Graduation is an extremely exciting time. The only downer is the looming job hunt that comes straight after.

To gear you up for what’s to come, we spoke to three inspiring creative professionals to get some advice on how to land a job that you love.

#1 Don’t Expect To Get Lucky

In pretty much every case, if you want a job you’re going to have to work for it. Both Annie Te Whiu and David Stavanger, who co-produce the Queensland Poetry Festival, stressed the importance of volunteering in your community. It shows that you want to be involved in that industry in whatever way you can. “You want to make those genuine network connections,” Annie said.

Patrick Holland, author of The Mary Smokes Boys, agrees, saying, “Look for a side job always. Most likely that will be your main source of income, particularly if you’re going into a creative field such as writing.”

It’s OK to have other jobs to keep you afloat but remember to continue to chase what you love at the same time.

#2 Every Job Has Its Downsides

David Stavanger explained that there are many dry aspects to his and Annie’s job. They have a responsibility to create a successful program and that involves putting in the hard yards, meaning they find themselves working way beyond the contracted hours to meet expectations.

If you love your job, you have to understand that sometimes it’s necessary to give your life over to it. That’s the sacrifice you have to make.

#3 Don’t Get Hung Up On The Idea Of A “Dream Job”

“A ‘dream job’ absolutely exists in dreams,” David said. “However, if you do have one and can make it a concrete dream, then that’s an amazing thing. Just remember that dreams aren’t singular.”

“Just remember that dreams aren’t singular.”

Annie likens finding a job you love to snake and ladders, “You can get pulled in every direction and if you don’t keep an open mind you’ll miss the opportunities that this will bring you.”

#4 Create New Experiences

Travel is an amazing way to gain experience, but it’s not the only way. Annie’s biggest recommendation is to seek out voices that are completely different from your own. Learning from other cultures, personalities, and people is the best thing you can do to help yourself grow.

You can also seek out somebody you admire as a mentor. Don’t be afraid to ask them the questions that embarrass you. Watch them, and listen to everything they have to tell you. “Take risks, especially when you’re young,” Annie suggests. “Because without even knowing it you’ll start to get bogged down by the mundane. Try everything you can. Be rebellious.”

#5 Forget The Money

This may come as a shock to many of you, but having a job you love doesn’t always have to revolve around the salary. “Just love it, forget about the pay,” Patrick advises. “People will die trying to be popular and get rich from what they love but you need to realise that it’s probably not going to be the case.”

David encourages focusing on your passion rather than climbing up the corporate ladder. “Don’t let money drive you,” he says. “Let your passion in what you are doing be the deciding factor in your life.”

#6 Be Passionate

The key to finding a job you love is to really care for it and truly love doing it, not just like doing it some of the time. Patrick’s advice was to take from a variety of inspirations. “Absorb it from every aspect of your life,” he says. “Draw inspiration from everywhere, if that’s video games or movies or conversations you overhear. Take every part of that and use it to your advantage.”

Annie and David ‘s last piece of advice was to, “Actively engage with your community, contribute, to be a servant to the art form.” They also added, “Most importantly ask yourself what you can do for your passion.”

Finally, once you’ve scored that sacred position don’t forget to help out those below you and try to give out as many opportunities as you’re able.

Mackenzie is a recent graduate who currently has no idea what direction her career is going in. She tells people her hobbies include surfing and hiking to make her sound more interesting but really all she does in her free time is go out for coffee and brunch.