Hello Interns,
Here is Blog Post #2.
In the book Careers in Media, you need to read/review the following:
1. Read Chapter 1 for an overview of the industry
2. Read the chapter related to the area in which you are most interested in working. This may or may not be connected to your current internship.
3. Throughout the book, there are Personal Profiles in which people describe how they got their job. You should read these whether they are in the chapter related to your area of interest or not. They provide helpful tips for job searching.
4. Read Appendix B: Employment websites
After doing the reading and reviewing the job search web sites, write an action plan for the next steps in your career based upon what you learned. If you are graduating, what do you need to do over the next two months in order to land a job? If you have a year or more before you graduate, what do you need to do to best position yourself to be successful when you do graduate?
Be specific. This should include everything from research you need to do on companies, to how you will improve your resume, to how you will put a plan together for networking within the industry. The more thoroughly you think about this (and then hopefully execute it), the more likely you will be to land the job you want. (You may bullet point your action plan, but the bullets should have some substance. For example, "Revise resume" is not an acceptable bullet point). If you have questions, come see me during office hours.
This blog post is due Monday, Nov. 3.
Just a reminder: You are receiving individual grades on each of your blog post questions based upon the quality of your engagement, reflection, and conversations with your peers.
Dr. Fuqua
I think the reading was very helpful in explaining how to plan ahead for the job you want. As the Spring semester nears, I find that many people asking me what I want to do after I graduate so goal setting is definitely important at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSince I still have over a month left of interning, over the next few weeks I plan on really building a strong presence. I've tried to create an impact on those around me while I've had the chance because even though I may not work with the same people in the future I know they are always there if I need a recommendation or reference down the line. Even though I am a web intern, I utilize my time in the studio after my work is done to talk to the other interns and learn more about what they do (ex. production). I also try to maintain an online presence through Twitter and the blogs on the show's website. After the internship is over, I hope to preserve the relationships I have with the people I currently work with through e-mail and social media. I have learned the importance of networking so I also plan to stay in contact with the other interns.
I try to have my resume updated and ready at all times since I am actively looking for internships and other opportunities. I try to keep it concise and to the point so whoever reads it is not overwhelmed with information. I have asked my current and previous supervisors as to what they look for in a resume so that I know what to focus on.
I had taken the Multimedia course offered through the Media Studies department before I became a web intern, but my interest in HTML and CSS coding has grown throughout this internship. I still have an entire semester left at Queens College so I plan to use that to my advantage. I've already started looking through CUNYFirst to see the Web Design courses that are offered by the Arts department because I want to be well rounded in multiple areas. From the work that I've completed in my classes so far, I've started to create a portfolio with some of my best work.
I chose to read the chapter on Audio and Radio. As stated in the book "Clear Channel Communications owns more radio stations than any other conglomerate." Luckily, every week I get the opportunity to sit in on the station meetings so I have been able to increase my knowledge of the company. As I look for internships and jobs in the future, I will try to learn more about the company before applying. I believe this will help me in personalizing my cover letter based on the company.
Going over Appendix B, I was familiar with a few of the websites, but I did not know the majority of them. I believe using the websites listed in the book along with others such as Glassdoor or Findspark will help me land the job that I want after I graduate.
By sticking to this plan I hope to achieve the goals that I have created.
-C. Lalwani
What a great mindset you have! By continuing the relationships and staying in touch with the people you have met through your internship is very important, email and social media is good to keep in mind but even a phone call here and there down the road will be a bit more personal. I really think that it is cool that you realize to make a strong presence, because you are absolutely right no matter who you end up working for, it is always a great recommendation that gets you the next opportunity…it is extremely valuable to stay positive and let it be known that you are giving it all you've got 24/7. Good look and congrats on graduating next semester!
DeleteBLOG POST #2:
ReplyDeleteI have learned through trail and error as to what I do want and what I don’t want, and I still continue to learn more and more everyday. I have really enjoyed my internship where I have been playing a big role in Public Relations. To my surprise, the book states that in the category of Advertising and Public Relations, all occupations will have an increase of 13.6 percent between 2006 and 2016. This makes me very happy because I am graduating in May 2015, it seems like the perfect timing to gain more experience in Electronic Media being Public Relations and Advertising. Another statement from chapter one stated, “Training in media must orient students to be creative, analytical, and adaptive thinkers.” This statement has proven to be true in my case because I definitely feel that throughout the past four years in college, I have developed a great amount of creativity than before, I have developed stronger critical thinking skills learning to analyze more in depth, and also overall I have become a quick and efficient thinker.
Since I am graduating in May 2015, I have already been preparing for what I want to accomplish next. With one more semester in mind, one of my goals is to really focus and put forth my best creative work and put it together to have a complete portfolio ready to go by the time I graduate. I then plan on using my portfolio as a selling point towards myself to prove to potential employer what I am capable of. I also always update and ask advice on my resume from mentors and peers so that I can easily send it over as soon as possible to any new opportunity that may come my way. My resume is very simple, clearly stating my strengths and the most impressive experience I have under my belt. Not too much clutter, I do not include what type of person I am, I keep it very professional and not personal at all. I also have a few different versions of my resume depending on whom it is being sent to, I always tailor it after researching exactly what the potential employer is seeking. My main goal is to meet with whomever I am trying to connect with in person so that way I can really explain more in depth to show my passion in a way that will benefit the company itself.
