Entry-level Demo Reel Advice

I recently graduated with my degree in multimedia and wish to work in the video world. My main interest is editing, but since I'm trying to get my foot in the door, I'm open to pretty much anything that can put me in that direction.

I'm having trouble putting together my demo reel. Not because I find it hard but because I don't know what employers are expecting. I know they want it short and contact information both at the beginning and the end. My problem is the middle. A lot of examples I watched are a montage to a sound track. Is that what is expected or is it ok to put the actual videos in it? I'm thinking intro clip with music, actual video, intro to next video, actual video, etc.

I only have videos I made during college for the tv station and projects, nothing from a professional job. The videos themselves I already shortened or are short PSAs and news packages. I know editing it this way shows I can put together a video from conception to production, but it doesn't give much room for creativity. I figured I can show creativity with the intro.

Any feedback about demo reels or finding an entry-level job in general is appreciated.

Carla
Pittsburgh, PA