A few weeks ago I was asked to be on a panel at Fairfield University to discuss my experiences in the media business. My fellow panelists held a variety of careers within the media world. They included an accomplished journalist formerly from ABC News now working as the managing editor for TheShriverReport.org, a newspaper reporter with 30 years' experience, a book publishing editor, a video producer and a video designer.
Before the discussion began the event organizer and fellow panelist, Audra Martin (video producer for Group SJR), informed us to be as honest as possible and not sugarcoat the reality of the job market or our collective foray into the media business. Audra also pointed out that over half these students will graduate from college without ever having an internship. The panel was insightful and the students asked incredible questions. I've highlighted the three main takeaways.
Don't dismiss internships
Internships have been getting a bad rap the last few years due to some companies being sued and some deleting their programs all together – like the media magnate Hearst. You can take a class, read countless books, ace every exam on a topic but that doesn't at all compare to experiencing it firsthand. Internships are very valuable, every student no matter if you're hoping to work in sales, finance, tech or media should have at least one under their belt. It's a daunting process to narrow down an internship opportunity – especially if your college career department doesn't have the right contacts.
Don't be afraid to look up opportunities on your own by tapping into your network. Reach out to former professors, family and friends and previous employers. You never know whose cousin's college roommate might be able to score you a great experience. A great untapped asset is connecting with former alumni forinformational interviews. You can get a list of contacts from your career department or by doing a search on LinkedIn. If you also decide to apply for internships directly on an employer's website make sure you reach out directly with the hiring manager as well. Don't trust that sending your resumes to internships@thebestcompanyever.com will get you noticed. Instead, utilize your research skills and find out who the hiring manager and follow up with them directly.
Be persistent with a purpose
"How many emails and calls is too many," asked several student who were eager to get noticed but didn't want to become an annoyance to a potential employer. The panel was in agreement that in order to get noticed you need to be a squeaky wheel. On an average day we collectively agreed that we receive 100-200 emails. It's very easy for something to get lost which is why it's essential to follow up. When you are following up always respond with something that , "I read this article on TechCrunch and thought you would find it interesting" or "I attended this marketing lecture and it made me think about what we discussed in our meeting."
The other point to consider is that when you are reaching out to someone in hopes of a meeting, job, or information you need to have done your homework and create an "in". Study the person you are contacting. Read their LinkedIn Profile, study their company and career history. Use this information to your advantage over email, "I read your article on PR trends and learned a ton" or "I see you work on the Today Show – I'm such a huge fan. I especially love the Orange Room." This is your in. Chances are the people you are emailing know why you are contacting them but going the extra mile and doing your homework turns your "ask" into a relationship.
No one has their dream career at 21
When you graduate it's very easy to 'assume' that you'll be starting at the top (or close to it) – especially when you look at successful millennials like Mark Zuckerberg, Lena Dunham and Instagram founder Kevin Systrom. Except that is very rarely the case. Most people start at entry-level positions -– and that's OK. Learning the ropes, watching from the sidelines and getting in tune with office dynamics will help shape your professional persona. Chances are you'll be interviewing and submitting dozens of resumes after graduation. The job market is constantly growing, changing and adapting.
There are so many different types of jobs out there. I've seen countless people pass up great opportunities because it wasn't their 'dream job.' That dream gig might never find you. If you get a job offer that sounds great and interests you – take it. The time to experiment is in your 20s. Take risks, learn new things and be open to new experiences. You don't have a family to support or mortgage payments to worry about. Take that hourly-wage earning, 3-month production assistant job on the latest Scorsese film.
9 Best Gifts for Graduates
According to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) 1,606,000 students will earn their bachelor's degree in 2014. Chances are you might know someone who recently received their diploma. If you're unsure of what to give a recent college graduate, I've put together nine gift ideas every graduate could appreciate.
