5 answers
Siva
Student
Singapore
1
Question
Asked
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How do I start off working in the media?
Hi I am interested and fascinated by the things that go on in the media more than anything and I believe that is where my passion lies but am so nervous of failing and ending up with nothing. #acting #theater #art #media #writing
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5 answers
Pattie Shieh-Lance
Corporate Communications
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Pattie’s Answer
You need to decide which area of the media you want to be in. There are so many who think they want to be a star and that’s as far as they’ve thought it through. Be realistic about what your goals are.
Then define what is success and what is failure. Now ask yourself what are you willing to do to get the job you want? Will you work multiple jobs? Will you start at the bottom? Will you move across the world? Will you live with roommates because you’re in a city with high cost of living? Do you need a steady paycheck or can you hustle between jobs?
If failure scares you, then the media might not be the place for you. I was a TV reporter for decades and let me tell you, you need a really thick skin to survive. My brother is an actor in LA who deals with rejection and uncertainty all the time.
But I bet you are stronger than you think and more brave than you realize. If you don’t try, will you always wonder? Be kind to yourself and change your narrative. What is “end up with nothing”? Every experience can teach you something and all of them make up the person you are or will become.
Then define what is success and what is failure. Now ask yourself what are you willing to do to get the job you want? Will you work multiple jobs? Will you start at the bottom? Will you move across the world? Will you live with roommates because you’re in a city with high cost of living? Do you need a steady paycheck or can you hustle between jobs?
If failure scares you, then the media might not be the place for you. I was a TV reporter for decades and let me tell you, you need a really thick skin to survive. My brother is an actor in LA who deals with rejection and uncertainty all the time.
But I bet you are stronger than you think and more brave than you realize. If you don’t try, will you always wonder? Be kind to yourself and change your narrative. What is “end up with nothing”? Every experience can teach you something and all of them make up the person you are or will become.
Brian P. D. Hannon
Journalist / Former College English and History Teacher
38
Answers
Bangkok, Thailand
Updated
Brian P. D.’s Answer
Try to learn as much as you can about whatever area of the media interests you most. Read or watch everything you can so you understand as much as possible about how the industry works and where you might like to fit into it. Seek out specific people you have seen or read or heard and admire and then, if possible, ask for their advice. And also try to meet people in the area where you live who have similar careers or interests and talk to them about what they have done that might help you as well. And never be afraid to try something. You might fail, but you might not. There is nothing worse than failing only because you did not try. If you do not get the results you hoped for at first, whether it is an internship or a job or some other opportunity, do not give up. It is very rare for people to achieve complete success from a first attempt. Keep trying and learn lessons from what went wrong and what you did right. Then each time you make another attempt to reach your goal you will have the knowledge you gained from your previous attempt and will be able to do better each time. Good luck.
Natasha Clark
Journalist
4
Answers
Alexandria, Virginia
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hi there,
If you're interested in working in media, here's some guidance on getting started.
1. The only way to figure out what type of media you want to work in is by getting your feet weight. I have mentored tons of budding journalists who after interning for a week realized they did not in fact like print journalism. So first, I would see what internship options there are in television, print/online, radio and multimedia. The cool thing about being a journalist these days is that technology and multimedia allow you to work across many different platforms (video, writing, audio). You may want to start out with a multimedia internship as it may get you some experience in all areas.
2. Understand that journalism is a privilege and that there are rules and regulations we follow. The AP Stylebook is basically our bible. Grab a copy and flip through it to get a better understanding about our work.
3. Reach out to some news organization reporters and ask if they'd be willing to hop on a 15-minute call to tell you a bit about their experience. You can also join a media Facebook group and ask questions.
4. Don't worry about failing. Journalism has some of the MOST transferrable job skills ever. Journalists know how to: fact-check, write, research, communicate, curate resources, etc. If you don't find success in it, you can easily take your skills and transition to another industry.
If you're interested in working in media, here's some guidance on getting started.
1. The only way to figure out what type of media you want to work in is by getting your feet weight. I have mentored tons of budding journalists who after interning for a week realized they did not in fact like print journalism. So first, I would see what internship options there are in television, print/online, radio and multimedia. The cool thing about being a journalist these days is that technology and multimedia allow you to work across many different platforms (video, writing, audio). You may want to start out with a multimedia internship as it may get you some experience in all areas.
2. Understand that journalism is a privilege and that there are rules and regulations we follow. The AP Stylebook is basically our bible. Grab a copy and flip through it to get a better understanding about our work.
3. Reach out to some news organization reporters and ask if they'd be willing to hop on a 15-minute call to tell you a bit about their experience. You can also join a media Facebook group and ask questions.
4. Don't worry about failing. Journalism has some of the MOST transferrable job skills ever. Journalists know how to: fact-check, write, research, communicate, curate resources, etc. If you don't find success in it, you can easily take your skills and transition to another industry.
ho Weng tong
sale
8
Answers
Macau
Updated
ho’s Answer
Try your best!!
I think you will find the good way to work.
This is a good social media for you.
I think you will find the good way to work.
This is a good social media for you.
Babs Manyi
Actress , Writer , Model
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Babs’s Answer
Hay ! This is a great question!
So firstly I would say build your confidence start watching motivational figures. This way you will begin to firstly see that failing is the key to success. It sounds corny but being in media requires you to be okay with starting out somewhere what that might be make it your best.
Will Smith talks a lot about failing forward so look him up too ! Media requires a strong sense of self so be comfortable with you first , the rest is hard work and consistency.
So firstly I would say build your confidence start watching motivational figures. This way you will begin to firstly see that failing is the key to success. It sounds corny but being in media requires you to be okay with starting out somewhere what that might be make it your best.
Will Smith talks a lot about failing forward so look him up too ! Media requires a strong sense of self so be comfortable with you first , the rest is hard work and consistency.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question!
Siva