1. TV presenter
OK, we all know that this career is not an easy option, but there are now more channels than ever, and the many who succeed say it was worth the suffering in the end. Most TV presenters are graduates, but enthusiasm and the right personality tend to be more important than education. It's never too early to start chalking up some experience, so get stuck into amateur dramatics or voluntary work with hospital radio. You can also gain experience at your local video workshop.

Getting any job in television requires total commitment. Many start as low-paid runners with a production company and then use their networking skills and enthusiasm to get to the top. Use media directories such as The PACT to identify the right people to contact.

2. Holiday rep
Life as a resort representative is challenging, varied and fun. Just the thing if you like travelling, meeting people, organising and solving problems. You need to be able to work in a team and speak good, clear English. Having at least one other language is a big advantage. It's essential to be able to keep smiling, as you will be on duty round the clock, and you will have to deal with some daunting problems. Every day is different, so it's not for anyone who wants a 9–5 routine.

If you fancy this type of work, apply directly to the tour companies or trawl the recruitment agencies. There's a growing demand for holiday reps, and you can specialise in any type of holiday.

3. Estate agent
This job is just up your street if you are bright, enthusiastic and interested in property. There's lots of scope because the industry is buoyant and expanding fast. Although the larger companies offer a graduate training package, this is one career in which personal qualities and abilities are almost more important than education. You'll need to develop good negotiation skills, local knowledge of property values and shrewd commercial judgement. Your effort will be rewarded with variety, challenge, people contact and the possibility of advancement. Much of the work is as part of a team, but there are also opportunities to make an individual contribution.

Once you land a job, you may be expected to study for a professional qualification in estate agency.

4. Events planner
Lots of us enjoy organising events and watching people have fun. But this job isn't just about wedding receptions and parties – you could be arranging meetings, conferences, sports events, exhibitions or concerts.

Enthusiasm, energy and a good track record are vital. There's strong competition for jobs, so any relevant qualification could put you ahead of the game. In terms of previous experience, work within the hotel trade or tourism is useful. Some people start by working at the bottom level – you could be stuffing envelopes, stewarding or collecting tickets.

5. Public relations consultant
PR work is an absolutely fabulous career for those who enjoy gossiping, networking and socialising. But more than lunches and launches, the job is about raising the awareness of a company, product or person through the media. This involves copy writing, sorting press clippings, compiling press packs – and much more. Your key role is to convince editors and programmers to publish your press release. Like all creative careers, this is an extremely competitive market, so you'll need a degree, relevant work experience and determination. Potential employers will look for evidence of great writing skills, the ability to build positive relationships quickly and excellent organisational skills.