I’m a self-proclaimed geek. I love Doctor Who, video games, reading, and lots of other nerdy activities. So, today, I thought I’d give you some career paths you can consider if you’re a geek too! Many people who enjoy these types of activities get a job in IT, but there are other options as well, no matter what your level of education.

• Video Game Testing: If you love gaming, but don’ t have education, you can break into the industry through testing. Getting a video game testing job only requires that you’re hard-working and love games! There are volunteer positions with lots of companies, and once you have someexperience, you can get a paying video game testing job.
• Ethical Hacking: Good with computers? You don’ t have to be a bad guy to get into hacking. You can get hired as a hacker by security companies, government organizations, and others looking to find weaknesses before the real bad guys do.
• Archaeology: For history buffs, working in archaeology is an option. There aren’t just job digging up dinosaur bones. You can also become a museum curator, study cultures, or work in any number of other archaeology jobs.
• Video Edit: Geeks with a knack for audio-visual techniques can consider a broadcasting career working as a video editor. You could help make a director’s vision come to life in television and film or, if you’re interested in marketing, work on commercials.
• Driveaway: If you’re anything like me, you prefer working alone. If you aren’t exactly a social butterfly, one career you can consider is becoming a driver. Truck driving is of course an option, but you can also work for a driveaway company, where you’ll help move RVs, luxury cars, and other vehicles from place to place.
• Science Jobs: Working in science gives you tons of career options. These careers typically require an education, but through your college program, you can try out multiple avenues, like physics, geology, and biology. Best of all, the science jobs you can get with some experience are among the highest-paying in the country.
• Pizza Franchise Owner: What geek doesn’t love pizza? Did you know you could actually start your own pizzaria – and with fewer headaches if you open a franchise location, since the parent company takes care of advertising, recipes, pricing, and more. Opening a pizza franchise requires you to pay money upfront for the rights to have a Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, or whatever restaurant you want to open, and then you’ll pay yearly franchise fees.
• Special Effects Makeup: If you love horror and sci-fi movies, you could get a job working in movie makeup. Help create those grotesque zombies, imaginative aliens, terrifying blood and gore, and more.

None of these jobs sound interesting to you? Think about other geeky activities you love. If you enjoy reading, think about jobs in publishing. If you want to work online, use your smarts to do some online tutoring. Language enthusiast? Work as a translator. No matter what your geeky poison, there are tons of jobs you can consider.

Over the past few weeks, people from around the world have been watching the political unrest happening in the Egypt and other nearby countries.

In these situations, the only reason we know what’s going on is because hard-working journalists are brave enough to report the news, even during dangerous situations. Looking for a job that requires intelligence, a sense of adventure, and courage? Journalism might be for you!

Now, not every job in the journalism field is one that will require you to put yourself in harm’s way or leave the country. As someone new in this field, you’ll likely start out in a position writing or researching stories, or you may work at a small, local news station. Journalists can also work online, with telecommute jobs that allow them to upload articles to a news website from their home.

Keep in mind also that journalists aren’t just reports or news writers. Some other journalism jobs you can consider include:

• Camera Jobs: While the news reporter speaks to the audience, someone has to hold the camera! This is actually a harder job than it seems, as you’ll be the one to set up the shot and make sure that everything from lighting to angle is perfect. Becoming a camera operator in the field takes years of practice in the studio or as an assistant first. For print publications, photographers do a similar job.
• Radio Jobs: Not all journalists are on television. Finding a radio job in journalism gives you a completely new audience, as you have to learn to be more descriptive and can’t rely on a shot to fill time, since it will record as dead air.
• Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-Up Jobs: Whether you’re reporting from the Middle East or a local sound stage, reports need stylists to make sure they are presentable while on television. Working in a wardrobe job in the journalism industry isn’t about finding a costume or special effects, but rather choosing a look that will give the reporter a professional style while not taking away from the news he or she is reporting. On location, you might have special challenges in this job, such as ensuring that the reporter adheres to local religious customs or combating adverse weather conditions.

No matter what role you take in delivering news, it takes hard work and dedication in the field to earn a position covering important news stories, such as the situation in the Middle East. Start at the bottom of the ladder as an intern or in an entry-level position and work your way up as you gain experience in your position.

Thursday is Reader Mailbag day, in which I answer questions about job searching from our readers. Do you have a question? Send me an email or leave a comment!

Dear JobMonkey,

Thanks,
Julie in New York

Dear Julie,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. What a wonderful accomplishment!

It sounds like you have a stress right now, which is being compounded by your student loan burden.

