Preparing For My Career...

Having a career in the entertainment industry is something I have always longed for. I have been preparing myself for this my whole life and now that I am only a few months away from graduating college, I know that it I must continue that planning.  Working as an intern for FANGORIA has been a part of that planning, and having this job in media it is important that I stay on top of what is happening, not only in print and online entertainment news, but the trends in the horror world. In order to be successful one must often stay one step ahead of the game and focus the up and coming.

One of the most important things I’m learning is that growing my contact list in this industry is extremely important.  In the few short months of my internship I have begun creating a list of contacts that could be a great help to me as I push further down the path of successes. I’m realizing that no one can do it alone, and the more people you meet the more resources you gain. Of course, knowing is half the battle, yet understanding is just as important.  In the entertainment industry, just like other industries, it is important to do your research and know your history.  In my circumstance I must learn about the entertainment and media industry and not just the past thirsty years, but from the beginning.  Without understanding the beginnings or this industry it is virtually impossible to create innovative work.

However, no matter how much knowledge you can learn, gaining skills and experiences, both personally and professionally is top of the list.  Selling yourself to future employers is also important and what better way to do so than with a stellar resume.  Building your resume may take a long time and making sure that it is comprehensive and worth reading can be just as challenging.  Currently I am in the process of creating a resume that will stand out amongst piles and piles of others. My resume must be a textual extension of myself.

The next step I am currently working on is my online presence.  In today’s day and age, who you are online is almost as important as who you are off-line.  That is why I am working on creating a personal website to post samples of my work, a copy of my resume and links to my blogs and twitter accounts. This is a great way to let people know who you are without out sending them on a goose chase through cyber space.  It is a fun and creative process and one that is truly teaching me about how I want others to see me. 

It's A Horror-able World

Since starting my journey at FANGORIA magazine I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a very talented group of people, learned a tremendous amount about the world of working at a magazine, as well as having my work published on their website www.fangoria.com. The past few months have been filled with a plethora of experiences that are changing my way of thinking, both creatively and scholastically, and  I am growing as both a writer and as a person.

Just another day at the office with my personal
photographer/cousin Sabrina Wilson-Barrett

Still, there is more for me to learn. There have been times throughout the course of  my internship thus far that have proved to be challenging. However I forced myself to dig deep and keep going. I've learned that sometimes one must take a few steps backwards in order to move ahead and though it is important to be persistent, being overly persistent is never a good idea.  

I used to believe that to win the race you had to run as fast as you can.  I now understand that if you don't stop to catch your breath  and re-energize, you'll never make it to the finish line.

The entertainment industry is cut throat, an unforgiving industry is which, more often than not, a successful career is unreachable. One must have thick skin and an insatiable want to succeed: I believe myself to be one of those people. My drive and ambition  to write for FANGORIA as a full time job as well as writing horror movies is the fuel that keeps me focused. The doors that are now opening and the people that I am coming in contact with due to this internship is incalculable. 

With this being my senior year, finally, it has been extremely challenging to maintain my grades, and focus on my internship as well as preparing myself for what happens after graduation.  However, with the help of the professors and staff at school, the wonderful team at FANGORIA, and of course my friends and family, I am confident in saying that I am successfully on my way to achieving my goals; graduating with honors and writing for horror lovers all around the world.

I know now that it is a horror-able world and I'm going to be a part of it.

The Best Intern Ever

For most, starting a new job or an internship, which are one in the same, can be scary and most often intimidating. However, no matter what emotions you may be experiencing it is important to understand that you were chosen for a reason and being the best at what you are doing is very important. Sometimes I say to myself that I am the best and there is nothing that can stand in my way from being the best.  However, I do that for self motivation; to continuously remind myself that it is important to aim for the highest of goals. 

Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of learning a great deal about being an intern, specifically an intern at FANGORIA Magazine.  I’ve come to realize that patience is very important and with patience comes the power of self control and self discovery.  Also, I’ve learned that asking questions can be the difference between standing out in the crowd and simply fading into the background.  Yet, as easy as that may seem to do, for me it was not.  

At first I thought if I were to ask a question or too many questions, I would seem unknowledgeable on the particular subject at hand. Even worse, I feared I would become that annoying intern no one wants to work with. Now, through the guidance of teachers, co-workers, and my editor I understand that asking questions is not only important but necessary to successfully accomplishing the many tasks of which I am assigned.

Though it may seem crazy, I have yet to actually step foot in the office. Right now it is very important that I make a good impression through my ability to stay connected and up-to-date on what is happening at the magazine as well as submitting publishable work.  With that said, I have not had a chance to personally meet any of my co-workers which is also very important during the internship processes.  Within the next few weeks I will be beginning my weekly visits to the office and I am extremely excited to do so. I look forward to meeting all of my co-workers in person as well as even joining in on social events outside of the office.  

There are exciting times ahead and as long as I stay focused on being the best intern I can possibly be I know that I will succeed.  Furthermore, I will do all that I can to uphold the reputation of FANGORIA, be it asking questions, taking on more responsibilities, or constantly showing my dedication to the company.