Column: Career Coach

Are you wondering what to give someone, who works in animation or aspires to this holiday season? Well, wonder no more. The Career Coach has the answer.

The Career Coach reflects on the events of September 11, 2001 and calls for us to work toward our goals and dreams today.

Part Two of a three-part series that describes the steps involved in different specialties of visual effects production, the specific skills required for each specialty as well as what the studios are looking for in a portfolio and demo reel.

Don't be ashamed of losing your job. Chuck Jones, Glen Keane and Steve Jobs were all out on the street once. Just regroup and take it as an opportunity to move up. Sometimes getting laid off gives you a chance to move up. If summer brings an involuntary vacation from work due to a layoff or downsizing, there are a few ways to get in shape and cope.

March signals the advent of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, which means spring cleaning and renewal. Whether you are working, unemployed or about to enter or re-enter the job market, here are some tips to make sure you are in shape for springing into action.

The beginning of the year often means making resolutions, but instead of making promises you might break, why not make goals? Make a master plan of what you would like to accomplish in the coming year(s). A goal is a dream with a deadline.

Whether you are a traditional character animator or a character animator who uses the computer (remember, it's just a tool) you will need a portfolio. All companies whether they are feature film producers or video game producers want the same basic stuff. Here are guidelines to putting together a portfolio that will help you get interviews. Remember a portfolio is a sales tool, like a resume and demo reel. The purpose is to get you an interview which could lead to a job.

It is important to understand there is a difference between an agent and a recruiter, what they do, how to work with them, and how they are paid.

Every employer wants to find the right person. Targeting the companies you are interested in, learning about their operations and future plans, is an important step in landing the job you really want. Your diligent research will pay off in the interview because you will impress them by your knowledge and enthusiasm for their company - you know how you can contribute.

Don't let your cover letter and resume become another piece of "junk mail." The cover letter is a sales tool - use itto sell your knowledge, skill and experience. Make it clear that you understandthe needs and goals of the company and that you can hit the ground runningwhen you are hired...

If you are an artist, it is essential that you have an outstanding portfolio and demo reel. The purpose of the resume, portfolio and demo reel is to get you an interview with someone who can hire you. They are marketing materials--prepare them with care.

In this age of email, many of us have forgotten the fine art of how to use the phone. I'm on the phone all day long and people with poor phone etiquette make my job difficult. Here are some career-enhancing tips for good phone manners