College Experiences That Helped A Scrum Master At A Film Studio Succeed
Miriam's key advice for college success centers on effective networking: "start building your network," using platforms like LinkedIn, attending alumni events, and reaching out to professionals with specific, actionable requests, such as, "Hey, can you refer me for this job?" instead of vague pleas for help. This approach, learned from experience and refined over their career, proved crucial in securing opportunities, even if the initial job search did not yield immediate results.
Networking, Professional Communication, Career Planning, Job Search Strategies, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Miriam Holzman-Sharman
Scrum Master/Program Management Office
Film Studio
UCLA
Masters of Business Administration, Loyola Marymount University (LA)
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Build your professional network actively: Attend events, connect with alumni, and use platforms like LinkedIn to maintain relationships. Networking is crucial for uncovering opportunities and finding mentors.
2. Reach out to professionals strategically: When contacting professionals, be direct, professional, and specific in your requests. Instead of asking for general help, clearly state what you need, demonstrating initiative and making it easy for them to assist you.
3. Prepare thoroughly before seeking help: Do your research. If inquiring about a specific job, understand the job description and company. Presenting yourself as informed and prepared shows respect for the professional's time and increases your chances of getting valuable support.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
Networking looked very different when I was in college. I see students doing it today, and that is by far the most important thing you can do.
In addition to the internship, I participated in some events. Through that engagement, I made a connection at the Fox Network. Through that connection, I was able to get a job interview at Fox that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.
I didn't get that first job, but once I had the connection at Fox, I was able to continue following up and eventually got a job. What I did 30 years ago doesn't apply, but the principle remains the same: start building your network.
Set up a professional LinkedIn profile, although who knows if it will still be LinkedIn in 10 years. Maintain those relationships and look for opportunities to attend alumni events to connect with alumni.
When students reach out to me on UCLA one, I always respond. I do prefer when students are very professional and direct. For example, "Hi, I'd like a half hour of your time to hear more about your journey."
Occasionally, I get messages that are a little bit like, "Help, what do I do?" When you send a message like that, you are putting the burden on the person you're emailing.
When you reach out and are building your network, you want to make it easy for them. You want to say, "Here's how you can help me." That's something I learned when I left a job and had some time off.
One of my bosses gave me the advice: "Be very specific when you ask people for help." If someone works at a company where you want to apply for a job, you say, "Hey, can you refer me for this job?" Don't just say, "Hi, I'm looking for a job. Can you help me?"
When students reach out and say, "Hey, there's a job at Sony, can you help me understand what this job description is?" I can help with that. If they come to me and say, "Hey, what jobs are open at Sony?" I don't know.
Go to the career site, do your homework, and then come to me so I can answer your question. You don't have to do the work, or the person you're reaching out to doesn't have to do the work. That's how you network effectively.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn.com/in/miriamsharman