Career Path Of A Voice Over Director At Talkback Casting And Directing
Amanda's career path diverged from a planned four-year college education in stage management to a self-built success story in voice directing, starting with a theme park project coordinator role that unexpectedly led to a sound design company position, despite Amanda having "knowing nothing about sound design or music composition or voiceover." This demonstrates how transferable skills and a willingness to take chances can unlock unforeseen career opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Overcoming Challenges, Project Management, Career Development, Communication, Job Search
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amanda Wyatt
Voice Over Director
Talkback Casting & Directing
Orange Coast College AA degree
n/a
General Studies / Not Applicable
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Amanda's career path highlights a non-traditional route to success, demonstrating that a four-year degree isn't always necessary in the entertainment industry.
2. Her experience as a project coordinator in the theme park industry provided valuable transferable skills in project management and crew coordination, which proved crucial in her transition to voice directing.
3. Amanda's willingness to take a chance and apply for a job outside of her comfort zone, despite lacking specific experience in sound design or voiceover, underscores the importance of transferable skills and self-confidence in career advancement.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college and any internships or jobs you had before your current role?
I started my career largely in a different field than what I'm doing now. In college, I was focused on stage management in the theater department.
I ended up finishing my college career with an Associate's Degree. I was supposed to go on to a four-year college, but they discontinued my major at the school I planned to attend in California. At that time, I was already working and gaining a lot of professional experience.
My plan was to always go back and finish my degree, but I never did. It's been really hard for me to admit that I never graduated from a four-year university, but I now feel proud and walk proudly in the fact that I'm sort of self-built.
I think in the entertainment industry, that is still possible. So I encourage people to finish college, but sometimes it's not possible for everyone. I do kind of walk proud in that now.
My first job was in the theme park industry as a project coordinator. It wasn't exactly stage management, but I was managing crews as we built edutainment and theme park rides and attractions.
From there, I met one of the companies that gave me my first opportunity in voice directing. They were a sound design company that worked in the theme park industry. When they found out I was looking for a job, I interviewed without expecting to get it, knowing nothing about sound design, music composition, or voiceover.
However, I knew how to manage people and produce projects, so I put myself forward. I got the job, and from there it unfolded into this amazing career as a voice director that I have now.
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