I am optimistic — and you should be, too — that you will find a job quickly. It sounds like you definitely have a can-do, will-do attitude, which is a huge plus. If for whatever reason you haven’t found a job by the end of your grace period on your loans, you do you can apply for a hardship deferral of payments, right? (You can find more information on repaying your student loans and student loan deferment at Financial Aid Finder.)

Now, as for your job search situation, you asked about moving before you land a job. In the current economy, local candidates have a decisive advantage, since few companies have the cash to splurge for relocation — especially for entry-level positions. If you are already in town, you increase your chances of getting called for an interview.

Do you have a professional network in Boston? If not, now is the time to start building one. Be in touch with all your contacts in New York, and ask them to help get you in touch with Bostonians. More than ever, networking is going to be key in landing a job.

You will also need a good personal network to help support you, emotionally and practically, during your job search. The need for support is always there, but especially when you are moving to a new city. Do you have friends or relatives (or your boyfriend?) with whom you can crash while you job search? If possible, bring a reserve of cash with you — ideally a few month’s worth of bare bone expenses — to help you stay afloat while you’re job searching.

Additionally, sign up with a temp agency or two when you get to town; hopefully you will be able to bring in some cash even while you look for your job.  If the job search lasts longer than your resources, consider taking a job in retail or at a restaurant. And don’t be worried that a job selling women’s blouses will deter from your career goals. Given the economic situation, potential employers will be more likely to hire someone who is enthusiastic about working… even if it’s not in their preferred field. Meanwhile, volunteering and interning are two great ways to make connections and keep your skill set fresh, even during a potentially protracted job search. (Here are some past blog posts on volunteering and college internships).

P.S. If you’re serious about getting a job in communications, you might want to have a look through JobMonkey’s section on Broadcasting Jobs.  You can also search through our Broadcasting Job Board, with openings in radio and TV.

Good luck to you in your move and your job search! Keep us updated when you find your new position.

Hey job seekers! The week is halfway over. Has it been productive few days for you so far? If you’ve been visiting the JobMonkey blog for a while, you know by now that Wednesday is Hot Jobs Day.

Let us help you be even more productive in the latter part of your week by applying for one of these great jobs!

Every Wednesday, we spotlight three hot new jobs posted on the JobMonkey Job Center. The Job Center is a great resource for job seekers out there. We have thousands of jobs from around the country — and the world. Our list is updated daily and it’s a totally free service for job seekers.

This week is all about jobs in the field of communications. Whether you are the on-air type or the behind-the-scenes type, the Job Center is heavy today with opportunities for gigs in the broadcasting industry. If one of these three isn’t right for you, be sure to check out the dozens of other openings.

1. Board Operator / Audio Editor, ABC Radio Networks, Miami, FL

ABC Radio in Florida is looking to hire an audio editor to develop, record, produce and edit radio programs, station promos and more. The editor will also operate the control panel during live and taped shows. The ideal candidate will have at least a high school degree plus three to five years of experience with running a clean radio board shift. Computer proficiency is also required, including knowledge of Adobe Audition, VoxPro, ProTools and CD Recording. Also important are presentation skills, organization skills and time management skills.

2. Accounts Receivable Jobs, CBS Radio, Chicago, IL

CBS Radio is looking for a new accounts receivable professional. The person will be responsible for posting cash, invoicing and performing other daily receivables functions, including supporting the sales department as required. The ideal candidate will possess Excel proficiency and be a multi-tasker accustomed to working in an active environment. Knowledge of Oracle is a plus.
3. Systems Administrator Jobs, Fisher Communications, Boise, ID

The Idaho-based Fisher Communications is looking for a systems administrator to develop custom sales presentations, draft client proposals, maintain continuance of client’s accounts, pursue new accounts, and assist in collection of past-due accounts. The administrator will also work with the production department on pre- and post-production of commercials. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma with a minimum of two years of sales experience. Also important are strong writing, presentation and organizing skills; proficient marketing techniques; experience working with the traffic software system WideOrbit; and a valid (and clean) Idaho Driver’s License.

Good luck with your job applications!

I’m not sure how many of you are even checking in for hot jobs today.  But for those very dedicated job-seekers among you, I’ve got three great jobs for you fresh off JobMonkey’s free job center. 

  There is a marketing job with ABC Radio Networks, in Dallas; a news director job with CBS Radio, in Seattle; and an engineer position with the Federal Aviation Administration in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  And don’t forget, you can search our job database anytime, day or night. Seek by job industry, by keyword or by location.