Show me the money. Nothing says "Congrats" like cold hard cash. Seriously though, you can never go wrong with money. Recent graduates are commonly low on savings and would rather have money than another tech gadget.
Noise canceling headphones. Whether they're commuting to the office, running to job interviews or tuning out a loud co-worker, noise canceling headphones are essential to staying focused. Your first few months on the job can be tough. It's hard to get used to working on your own while blocking out another person's conference call, a metro announcement or a meeting in another cube.
Wardrobe styling session. Having a stylist might sound like a luxury but it isn't. It's an investment. Plenty of traditional stores like Ann Taylor, Bloomingdale's or evenJ. Crew have an in-store stylist for no extra cost. Most graduates have no idea what a work wardrobe should look like or how career outfits should fit their bodies. Having a stylist's experience and expertise will help make sure they pick a chic professional wardrobe that will help them blend into the working world.
Luggage. When you start your first job, you never know when you'll get called on a business trip. A hiking backpack and a polka dot print roller will not do. A classic black four-wheel, durable carry-on roller is something every professional needs. A briefcase and a classic handbag also enhance a new graduate's style as they take on the job market.
Personalized stationery. In a world of ever-changing technology, there's nothing more traditional and personal than receiving a handwritten note. Stationery is essential for graduation gift thank you notes but also for job interview follow-up letters. Minted has great template options to choose from.
Business cards. New graduates will be tossed into the job market meeting new people, leveraging connections and entering conferences and job fairs. While they might not be employed yet – creating a professional business card with their contact information will help express their professionalism in the space. VistaPrintand TinyPrints are all great options. A business card holder is also helpful for those cards to stay clean and crisp while you're passing them out.
Watch. If you want to spend a bit extra on your graduate – get them a classic timepiece. Not only will it be their go-to accessory when applying for jobs – they'll keep it for years. Watches are timeless. They symbolize hard work and growth.
Inspirational book. Send your graduate a copy of your favorite book that helped (or still helps) motivate you. There are many popular career related books likeLean In for Graduates, The Confidence Code, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Peopleor I Just Graduated...Now What. Another classic is Dr. Seuss's Oh the Places You'll Go.
Gift cards. Maybe the thought of giving just money is too impersonal. Instead, choose a generic American Express gift card for your graduate to spend on items he or she needs. You'll be covering your bases getting them something they can actually use on items you might not even know they need.
Top Tips from 2014 Commencement Speeches
College and high school graduations are in full swing. Alongside the pomp and circumstance come the highly celebrated commencement speeches from politicians, business executives and celebrities. Here's a sweep of celebrity career tips from 2014 commencement exercises.
Charlie Day:
"It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' actor Charlie Day spoke to the graduates of his alma mater, Merrimack College.
"Create a job instead of waiting for it to happen. Don't wait for your break, make your break. Make it happen for yourself."
"I don't think you should do what makes you happy. I think you should do what makes you great. What's uncomfortable and scary, what pays off in the long run. Be willing to fail. Let yourself fail. Without this struggle – what is success anyway?"
"You are going to change the world in big ways and in small."
And adding a bit of humor, "I sound like a 10-year-old smoker."
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Katie Couric
The talk show host addressed the class of 2014 at American University.
"You are entering the professional world at a time of breathtaking change and uncertainty. But I am very excited about the future. And I think you should be too."
"A solid work ethic, a lot of initiative, a positive attitude will serve you well."
"I have faced setbacks and disappointments and sorry to say so will all of you. You may take some wrong turns and lose your way but you'll get back on track."
"Do what's best and what works for you. Only you know when to lean in, lean out or lie down."
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Elin Nordegren
Elin Nordegren (Tiger Woods' ex-wife), was chosen as the Outstanding Senior of Rollins College earning a 3.96 GPA.
"When I entered my student adviser office in the fall of 2005 I was 25 years old and had just recently moved to America. I was married without children. Today, nine years later, I'm a proud American and I have two beautiful children...but I'm no longer married."