I do not have a set occupation in mind because I am a very open minded individual with a strong work ethic so I just know that I want to progress in the media related field. My main goal is to graduate from college first and foremost, and then attain a position that is paid that sparks my interest and grow from there. I always ask questions about what people do and how they did it. I am very outgoing and I always keep in mind to make as many connections as possible and I also love to reach out to friends and family to see if anyone knows anything or anyone that can propel me into an opportunity. Research is so important to me; I conduct research almost every single time I am on my laptop. The book really does provide amazing, useful websites that I honestly was not aware of before reading; entertainmentcareers.net was one that I have used and actually landed an interview with the Bill Cunningham Show where I was hired on the spot but decided to take on a different opportunity for this semester. All in all, my action plan is to keep on researching, networking, and keeping a realistic goal of starting with a company wherever they see I can start out in and then I will work my way up from there. I am a believer that one must start somewhere in order to gain experience, learn, and develop into a more suitable position and eventually allowing it to become a career of choice.
Kristiana,
DeleteI love that you embrace your outgoing personality as an asset to assist you in networking for your career. I think, especially in media and PR, it's important to be completely comfortable with yourself and embrace all you have to offer. I have found that in the beginning of my internship search, I was much more nervous about my lack of internship experience and I think it definitely showed when I was interviewed. Moving forward, I was able to embrace my qualities, such as my own outgoing personality and work ethic, and it definitely helped me land my internship, and several interviews for spring!
I'm so glad you use EntertainmentCareers.net, too! It's one of my favorite websites, even though it totally makes me wish I lived in Cali (they have awesome internships out there!!) I, too, always research on my laptop and find that it's super helpful!
Congrats on being one step closer to graduating in May with me!
Alexa,
DeleteThank you for your response! I would love to hear more about your internship possibilities for Spring. If you could intern in LA, what direction would you shoot for?
Kristiana,
DeleteI've had several interviews for Spring ranging from Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, a show on HBO that would allow me to utilize both my media studies skills and my journalism skills (I'm a journalism minor). Also, I've interviewed with a smaller production company called Saturation Productions, they do a lot of web series and more commercial productions, a lot of red carpet coverage for movie premiers. I have been contacted from NBCUniversal, as I applied early this semester to their 2015 Spring East Coast program, and they informed me that they submitted my application to Late Night with Seth Meyers and I will be contacted directly by the show if they wish to schedule an interview. I've also been in contact with Sirius XM for an interview for an internship with The Howard Stern Show. All of these are what I've been working on for next semester so far, I believe there is still a little time to apply to some companies. Many of them have told me they process the info. in October and conduct interviews in November, so I hope to hear back from a few more! I definitely am leaning towards Seth Meyers, Howard Stern, or John Oliver, mainly because I'm interested in comedy writing/production of a comedy series.
It's always been a DREAM of mine to move to Cali! They have a lot of improv. development and production internships and comedy production companies. I always wanted to intern for Chelsea Lately, because Chelsea Handler is one of my biggest inspirations, as she was the only female in late night television. However, her show has wrapped and she's starting a new deal with Netflix, who doesn't surprisingly take interns (odd.) I definitely think it's an advantage to be living in NYC or LA because most offices are based out of both cities, or just one. I just want some sunshine and warm weather :) and maybe a change of pace!
Do you have any perspectives for Spring?
Best,
Alexa
Before reading the book I just wanted to do “something” in the Media field. After working at my internship, I have decided to work in the “sales” field of New Media. Even though the reading opened up new career choices for me, I still want to pursue sales.
ReplyDeleteBeing in retail for 6 years helped me excel in client-facing environments. I am comfortable communicating with different personalities & work under pressure in busy environments – this will definitely help me in the long run if I want to pursue a career in media sales. The path I want to take requires a lot of networking & managing relationships with different levels of people. My internship is definitely helping me do that.
I graduate in December 2015. I plan on staying at my current company but move into another department for a different experience. It’s a start-up company where they are hiring someone every month. There’s definitely an opportunity & potential for growth. Although this may seem set in stone, I do have a back-up plan.
Reading through the profile in the book on how people obtained their jobs & knowing what their salaries are, I definitely plan on doing a Masters in Communications. It seems as if a Bachelor’s + some good connections may get you a job, but it may not pay as much I’d like to start off with. Hopefully obtaining a Masters will increase my chance in getting a higher paying job as an Account Manager or an Account Executive. Of course I’ll continue to build relationships & network as much as I can.
