Risky business - Breaking into new career

Breaking into the industry of your dreams as a university graduate can be tricky, particularly if you don't have the right contacts or relevant experience.

That didn't deter commerce graduate Kha Nguyen, 24, from risking his career in marketing to get into digital media.

"I had worked as a marketing assistant for TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute for a year when I decided to make the career switch," he said.

"I started looking for entry-level or graduate positions (in digital media) and it was about one month into the job hunt when I discovered the Digital Cadet cadetship."

Nguyen submitted his resume and received a call asking him to a cadetship information session presented by course director Brendon Cropper.

"I felt the cadetship would give me a strong understanding of the digital media industry and also give me a competitive advantage over other candidates," Nguyen said.

"The fact that the cadetship would set up interviews for successful applicants was also a huge factor."

Nguyen had to attend an interview before being offered one of 10 places on the three-week intensive course, which included using various tools in the industry, how different organisations operated, interview techniques and recognising strengths and weaknesses.

After he finished the course, Digital Cadet helped set up Nguyen with interviews with various digital media agencies, including Publicis Media, where he went for a job as digital account co-ordinator.

The interview included questions about the cadetship, the digital media industry, his favourite websites and hobbies.

"I was then called in for a second interview a week later and met with the person that I was going to be working with day-to-day," he said.

As digital account co-ordinator, Nguyen helps the digital media team run online advertising campaigns for clients.

The best thing about the job, apart from his contributions to "live" online banner advertising, is the company culture.

The Publicis Media office is on Sydney Harbour in a converted warehouse with its own cafe, pool table and great views.

"The offices are funky and I work with a great bunch of people," he said.