How do I get work experience in the media industry?

I work in the HR industry and I'm looking to break into the media industry but with no luck...advice?

• I work in the HR industry and I'm looking to break into the media industry but with no luck finding a new job. I studied English and Communication in college and was very involved in the university television studio. I'd love to get back into that field, but I'm struggling to find my next step. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Should I go back to school? I feel as though I don't have the skills to get the job I want, but when I tell people who are in the media field, they tell me I don't need a masters degree to succeed. However, I don't have experience with tools like Adobe Flash CS3 and Adobe Photoshop CS3, software knowledge including Macromedia Software Suite, Mac OS X Streaming Server, Mac OS, Quicktime, Quicktime VR, Final Cut....etc. I've been applying for a long time and I know this is a losing battle. I'm getting desperate. Can anyone who has perhaps made this industry switch provice any advice/help/leads?

• Answer:

  First you are going to have to learn most of the software programs you listed. If you are a self-starter, you can buy them yourself and practice, using on-line forums and instructions to help. There are also on-line courses and accreditations (don't need, but proves you know the stuff) available. Check into your local adult education and junior college courses. Perhaps just a couple courses will give you enough to get a job. No one expects you to know everything about every program, but an employer will hire someone just out of school, who has some exposure, over someone with no knowledge at all. One short cut... I got my first job without any experience or knowledge in a strange way. I called someone who was doing the job that I eventually wanted and asked him to meet me. Over coffee, I asked him how he got his first job and what did I have to do to break into the business. Long story short, he hired me right there. Sure, a part-time job for one day a week, and at minimum wage, but after a year at that job I knew enough to get hired full-time somewhere else. Good luck.