#1. Sales Marketing Coordinator, ABC Radio Networks, Dallas, TX
ABC Radio Networks is look up for someone to build and update presentations, creating added value and promotional concept development. The ideal candidate will be proactive and extremely organized, with at least three year of relevant experience in consumer promotions. To learn more about this and other positions with ABC Radio Networks, visit the ABC Careers page.

#2. KZOK News Director, CBS Radio, Seattle, WA
The Bob Rivers Show in Seattle is looking for a smart, vibrant, outgoing Newsperson/Co-host. Experience is a plus but more important is a candidate who is funny and easygoing (and also opinionated). To learn more about this job and other opportunities with CBS Radio, visit the CBS careers page.

#3. General Engineer, Federal Aviation Administration, Atlantic City, NJ
The FAA is looking for a highly motivated, innovative individual to help implement NextGen, a system that will transform current technologies in order to improve safety and better protect the environment. This senior level position, which pays up to $112,000 per year, will be responsible for directing and managing aviation safety information technology.  Other duties will include managing and processing aviation performance data, converting textural and numeric data into information, and creating visualization capabilities to aid in calculating risk assessment. To learn more about this position or to apply for this job, visit the FAA careers page.

First, let me apologize for not getting these up on Wednesday.  There has been a raging stomach flu running around our house, but the sun is out and I’m optimistic that we’re all turning a corner.

So to celebrate good health, I’ve got three great new opportunities posted this week to the JobMonkey job data base.

And if your dream job doesn’t happen to be here, don’t despair: You can search for it whenever you want, for free.

#1. Customer Marketing Manager Job, National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Rogers, AR
Earlier this week I mentioned JobMonkey’s newest section on TV and radio broadcasting jobs.  Here’s a great opportunity in that very field, with the prestigious National Broadcasting Company (AKA NBC).  The channel is looking for a college graduate to work with its Arkansas field based Customer Marketing Managers to develop specific programs for Catalog and TV. Minimum experience includes 3 years with consumer packaged goods, retail planning or video industry and a high degree of computer proficiency.  Other qualities NBC is looking for include strong qualitative and quantitative analytical capability, excellent project management skills, creativity and innovation, and excellent written, verbal and presentation skills. The person offered the job must be willing to take a drug test and submit to a background investigation. To apply for this position, visit the NBC Careers site.

#2. Deputy Director Acquisition and Grants Office, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Montgomery County, MD
Here’s an exciting opportunity for the right candidate looking to earn that coveted six figure salary. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric is looking for a Deputy Director (or, as they say, an “alter ego to the Director”) to oversee all matters relating to acquisition and grants administration. Together with the Director, the Deputy Director will be responsible for setting the future course for NOAA programs and setting priorities for current and future activities. If you are interested, you may apply directly through the company’s website at NOAA Employment Opportunities.

#3. Full-Time & Part-Time Adult Ski School Instructor Jobs, Vail Resort, Vail, CO
It’s ski season time, which means jobs for skiers are abundant on the JobMonkey website right now.  Here’s one of them: The Vail Resort in Vail, Colorado is looking for full-time and part-time ski instructors.  This seasonal job, which runs from November 29, 2008 until April 15, 2009, is for experienced instructors only. The ideal candidate will be able to provide quality ski/snowboard instruction and guest relations in a safe and professional manner. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, although higher education is preferred. To qualify, you must also have at least 2 years of teaching and/or coaching experience and be a minimum of a level 7 skiing ability. All instructors must successfully complete the resort’s instructor training program. If you are interested, you can apply directly through the SKI JOB website.

JobMonkey is hard at work, helping you learn more about your employment options. Just added this weekend to the JM website is a great new section on broadcast jobs. If you are interested in a career in television or radio — whether in front of the camera (or mike) or behind the scenes — you’ll definitely want to check it out.

While the TV production industry is one of the toughest to break in to, the good news is that proliferation of reality TV shows and Internet-based television has created a slew of new opportunities. This article features broadcast production careers in several sub-industries:

>> Live TV Broadcasts
>> TV Shows
>> Reality TV
>> TV Commercials
>> Online TV

Another in-depth articles looks at the types of radio broadcasting jobs, including:

>> Station Manager
>> Audio Engineer Jobs
>> Radio Producer Jobs
>> Radio Presenter
>> Radio DJ

The JobMonkey site also has the inside scoop on education and training requirements, and how to go about finding the right broadcast job for you.  And stay tuned for an upcoming Thursday feature post here on the blog about broadcasting jobs, too.