When you don't even know where to start looking for a paying job, there are organizations and websites that can help you get started. You just need to put in the effort.

Job Postings
AIGA  American Institute of Graphic Artists
www.aiga.org*
Need to be a member to see jobs and internships.

Coroflot
www.coroflot.com

Aquent
Has job postings, but also places designers for temporary work (in metro areas).
aquent.us/

Craigslist
Depending on your area (mostly large metro areas), many firms will advertise openings for jobs and internships on this site.
www.craigslist.org

How much will I get paid? See the annual Design Salary Surveys that AIGA /Aquent compiles. See here.

Graphic Design: A Career Guide and Education Directory
How to Find Your First Job
Edited by Sharon Helmer Poggenpohl
The American Institute of Graphic Arts

Post your Portfolio
Get your work out there, who knows someone can see your work on these websites and want to hire you...you never know.

AIGA  American Institute of Graphic Artists
portfolios.aiga.org*
Need to be a member to upload your portfolio.

CMYK   CMYK Magazine
www.cmykmag.com/portfolios

Coroflot
www.coroflot.com

Professional organizations
These organizations not only give you a membership card, discounts for software and other equipment, they provide an opportunity for you to be part of a community of like-minded people. Never discount the opportunity that meeting someone at a organization function can give you.

AIGA  American Institute of Graphic Arts Chapters all over the nation—find your local chapter. Student-discounted memberships are available.
www.aiga.org

GAG  Graphic Artists Guild
For American visual creatives: design, web, illustration).
www.gag.org

AAF  American Advertising Federation
Sponsors many student chapters, as well as professional. "the AAF provides 8,000 advertising students with real-world case studies and recruitment connections to corporate America. "
www.aaf.org

SEGD Society for Environmental Graphic Design
www.segd.org
For international graphic designers, fabricators, students and educators involved in the field of environmental graphic design.

Chapters often need volunteers, which is a great way to get to know the design leadership in your community—They will take you more seriously if you put in the work of volunteering.


Notice: Don't pay attention if you don't want to get a job.