"Education is the one thing that no one can take away from you."
"Every single day we each have an opportunity to keep on learning and to infuse the learning with meaning. I believe we each have the responsibility to pass on the importance of education to our children and future generations."
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Sean Combs
Sean Combs formally known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy and Diddy addressed the students of Howard University. He dropped out of Howard to pursue his music career.
"I can't wait to live in the world you are about to create...I can't wait to watch you change the world."
" I want you to remember three things, Number one, I want you to never be afraid to make a decision. Be decisive. Don't be afraid to fail. Be fearless. Number 2, I want you to remember the power of you. You are the most powerful generation this world has ever seen. Number three, Can't stop, won't stop."
"I don't want you to dream. I want you to do. Close your eyes and dream. Then open your eyes and see."
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Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock spoke at Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans. Bullock donated to the school after it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
"Stop worrying so much. Stop being afraid of the unknown."
"Raise the bar higher."
"Nothing is a failure; it's just not supposed to work out that way. Something better is supposed to come along."
AP
Janet Yellin, Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, spoke at NYU's 2014 commencement.
"Listening to others, especially those with whom we disagree, tests our own ideas and beliefs. It forces us to recognize, with humility, that we don't have a monopoly on the truth."
"There is an unfortunate myth that success is mainly determined by something called "ability." But research indicates that our best measures of these qualities are unreliable predictors of performance in academics or employment. Psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth says that what really matters is a quality she calls "grit"--an abiding commitment to work hard toward long-range goals and to persevere through the setbacks that come along the way."
"Serious decisions about life surely lie ahead, but take the time to savor the joys, large and small that come along the way. Share those joys with others, and share a laugh when you can."
> Watch this awesome Navy SEAL Commander address the University of Texas, Austin
6 Job Tips for Recent Graduates
You have a few months to go before you say Sayonara to school and officially become a working professional. You might have taken Psych 101 but chances are you never took a class on how to get a job or what to do when you scored your dream gig.
What if you're applying for your first job...ever: If you've recently graduated from a Masters, MBA or undergraduate program your first thought will most likely be...I have NOTHING to put on my resume. I have never worked! Except, that isn't exactly true. List your hobbies, clubs, conferences, volunteer experiences and activities you are a part of. Have you ever had a leadership role (class president, yearbook editor, captain of JV Field hockey) list it! You should also include what you learned from your school courses; business, teamwork, computer programs, marketing skills, public speaking, etc. All of these items should be a part of your resume. You'll see how quickly your resume fills up after some analysis.
Conquering a job interview: Be prepared. You would never show up to class without reading an assignment and same goes for a good interview. Come armed with information about the company, your boss, and your role. Sign onto LinkedIn and study the Company Page and the career trajectory of your hiring manager.
Be wary of pushy parents: Your parents will always want the best for you but there is a professional line they should never cross. Under no circumstance should your mom and dad be at the interview with you or apply for you. Think I'm kidding? A parent at my firm did just that. He didn't see anything odd about asking me to hire his daughter to be an intern and tell me how great she would be, how he'd be involved and how much he'd be "checking in."
Your parents would never take a test for you or sit in your Spanish class...I hope... same rules apply for the office. You should ask your parents to reach out to their network of co-workers, clients, and friends to see if someone might know of a job opening up. After that, YOU need to be the first point of contact -- not your mom. You could also ask your parents to review your resume or help you with a mock interview. After that, though, you are on your own.
When the new boss is always M.I.A.: If you only have a ask your questions the first few minutes of the day. Let them know you are interested in the business and want to be the best employee for them. Have an idea? Let them know that moving the straws next to the soda cups creates efficiency.
When the office is cliquey: High school cliques annoyingly also exist off campus. Often times these mean girls will at first see you as a threat. Be as friendly as you can to them and try to learn. Make them feel like they are the BMOC. However, if they are still icy – do your best to ignore them. Don't let it get to you and focus on the job at hand.
