Four Realizations That Helped Me Launch My Career in TV
For recent graduates, especially in the field of journalism, we all know employers aren’t necessarily knocking down the door to hire us. If you are one of the few that were able to cross the stage with a guaranteed full-time position, more power to you! The rest of us still trying to navigate through post-grad limbo will need to gain the major keys of patience and consistency in order to land our first station job. Here’s how I landed my first job as a reporter.
1. Saturate your connections
Between the time I walked across the stage and the moment I got my first interview, I sent out over 100 applications and links to my demo reel. I called News Directors, emailed stations, and even reached out to former classmates working in other markets to get their advice.
2. A “no” is just a reason to grind for a “yes”
Although discouraged by all the stations that passed up on me, I was still persistent. Being persistent and patient has to be one of the biggest lessons I learned in my job search after college and still continuing to learn how to master now. It’s so hard to have patience when we live in a society that is obsessed with instant gratification but trust me it will pay off!
3. Your first job will not be your dream job
Another thing many people make the mistake of doing as they begin their career is underestimating the power of taking something you might not be crazy about to get you where you want to be. Right out of school I found myself back home as an editorial intern for Global Grind. I never saw myself as a print journalist, but taking on that experience as I waited for my next opportunity helped me continue to build up my resume, and gain new mentors that I still look to more than four years later. Don’t be afraid to come out of your comfort zone and take something that might be outside of your immediate career plans.
4. Stay confident during the process
The most important aspect to remember throughout this process is to never lose confidence! I remember first starting out and thinking that because I wasn’t getting any calls back that I wasn’t good enough, but rarely is that ever the case. There are so many things that go into hiring the right person for a station, outlet, network, or what have you. Sometimes it’s location, other times money, and sometimes it may just be that the employer thinks you have the potential to go for something greater than what you’re looking at. You have the tools to be a successful candidate and don’t let anyone tell you different!
Above all, the three main things to remember in this process are to be persistent, stay confident, and remember there’s plenty of successful people that have been in your shoes!
What’s your journey been like so far? Share in the comments below!
