u/chivetow

Imma start by saying hi. Lurker, first time posting.

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And I'll also preface that I'm extremely aware of how utterly fucked the market is.

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I'm 26, finishing a Master's Degree in Concept Art, after having an extremely unenjoyable journey through college due to parental pressure, with only a Degree in Product Design to show for it. 0 job experience outside of maybe a small helping out at a store for a week or a specific day, and no internships. I can always explain that should it be needed, but onto the crux of the matter.

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Obviously I need a job. All design internships I've applied to have been rejection or ghosting, and to be honest I have to admit my portfolio for that is utter garbage. I followed a couple friends' advice to apply to other postings such as shop clerk, waitress, and similar. So far, all the ones I've applied to have been met with rejection, which sucks, obviously.

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I don't get it. I'm not using the same CV for all, I have like 3-4 variations in 2 languages. I've written down skills that are needed that I have, even the fact that I speak multiple languages, only to just... Not pass the ATS, if I had to guess. When it comes to education I've omitted my Bachelor's precisely because that's an instant no for these jobs. I have my HS education listed, that's it.

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But yeah. I'd appreciate advice, as much as I know I should ask in other places, because while I know I should be a lot more aggressive with job searches (I'm barely scratching 100 apps since early May), I also have handouts pending in 3 weeks due to my Master's. And I can't stay in the location I'm at after that, because my family lives in another country.

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I'd appreciate anything at this point, and willing to lend an ear to what experiences are for people in the same boat or similar.