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Kylie, Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions: Advize Career Interview
A theater degree launched a dynamic career path for Kylie, Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions.
The journey, fueled by networking and proactive job hunting (including utilizing local Facebook film groups!), progressed from production internships to casting, consulting, and their current multifaceted role.
This position blends operations, billing, marketing, and event planning, requiring strong time management, communication, and adaptability to various software.
The most exciting aspect is the variety, allowing exploration of different career paths within the television and commercial industry.
While balancing competing priorities and effective communication present challenges, the ever-changing nature of the industry and its storytelling impact maintain excitement.
Key takeaways include the importance of accuracy over speed, setting boundaries, and leveraging college resources for networking and practical experience.
Entry-level positions at smaller companies offer invaluable learning opportunities, providing a strong foundation for future success in this dynamic field.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kylie Olsen
Assistant Operations Coordinator
Ventana Productions
Loyola Marymount University
NA
Entertainment, Music & Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path of an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions
Kylie's career path, beginning with a theater degree, evolved from a production internship at AZ TV Channel seven where "they taught me a lot about the basics of production," to casting, then consulting, and finally to their current role as Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions—a journey fueled by networking, adapting to industry shifts, and a proactive approach including utilizing "local Facebook film groups" for job hunting.
Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions
Kylie's role as Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions is multifaceted, encompassing "operations, billing, and marketing," with responsibilities ranging from vendor onboarding and financial tracking to social media management and project managing a company anniversary event; this demonstrates a dynamic career path involving diverse departmental collaborations and reporting to three different managers.
A Day In The Life Of An Assistant Operations Coordinator At Ventana Productions
Kylie's day as an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions blends operational tasks like "catching up on emails" for payments and expenses related to government contracts with creative marketing responsibilities, including event planning and social media management—a balance of administrative duties and promotional activities. The morning focuses on "operations, billing," while the afternoon shifts to the marketing aspect of the role.
Most Important Skills for an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions
Kylie, an Assistant Operations Coordinator, identifies time management, clear communication ("being able to have a clear and concise conversation and being able to email professionally"), and adaptability to different software (including mastering "Microsoft Excel") as crucial skills for success in their role, highlighting the importance of these skills in navigating the multifaceted demands of the job. The ability to manage not only their own time, but also the time of others, and the need for professional communication skills across various platforms, emerged as key elements of their daily work.
Favorite Parts of Being an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions
Kylie enjoys the variety inherent in the Assistant Operations Coordinator role at Ventana Productions, stating that "being able to try so many different hats on and see what I enjoy" is the most exciting aspect. This exposure to various departments is valuable for Kylie's career aspirations of becoming a producer or working in development.
Biggest Challenges of an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions
Kylie's biggest challenge as Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions is balancing competing priorities and ensuring effective communication with various stakeholders, saying that "prioritizing time and energy with each person" is key, especially given the varied demands across different seasons and projects. The time difference with other teams also presents a logistical hurdle.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Media Industry As An Assistant Operations Coordinator
Kylie, an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions, thrives on the dynamic nature of the television and commercial industry, stating that "there's always something new," constantly presenting new challenges and opportunities to be a part of "storytelling" and its powerful impact. The ever-changing projects and problem-solving aspects of the job prevent monotony and maintain excitement in their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Video Production Industry, According To An Assistant Operations Coordinator At Ventana Productions
Kylie, an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions, highlights strong communication and time management skills as crucial for success, emphasizing that "the right opportunity will come" to those who are "a good person" and "do their job well." A significant takeaway is the existence of industry "do not hire lists," underscoring the importance of maintaining professionalism and positive working relationships.
What an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Video Production Industry
Kylie, an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions, learned the importance of slowing down to avoid mistakes, a lesson learned from burnout in a previous role. The value of "double check[ing] yourself" and prioritizing accuracy over speed, though still a work in progress, is now a key part of their approach to work.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Assistant Operations Coordinators
Kylie's experience suggests that entry-level roles like "admin assistant," "production assistant," or "studio assistant" at smaller production companies offer invaluable hands-on learning opportunities, allowing individuals to "learn a whole lot more that's possibly even outside your role." Networking through alumni events, like those at LMU, also plays a significant role in career advancement, as many alumni are eager to "connect you with great people who will set you up for success."
Significant Career Lesson From an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions
Kylie, an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions, emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health, learned from a past experience of burnout caused by over-ambition. This boundary-setting, even a simple 30-minute unavailability notification, allows for better communication and ultimately contributes to career success, a lesson particularly valuable in a demanding field.
College Experiences That Helped an Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ventana Productions Succeed
To achieve career success, Kylie recommends leveraging college resources like "getting involved on campus, whether that's a job or a club," and attending networking events. Further, the interview highlighted the value of practical experience, citing their involvement in student films and photography as crucial in developing skills applicable to their current role in the media field, in addition to "vocal development" training which proved beneficial for communication skills.
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