I’ve come to the conclusion that just applying to jobs may not help as much as knowing someone. Sites like indeed.com, careerbuilder.com or entertainmentcareers.net may help but it’s also about an individual’s luck. I applied many times through websites & it didn’t get me anywhere. Finally, I have tried out LinkedIn’s premium service for free where you are able to send messages & connect with professionals on a different level. Surprisingly I have gotten replies back. A lot of professionals are on LinkedIn posting & promoting their companies. I look for active people on LinkedIn who are either Executives or have a high position & try to connect with them. Over the next year, I plan on attending media networking events through my connections on LinkedIn. Having a casual coffee meeting someone for happy hour goes a long way. It’s about building a relationship.
I have had temporary positions at Shazam, CBS, Bad Boy Entertainment through temp agencies. I hope to continue to make build my resume over the next year to get as much experience as I can in order to land a job. It’s important to also keep my grades up & it’s a challenge for me now with all that is going on in my life – family, school, work, networking, etc. But I do feel confident that I am going in the right direction. Right now my current internship is helping me connect with people though various agency/ad events & start-up company events.
Earlier I mentioned I am interested in Advertising & PR – for now that is still a thought. It seems as if this field is more competition and the pay can vary. Sales may have a base salary but the commission is high. I hope my personality; strong management skills & determination to succeed will take me far.
I really hope all of us who are in this internship class comes out with the experience we want & that it helps us move one step further into our careers.
Start-up companies definitely have the potential for growth so it's great that you can network within the same company by moving into another department. It's smart that you have a back-up plan as well. I think it's interesting that you used LinkedIn to connect with other professionals in the same field, because it often can be difficult to get job/internship. Good luck!
DeleteAurthi,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I actually learned quite a bit from what you said. I never knew about temp agencies until I came here to New York. I am shocked you got a position with CBS through a temp agency, that is really impressive to me. I may look into a temp agency, because you can very well get lucky. I totally agree with you, it is all about relationships. I am very aware that life in general is revolved around relationships and I personally am learning and growing each day from realizing the importance of attaining and building relationships with people. You will do amazing with whatever you end up doing. Hard work pays off and so does a great attitude, good luck with everything and cheers to all of our futures!
Blog Post #2:
ReplyDeleteThe honest truth is that I never really thought it would be worth it to buy this textbook. But I will say that I have been surprised at how helpful it has been. Not necessarily in terms of this class, or doing assignments or papers, but in terms of helping gather a sense of what’s to come in the upcoming years. I am going to be graduating at the end of this year (hopefully). If I said that I’m not nervous about what’s going to happen after, I’d be lying. After working with many different people who have been down the same road as me, I am finally starting to get a grasp on the steps necessary to take starting as early as now.
My first step is to continue to make contacts and maintain the connections that I’ve made. There are so many people at SiriusXM that I have the opportunity of staying close with and in the long run it could be the difference between me getting a job and not. In a world where we like to believe that hard work is the only thing that you need, the reality of it is that the old saying is true, it’s not what you know but who you know.
My ultimate goal is to be a producer of a live television program. What I have learned is that there is a very definitive ladder to climb on my way up to that goal. The rungs on the ladder consist of Production Assistant, Associate Producer, Editor, and eventually Producer. Although I want so strongly to be a producer soon, I know that patience is what is going to lead me to the top. That said, I have begun re-connecting with people from my old internship about jobs as a Production Assistant and they are being more than helpful in trying to get a former intern back in the door. However I cannot just put all of my eggs into one basket. I have been scanning through Linkden to get in touch with people from different companies about PA openings in other places. Doing research on these companies beforehand is absolutely vital. The first thing I am always asked is, “Why this company specifically?” If you don’t know how to answer that question then you are off to a bad start. The main place I like to look for company info is a website called Glassdoor.com. There you find anonymous reviews from employees there about what it’s like to work there. I have found this website to be extremely helpful in deciding where I want to send my resume.
When I think about my future I can only really take it one step at a time, and finding a job as a PA is the only step I can take at this time. I surely don’t want to get too ahead of myself so early in my career.
Benji,
DeleteI really like that you're focusing on networking in your internship, at Sirius XM, I think it's a great way to build a network for your future career. I agree, a lot of times in media it's not what you know but who you know. I think that reaching out to past internships will be a great start for getting into production, I know that I've used past PA jobs as references and have kept in touch with my supervisors for support and guidance.
PS-I also want to be a producer of a live TV program, so maybe one day we'll end up working together, haha!
Benji,
DeleteYOU CAN DO IT! Glassdoor.com - Thanks for sharing I am definitely going to check this site out. I also really like how you make a point as to why someone wants to work for the company specifically. Research is SO important and the grass is not always greener on the other side so conducting the history on a business is very helpful to see if it is something one can handle or is even interested in. We have to all be patient and work hard to attain our highest desires. You WILL graduate, have faith & good luck to you!
I really like how practical your plan is. Getting back in touch with people from your past internships is a great idea and the fact that you're actively working to reach your goal of becoming a PA is amazing! Researching the companies before applying is definitely smart and it comes in handy during the interviews since many people do tend to ask "why do you want to work here." Good luck!
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