Q: I recently completed a media internship with a Dallas pro sports team. It was a great experience. I started working right out of high school, and never thought a career in the media was for me.
I worked for about nine years before going back to college to pursue my dream. I worked my way through school, and I learned a lot about myself and what I could accomplish. I really took to camerawork and editing.
But since I finished my internship, I’ve had problems finding work in the field. Could you point out some good websites for media jobs or advice on where I could go to polish my skills?
Lily: I want to commend you for sticking to your guns and pursuing a career that you really enjoy. When I found out I had made the final Consejos cut three years ago, I was on nube nine! I had always wanted to shed some Latin light on everyday issues. I didn’t know where to begin looking for an opportunity, and then, there it was at The Dallas Morning News.
As far as websites, try tvjobs.com or tvspy.com for listings, job fairs and advice. Also, remember that opportunities present themselves in the oddest of places, and you should be prepared to move to chase your dream. Your next big break could come from the back of a cereal box, a contest on the radio or a classified ad in a newspaper or online. Nothing replaces education and hard work (as you have proved). Just don’t limit yourself – in your search or in life.
Danny: Don’t leave any stone unturned when looking for an opportunity to shine as a media hopeful. Like Lily says, it was a small solicitation in The Dallas Morning News that got the three of us going locally. Now, Consejos appears in papers around the country, spreading the love, American-Latino style.
We recently attended a national editors’ meeting where we met some wonderful folks looking for media alternatives to serve the explosion of Latino readers. There is a group called the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, which is dedicated to looking out for people like us. You can go onto its website at nahj.org. Or search the Web for “Hispanic media,” and you will find a host of other media groups to help you get started. Readers, if you want to give a helping hand, send in your comments and suggestions, and we’ll forward them.
Catherine: You worked hard throughout college and your internship, and I expect your perseverance will pay off again.
If you have not done so already, check into a full-time position with the company for which you did your internship. The people there will have insight into your work ethic and be able to put a face behind a résumé. In addition, consider contacting TV stations and other media outlets about potential internships and for advice. No one’s going to know how to start off in the business better than those who are in the business.
It has been my experience that the best jobs come from networking with your connections. Mention to everyone you know that you are looking for a job; you have no idea what could come up. Writing to a syndicated advice column isn’t a bad plan either. I hope our readers will be able to offer a few more ideas.
Glossary
nube: cloud
We want your questions! Consejos is a bilingual advice column focused on relationships, culture and identity. E-mail your questions or comments to consejos@dallasnews.com. Or send your letters to Consejos, c/o Texas Living, The Dallas Morning News, 508 Young St., Dallas, TX 75202.
