How to be a successful Young Pro without getting Kanye’d

LAF Note: This post was written by regular contributor Katie Wall.

While I’m no Taylor Swift, I empathize with the fact that there are always going to be obstacles and people who try to belittle my efforts and successes. But guess what…just because you are young doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough – And just because you are young doesn’t mean you can’t find success.

Here are some cheesy award show analogies that explain what I’ve found helpful entering the professional world.

And the nominees are…

Knowing who and what you are up against is super important to success. There are always going to be other superstars out there vying for the same position you have and it’s important to know what they’re bringing to the table.

And the Best Supporting Actor goes to…

Now, I’m not saying that you can’t be the Leading Lady – everyone should be the star in the movie of their own life, but it’s important to look at the entire picture and know where you fit into the grand scheme of things. What is your role? How can you play your part so well that people will stand up and take notice?

The 2009 Best New Artists is…

What’s new? What’s fresh? What’s the next big thing?

Be part of the hype and the conversation, but also take the time to listen. Find people in the industry that you think are “key players” or “show stoppers” and hear what they have to say. Spend some time every day soaking in a variety of media – both new and traditional. Approach things with a spirit of curiosity and a desire to learn – try things out. Maybe they’ll work for you, maybe they won’t, or maybe you’ll find potential in an untapped outlet and start a revolution. You never know!

The Award for Best Directing goes to…

YOU!

My favorite part about this blog is the great conversation it generates with each post. So *naturally* I want YOUR direction and YOUR advice.

What worked for you as a new professional? How do you continue to grow? What are your show-stopping tips?

I’d love to know and I promise, I will let you finish.

Dig what you read? Share with others:

Laura Fernandex

A PR person, to me, is never the leading role. It's always the brand in the spotlight - we are fine being the background, strategizing, working on messaging and producing. We don't execute as a director does, but we are the wheels behind the creativity.

Great post KT!
Danny

Love the analogy and the comments on the post.

Ok, so you know the tech Oscars that happen the day before the actual awards? They don't air on TV, and are recapped in a five minute segment during the actual awards show.

While these don't get the same amount of exposure, these tech awards are really the meat and potatoes of movie making.

Without these detail oriented specialists, the stars would not be showcased effectively. In the same way, as a young professional, don't forget about the small details and inner workings of your company that allow you to thrive.

Get to know the computer nerds, learn about the technologies that allow your company to function, and you'll be surprised at how much you stand out from the pack.

@pragerd
Laura Fernandex

The first thing I did on my job is to get to know the IT people. They are very specific and focus extremely well.

This was a great analogy related to Katie's original post - thanks for the great points D.
goktgo

Haha! I like the idea of "getting to know the computer nerds" :)

There is a lot of behind the scenes stuff in our field! Like you and Emily said, it's the details and the inner workings that really make things happen but don't always get the glory.

I'm glad you thought it was a fun analogy! :) Thanks so much for stopping by and adding to the convo!!
@goktgo
Rashel

Katie - Even though I don't qualify as a Young Professional, I know I'm going to continue to learn a lot from your posts. And maybe you'll hire me some day. :)
Laura Fernandex

Being in this profession is all about being able to learn - and even those "more seasoned" learn everyday. You just have to be willing to listen, engage and educate - and by commenting, you're taking that first step. Know you are always welcome to offer your thoughts here!
goktgo

Thanks Rashel! Your thoughts are *especially* important if you're *not* a young professional! I'd love to hear some of what helped you become successful in the beginning of your career!

@goktgo
Matt Martell

Great Article Katie! It's especially great to read not necessairly being in the industry but having an interest in social media / looking into getting into the job market just in general. While the article is focused on PR to a small degree it is definitely applicable across all kinds of industries.

Probably one of the biggest things I've learned in the past couple weeks that fits in with your "supporting actor" category and knowing your role is also know what is unique about you and how to use it to your advantage. For example with me, I thought all my music stuff was a hinderance to me getting a job but in reality it's what I should be focusing on because not a lot of people have those skill sets.

So while that was somewhat of a digression of point, I felt like it fit. Your article totally hits it spot on for things that young professionals like us should focus on and keep in consideration when entering the job force.
goktgo

Thanks Matt!

I'm glad to know that you found my ideas helpful even in a non-PR related industry!

I think you're right - showing off what makes you unique is one of the most valuable things you can do! Your personality/character/talents etc. can set you apart from other people who may have the same skills or education on paper.

I know that using your musical talent and the other things that make you *you* will get you far :)

@goktgo
Laura Fernandex

Love Matt's point about taking what is unique about you and showcasing that - make yourself stand out. With that, though.... you have to make sure it fits the brand's culture. Remember, thats what comes first, not you.
Tom O'Keefe

Cool post, Katie.

Related to Emily's comment, I would also add that not only are PR folks behind the scenes winning the smaller awards, but we also would be a part many of the "team awards" where the cast and crew get credit for their work together. PR is a team effort and one that must be able to integrate and work well with with other teams from other departments and offices.

-Tom O'Keefe
@TomOKeefe1
goktgo

Thanks, Tom!

PR really is a team effort! There is so much that goes into every project and it's always neat to see the different skill sets people bring to the table! Thanks for bringing that up & being such a great contribution to the conversation!!

@goktgo
Laura Fernandex

Great point Tom - Individuals awards aren't as available in PR, because it really is a team effort. Everyone has to work together for the end goal - the brand.
Katie

Thanks Emily!

You brought up some really interesting points about doing a lot of the grunt work as a young professional. I think that's something we all go through and has been the topic of a lot of the conversations going on on here lately!

It is important to know that everything that goes into running a company/doing work for a client is important even if it does often go unnoticed!

@goktgo
Laura Fernandex

The part that some have to do, though, is to evaluate if it's really important - does it really contribute to the brand? Is it really helping out? Where's the line? How do I approach?

So many questions these days.
Emily

Katie, great post and interesting analogy, clever--as always! I truly hope that the phrase "getting Kanye'd" will become a part of our everyday vernacular! Maybe even our kids will say it without really knowing what it means, just like we say "don't drink the kool-aid" without being alive for Jonestown.

I digress.

Anyways, as a young PRofessional I see myself generally as a integral player in the show but one that is not always shown on prime time awards shows. I'm a contender for "best sound editing" or "best art direction" the award winners they flash up right before they go to commercial.

Am I devaluing my worth? Having a 1 person PR pity party? No. I know that like those winners of the smaller awards, their time and talents are truly valued, they aren't always the flashy ones with the stellar outfits (because come on, Balenciaga on a starting salary, I think not!) But one day, I will get to shine and more importantly I know I can I have the toolbox and I continue to do my best everyday. But for now there are conference rooms to be prepped and phones to answer and I'll be waiting in the wings until then.