-time, just to gain the background and experience?
Thanks for your advice (any chance you need an assistant??)
A: Ha! I sure do!
Why don't you try what I am doing? Start an advice column as a blog. You'll have a chance to try your hand at it, develop a voice and a following and you'll then have something to show prospective employers.
You'll have to keep your day job, but at least you'll get to start doing what you like and take some steps toward finding a niche. It seems likely that a lot of what newspapers now do primarily for newsprint will soon have their primary audiences on the web, anyway.
