My First Job: Networking Works to Break into Entertainment Arena

Name: April Seelig
Age: Depends on who’s asking ;-)
Current Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Year Graduated: May 2010
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Entertainment Management
School: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
First Job: Digital Account Executive
Company/Type of Company: TV Station
Current Job Title: Digital Account Executive
How Long at Your First Job: Going on 6 months
Still there? Yes
Website: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=59315100&trk=tab_pro

How did you land your first job after college?

I went to as many professional networking events as I could, and told everyone I met that I was a recent graduate and looking for a job. By doing this I learned that professionals love to help young graduates that are trying to get into their industry.

Tell us about the process of getting your first job.

I sent my resume to the professionals I had met at the networking events and within the first few weeks I had companies calling me for interviews.

What was the most challenging aspect of securing your first job?

The most challenging aspect was deciding if it was the right decision to make career wise, and if I saw it helping achieve my long-term professional goals.

How important was your resume in helping get the job?

My resume got me the job interview, but my personality during the interview got me the job.

What was the biggest challenge once you were on the job? How did you overcome that?

I learned that having a “real world” job is much harder than being in college. You have to re-prioritize your life and act more responsible. The hardest part is having friends that are still in college who want to party on weeknights and you can’t because you have to work the next day. To overcome this, I joined a few professional groups and started making friends who know what it is like to work all day and are in the same situation as me.

What is the best thing about your first job?

The best thing about my first job is getting paid salary and having benefits, it makes you feel accomplished.

What didn't you expect about your first job?

I didn’t expect to be the youngest person on the team. It is hard when I go out to meet with clients and they think that I am still in high school or college. Having to gain that level of respect is a challenge when you aren’t as old as others in the same position.

What is your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to own a PR agency.

What are your next steps in attaining that goal?

To attain this goal I am currently gaining experience and meeting as many people as I can that can pass down knowledge and help accomplish this goal. I can’t stress the importance of networking enough, trust me and get out there and do it!