What An Alternative Programming Coordinator At MACRO Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Entertainment Industry
Erika wished someone had explained that industry success is sometimes influenced by pre-existing family connections, leading to uneven opportunity; this realization helped Erika focus on her own accomplishments, overcoming self-doubt and embracing the pride in "doing good work" and achieving their current position.
Industry Connections, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Resilience, Self-Confidence, Professional Pride
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erika Rodriguez
Coordinator, Alternative Programming
MACRO
Northwestern University, 2020
N/A
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Many people in similar roles may have gained entry through family connections within the industry.
2. Success is earned through hard work and dedication, despite potential advantages others may have.
3. It's important to recognize and value your own achievements and not compare yourself to others' paths or perceived advantages
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
Something I wish someone had told me is that many people will be at a similar level. This isn't always due to hard work, but often because their families have long been in the industry.
Knowing this, it's a fairly level playing field once you reach a certain point and have to do the work. The opportunity to work at any company feels earned for many.
In some cases, people bypass many typical roadblocks. Knowing this, you should be proud of where you are. Make sure you know why you're there and put on blinders to focus on what matters: doing good work and feeling proud of yourself.
This is something I wish I'd known. Sometimes I felt like I didn't belong or got there by luck. While I don't often encounter that, it's definitely an internal, self-imposed feeling.
Being able to snap out of it and realize you're doing just fine is important.