Once you've decided on the industry sector(s) you want to work in, and you've found out as much as possible about the main players; it's time to start knocking on doors.

Through your research you've probably developed a picture of the projects, potential employers in your area, and the organisations you could be calling for help. What about the contacts you've made so far? Have you done your homework and sorted them out into a database of useful contacts? Did you include people who could introduce you to other potentially useful people?

What next?
Think about how you could start to meet and ideally talk to some of these people. What do you want to achieve from a conversation with them? Write a short note (e-mails work quite well too) explaining that you're right at the beginning of your industry career and would greatly value some advice about... (something they have considerable experience of) and propose to arrange a short meeting.

Before you meet, make sure you get to know everything about them. Your ‘advisors' will expect you to have some knowledge of their projects, films or programmes, adverts, photographic style, games or any other area of business.

The main purpose of these visits is to make yourself known, introduce yourself; however, there may be a genuine possibility of getting work experience so you need to be prepared. Employers will expect you to have thought about the challenges you might face working on a particular project or production.

Take along a short CV, but don't be disappointed if they tell you they'll keep it on file. Rather, make sure to ask whether they can recommend other useful sources of advice or work experience and whether you could use their name when approaching other people.

Send a thank you note or e-mail after the meeting, as in any other business, time is highly valuable and you need to make sure they know you appreciate any window of opportunity.