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In our On The Hunt series, we interview potential job-seekers (whether out-of-work or transitioning) and talk to them about what the challenges have been, what their goals are, as well as any advice or tips they may have for other job seekers to stay motivated. This week, FreshGigs’ own Joanne M. Brathwaite talks to job hunter Nicky Bruno.
Are you working right now? If so, what are you doing? (how) Does it align with your ultimate job-hunting goal (if at all)?
Yes, I am currently working as an Executive Assistant at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, but I volunteer at Rogers TV, in a live TV environment. When I made the decision that working in television is what I wanted to do I wasn’t quite sure what to do at first; there were so many questions that I had to ask myself: Do I go back to school? Do I even need to go back to school to work in television? Will I have to start over again?
I decided to reach out to a few friends, as well as employment agencies to get some advice on what my next steps should be. I spoke with people who already worked in the industry and they informed me that post-secondary education was not a necessity. Many of them advised that most of the people you see on television as well as behind the scenes actually started at Rogers TV.
Nothing beats hands on experience and that’s what Rogers TV has given me. For me, it’s like going back to school without having incurring the financial costs of going to college or university.
I cannot put a price tag on the things I’ve learned while working there; It really is all about networking when it comes to this industry. Fortunately, I have aligned myself with the right people so that I can make the connections I need to in order to land my dream job. By volunteering at Rogers I have been referred to other producers about my credentials and my work ethic.
What skills or knowledge can your transfer from your current job to the one you’re seeking?
Definitely an assortment of soft skills for sure! Time management, problem solving, delegating, interpersonal and communication skills as well as people management skills…
Have you had (m)any interviews? What have they been like? Anything promising coming your way? What’s been a memorable experience (good or bad)?
I ‘m still in the process of handing out resumes and networking, but I’ve yet to hear a response. However, I have landed an volunteer opportunity to be part of the production team for the 2016 iheartradio Much Music Awards as a Production Assistant! How cool is that?
What’s been the most difficult part about your hunt?
Having patience! Everything takes time and I have to remind myself of that each and every day. I sometimes put this expectation/pressure on myself that things need to happen now and when they don’t, I feel like I’ve disappointed myself. I’m so eager to move into the next phase of my professional career that I forget nothing happens overnight.
What (if any) steps have you taken to ensure that you’re a contender for each job you apply to?
As I mentioned, I’ve been networking and connecting with people who work in the industry; I’ve shared my story with them about my job aspirations and where I see myself. I reached out to them via social media and have taken it upon myself to research their job roles and responsibilities.
I may not have reached my destination yet but I know I am well on my way.
Everyone I’ve connected with has requested my resume because they know of someone upon whom I would make a good impression. They keep me posted on upcoming potential projects/jobs coming up for which I would be a great fit.
My personality gets my foot in the door, but they always remember my face!
What’s been keeping you motivated as you search for your next gig?
My attitude! Keeping positive as best as I can. The hours that I put in every week going into the Rogers television studio are very long, working 16 hour days. I get up at 7am, go into the studio from 8:30-12 then go to my actual paying job from 1-11pm.
I also have an amazing circle of friends (my support system; I call them “the Brunettes”) who motivate me and push me cause they know I can do it. And really, I know I can do it. My faith and determination continue to drive me.
Do you have any sage advice to pass on to other job seekers?
Whatever it is you want to do in life, go after it! I’ve had many “jobs” before and the one thing that bothered me was that I didn’t have a “career.”
The thing that has kept me driven is that I know people who are doing what they love and I want to be one of those people. I’d rather spend 16 hours a day doing something that I love than eight hours a day doing something I hate.
Life is truly too short so why settle for just the “job?” Take the time to figure out what you want to do and do it! Most of our day is spent at work so why be somewhere that we don’t want to be when we can find some place that we love?
As the saying goes, it’s not about the destination, but the journey. Remain positive, work hard, and trust in yourself that everything you want in life will happen. I may not have reached my destination yet but I know I am well on my way.
How’s your job hunt going? What are some of the challenges you’ve faced? We’d like to hear from you! Leave a comment in the section below.