Ok, something has changed, how do I......Follow

I haven't played in a year, but am finally back in biz. Back then....I was able to get work orders right away, but now I am level 16 in craftsmanship and still am told I need more exp or something like that before I can get a work or rush order. I thought that when you chose your specialization, i.e. craftsmanship, scholar, or outfitter, that opened it up. And yet I am still not able to get the orders.

Can someone tell me what has changed? What do I need to do now?