Figuring Out What’s Next? Insights From Top Media Organizations — Medium

Figuring Out What’s Next? Insights From Top Media Organizations “I don’t care about your passions. I want to know what you can bring to the table,” says Kirsten Danis, Managing Editor at The Marshall Project. The Marshall Project was just one of 16 organizations that I was fortunate enough to visit during the inaugural University of Oregon SuperJ-in-NYC trip. One thing that all of these media organizations had in common was the emphasis on personal branding and developing career skills while in college. With more than 20 million students enrolling to American colleges and universities, it is important to develop a personal brand that will set you apart from the rest. Kelsey Arendt, Customer Success Manager at Parse.ly, says, “Capitalize on the things that you’re already doing well on.” Kelsey continued with, “If you can identify what you think success looks like, then you can set those benchmarks.” I am now being hired to capture special moments from students to institutions all because of capitalizing on something I excelled at. I did not become good at photography overnight. Believe it or not, the fancy camera can’t actually figure out the settings with the click of the button. I went out and practiced, practiced, and practiced. In addition to practicing at home, I joined yearbook, and volunteered to cover many University of Oregon events. This experience is what helped me land gig after gig. Which brings me to my next point… You won’t get far without having experience under your belt. This may come in the form of paid or unpaid internships, volunteering, contract work, personal projects and so on. Experience in the field of your desire is not optional. It is what potential employers will expect you to have. It is important to note that this will look different for everyone. Marcos Saldivar, Senior Manager, Partnerships & Content for The Huffington Post says, “Never discount your experience. We all have a unique vantage point.” Gain experience and then go for it. “Biggest mistake in career and life is to count yourself out. Let someone else say no, don’t say no to yourself,” said Lydia Serota, Marketing Edits Team at The Wall Street Journal As spring term winds down, many of you may be thinking about the next chapter of your life. I asked The Huffington Post panel to reflect on their college experiences and share what they wish they knew as a student. The talented, young and diverse panel comprised of: Abigail Williams, Associate Social Media Editor, Marcos Saldivar, The HP Partnerships & Content, Tyler Kingkade, Senior College Editor & Reporter, Rowaida Abdelaziz, World Social Media Editor, Matt Jacobs, Senior Manager, Film guru and Entertainment Editor, Jessica Kane, Lifestyle Editor, and Julia Bush, Associate Social Media Editor. Bush says, “Finding a place that fits you is really important. Be 100 percent yourself. Be 100 percent on your resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter.” With that said, be careful to not jump on the first opportunity you receive. If you do not feel like yourself at the environment then change it. You must do what is best for you. Abdelaziz says, “Being a minority, I got told ‘no’ often and not because of my skill set, but because of my looks.”…”Don’t let the industry break you. You need to develop thick skin. Know your worth. Don’t compromise your values.” Williams says, “The willingness to step out of your comfort zone can’t be overstated.” As I stated in my key takeaways from visiting The Huffington Post blog, “Sometimes we doubt ourselves, others doubt us, but this visit has help me realize that the impossible, can be possible. That dreams can come true. That I should follow my passion and do so without self-doubt or fear. I am very inspired.”