Post Graduate

I'm walking in April, and getting my degree in August. It's okay, lots of people go to college for 6 years.
(image makes sense if you've seen the movie)----->

Now that it's coming to a close, the question is, what do I do next?

I've decided a few things on what I want in a career. My priorities are

1. Autonomy
2. Scalability
3. Flexibility
   

I have options, and I was wondering what everybody thought. In no particular order, I give you the ventures I'd like to start.

• Program Management: This would be similar to what I was doing last summer at MSNBC.com. I've met and networked with plenty of talented people with skills in design, business, and programming here in Utah. There are a wealth of corporate resources and investment-minded entrepreneurs. Given my enthusiasm for mobile technology, I've thought it would be fun to direct a team to develop applications for mobile phones. The industry is growing like crazy, and people are making fortunes almost on accident. I'm not expecting that, but it would be nice paying the rent by making my phone better. The market for Android applications is ripe. I was one of the first to buy the phone, but the platform will find itself on dozens of models over the next couple years, many more after that. I've started talking with my friend Zach who is of very like mind. He's already done quite a bit of footwork to put this into action, contacting local businesses for consultation and resources. I think I could make this work and really enjoy doing it.
• Video Production: This is an important part of my degree, and like I said, I have a technical penchant. Similar to the previous idea, I have met, worked with, and know quite a few people who are talented in pre-production, production, and post-production. There are opportunities here. I know there are, because there are already people working in this area. However, I think I would have an edge in pro-activity. I network well, and I don't think I would have an extremely hard time finding gigs. This morning I was working on the Morning Market Call. Dean Gary Cornia was the guest. We talked for a bit, and he asked what I wanted to do after graduation. I told him I'd toyed with the idea of starting a small production outfit, and he said to give him a call. The Marriott School wants to continue to be seen more and more, and has plenty of A/V needs. I would simply coordinate the production, using mostly student talent. I know only too well that students are cheap to hire.
• Voice Over and On Screen Talent: I've had more experience than most students doing this. My resume covers writing and performance for radio news, television news, live broadcasting, and other aspects of production. I have plenty of material to put together a good resume tape, and again, I don't think I'd have an extremely hard time finding gigs to get started. I have a pretty good idea who to approach, and I know there are jobs around here for that. Anywhere you hear a recorded announcement, a recorded phone message for business, a commercial on TV or radio, an audio tour, or an audio book, somebody got paid to do that. And they get paid well. It's the easiest work in the world (show up and read your lines), and I think I'm pretty talented at it.

I've got more and other ideas, but the long term plan is generally this.

1. Self Employ
2. Teaching
3. Politics
4. Service and Philanthropy

I want to be in charge of my own ventures. I have full confidence in my ability to manage teams and direct progress. I think I have the confidence of some very able and successful people, as well.

Starting this summer, though, I've got to put this into action. What do you all think? Ideas?

NOTE: Also, this summer I want to get in great shape, write a screenplay, date more, and a million other things.