Ready for a promotion? Before you ask, make sure you deserve it. Here's a list of 4 questions you need to ask yourself:
- Are you helping the company's bottom line?
- Are you punctual and working overtime if you have last-minute client requests?
- Have you been there longer than six months?
- Have you felt that you've made your boss' life easier and are taking on more responsibilities?
If so -- go in for the ask. If not, be the best employee you can be and ask for a promotion 30 days down the line. If you are asking, make sure you come prepared with reasons why you have earned this. Have sales increased since you started? Are you able to get through your work much faster than other employers? Have you created a business website or helped with the social media strategy? Are you volunteering for projects outside your typical responsibilities?
Making a grand & graceful exit: Your employer knows that you won't be at their firm forever. Set up a meeting to chat privately. Start off the conversation by letting them know how amazing it has been to work there (even if it wasn't) and how much you have learned from them as a boss. Then let them know you'll be leaving and will give 2 weeks' notice so they have time to find someone to replace you.
Always end on good terms with a boss – you never know if you'll want the job again down the line or which business owners your boss is friends with in town. You'll also want to count on them for a reference.
Reality Check for Graduates
Last night, I was asked to take part in a career panel at Fairfield University. As a primer for the event, the founding organizer and Video Producer for Group SJR, Audra Martin, let us know that over half of these students will graduate from college without ever having had an internship. She also instructed us to not sugar coat anything and be as honest as possible about our after college experiences. It was a great event with a ton of amazing panelists who were real and truthful about their career paths.
Internships are important: The best way to learn about an industry is to roll up your sleeves and do it. Of course you can sit in your classes and learn from a book, but there is no substitute for being in the working world. If your school has a less than stellar career department (and most do due to budget cuts), you need to do the work on your own, which is actually better. No one is going to hold your hand through your job search so why not go full speed into searching for an internship? The first stop is to reach out to your network. Ask your professors if they have any contacts in the industry, contact former alumni for informational interviews, reach out to family and friends that might be able to point you in the right direction. LinkedIn is a great networking tool. Use it to your advantage by researching openings and connecting with hiring managers directly as opposed to blindly applying to internship@amazingjob.com. You’ll find out that you’ll get many more responses when dealing with a real person.
Be persistent without being annoying: One student asked how to get noticed without feeling like a pest. The trick is that in order to get noticed you need to be a squeaky wheel – especially in the media field. My inbox is filled to the brim with “Asks” and I do my best to get back to people but sometimes an email can get lost. This is why it’s important to keep checking in. The other point to consider is that when you are reaching out to someone in hopes of a meeting, job, or information you need to have done your homework and create an “in”. Study the person you are contacting. Read their LinkedIn Profile, member posts, blog anything on the web is fair game. Learn about their experience and the company they currently work for and previous ones too. Use this information to your advantage over email, “I read your article on PR trends and learned a ton” or “I see you work on the Today Show – I’m such a huge fan. I especially love the weekly segment about women ‘Having it All.'” This is your in. Chances are the people you are emailing know why you are contacting them but going the extra mile and doing your homework turns your “ask” into a relationship.
Don’t expect a dream job at 21: Congrats on graduating, entering the workforce and officially becoming an adult. Chances are you’ll be interviewing and submitting dozens of resumes after commencement. Chances are you’ll apply for jobs that aren’t exactly your dream job and that’s OK. We can’t all be Lena Denham and produce, star, and write major TV shows. You need to start at the bottom to get ready for your move to the top. When you are just starting out you have no idea how many different types of jobs are truly out there. Don’t sit on your thumbs waiting for the exact one to come along – because it might never come along. If you get an interesting offer – take it. Your 20s are the time to experiment, learn new things and more importantly – take risks. You don’t have a family to support so if you want to take a freelance TV production gig that has awful hours, low pay and no benefits – do it now!