unfortunate part about degrees... they get you past Human
   Resources.. but there's other ways to get past human resources.
   Their job is to block people, sadly.

   Best way to get a creative job? Find a company you want to work
   for. Learn everything about it that you can. But don't worry so
   much about what job you get - it doesn't have to be in graphic
   design at first. Once you're in, you can migrate over when the
   opportunity arrives.

   Also big suggestion, find "WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE?" and
   read it, understand it. Any version. Been around forever, but
   the exercises really help you see where your true skill sets are
   and it has great advice on navigating the job market. The
   ILLUSION:
   Get Degree. Fill out application. If you match qualifications,
   you get job.

   The REALITY:
   Many job applications are put there for show. The job was
   already filled. Many applications will be a waste of time and
   get stuffed in a drawer. They put out the "call for jobs"
   because, by law they have to. But they already know who they are
   putting in.

   It's a show, a sham and a scam.

   Human Resources make a big fuss about their position but they're
   merely gatekeepers. They keep people out. The people IN the
   business probably _want you_. Go straight to THEM and let them
   deal with human resource hassles.

   You find them by learning about the company you want to work
   within. Know what they do. Know how you will fit. You don't have
   to know everything to get a job - you just have to *appear to be
   capable of learning*. Everybody gets a grace period of 3 weeks
   to 6 months to "get their feet wet". As long as you look
   capable, are likable to the person hiring (don't worry about
   human resources - do their paperwork but they're not the
   priority, even though they act like it)

   Easiest way to get work and most honest?

   TEMP.

   Temp agencies. As many as you can. Test with them. Find out what
   companies around that they serve. Learn about the companies they
   serve and have a preference for a particular one. Express your
   preference. Don't be afraid to say "no" to opportunities if you
   want but don't be afraid to take new challenges if they come up.

   Glow. You have to glow. You don't have to be perfect... but that
   magical something inside of you, even if it's full of fear,
   sweating, nervous - that stuff is normal and they expect it. But
   if you're glowing, you're in. I always glow. I didn't believe it
   but now I do. I believed I was the answer to all their problems
   and I could do *anything* and it shows through. Temp agencies
   aren't the only answer of course. But they bypass the whole
   human resources BS. I don't have a diploma of any kind. But I
   always got work that "requires a [insert letters]", whether temp
   or perm. Doesn't mean everybody can or will, but having lived
   it, I know it's possible. And if I can do it _without_ a
   diploma... having one is even better At the same time, my stuff
   was always computers. Never met a computer i couldn't beat, a
   language I couldn't learn if I had to. I don't know how it works
   with graphic design. I just had to give the appearance of "holy
   shit this guy is smart - we need him" and learned while I was on
   the job as fast as I possibly could. I exceeded what they
   expected every time... til I got bored anyway. When I got bored
   with a job it was bad and I slowed down. A lot. But I burn hot
   and fast and as long as they fed me good compliments, I'd give
   them all I got. No idea if this helps you at all.. but hopefully
   there's _something_ in there that might be useful.