Let's be honest, having a career as a media professional can be like an oxymoron. There is such beauty in the creative abilities and freedom gifted to us, but the creative world can also be a challenge. Despite wanting to chase your dreams, sometimes you just don't even know where to start.

I am often asked, "Keisha, how do you even start a career being a media professional?" Thus, I offer this page to illuminate the way for aspiring creators and communication professionals. After all, our purpose means little if we do not assist others. I vow to extend a helping hand wherever life takes me.

One misconception I've learned from working years in the news industry is that you have to automatically have the required skills to be successful in the career. This is far from the truth! An environment with much to learn is no detriment if you maintain the mindset of a student. Having this mindset was honestly the reason I was able to land my job being a Senior Creative Services Producer. Without seeking continuous growth, intellectual stagnation ensues. A positive attitude and lifelong learner's spirit enable achievement anywhere! Learning to embrace this mentality empowered my role as a Senior Creative Services Producer. Though college nurtured my dream of news anchoring, I knew little of commercial and promo production. The realm of commercial producing and directing seemed very difficult at first. Yet I emphasize again, having a positive attitude, an open mind, and being a lifelong learner led me here.

Each day I thank God for granting me the ambition to understand beyond my present grasp. Thus, I earned an Emmy nomination within my first year, possessing barely a year's experience! If I can start a career with little to no experience and be nominated for an Emmy within the first year of me doing the job, who knows what you are capable of doing! You can very much do it too and more!

If you want to become a freelance creator or land a creative job, the first thing I recommend would be doing your research. It's amazing to have a degree in production, but honestly now days some jobs don't even require it. I personally think obtaining a degree in production is all about your preference. However, I do recommend reaching out to other media professionals in order to shadow and learn from them! Always remember that collaboration is key. We create beautiful works of art when we work together!

If you have a goal of working in tv, don't be afraid to reach out to your local tv station. Visit their website to get direct emails to contact them. Maybe even call to talk to someone directly. Ask about the opportunities to job shadow and varies internships.

If you're looking to go the "freelance" route, don't be afraid to reach out to business owners directly. Show them your work and vouch for yourself! After all, you want to build your clientele. The worse thing anyone can say is no. Eventually, the no's will turn into a "needed" yes! I'm aware that saying, "trust the process" is so cliché, but seriously. Trust the process. You may not understand "why" in the moment, but know that everything happens for a reason. Because, all things are working for your good! So, be intentional, and know that things will work out!

Listed below are a few links to different internships you may find appealing. Best of luck on your journey. If I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! I want to help!