Finding a job after graduation can be the most stressful part of college. Pew Research found that at the end of 2021, 41% of college graduates aged 22 to 27 were underemployed, which means working in a job that typically does not require a college degree.

Shortly before the main panel at this year’s Media Summit, a group of alumni spoke to students at a smaller panel giving advice on finding a career after graduation. The panelists credited their success to a good work ethic, despite the harsh conditions they endured as newcomers to the media industry.

Amada Caba, a producer for A&E, told of applying three times to intern for “The Wendy Williams Show.” Once finally working on set, she said she dealt with 13-hour days, constantly moving and low pay.

What kept her going? A good work ethic, she says.

John Mongiello, now a video editor for HBO, used to work as an associate producer for WWE. He remembered dealing with the “insane” Vince McMahon and a general toxic work environment. Yet 

“If it’s not pushing you past your comfort zone, try not to say no,” Mongiello said.

Shamus Lobene emphasized the importance of labor unions, particularly the “awesome” budding union for production assistants.

“A big thing you should leave with this is, support your union,” Lobene said.

For Cameron Jones, an ABC News producer and moderator of the main panel, the key to success is “just showing up.”

“Immerse yourself in the environment you want to be in,” Jones said. “That’s how you color your world.”

Jones encouraged students to partake in the activities they want to pursue as a career and surround themselves with like-minded people. When Jones went to SUNY Oswego, he said he never even set foot in the WTOP studio, the pride and joy of the broadcasting program. Instead, he wrote for The Oswegonian, honing in on his interest in quality, original reporting.

That path led him to his career as a journalist interviewing figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Rowland and Leann Rimes.

But it was not empty of rejections. For Jones, rejection is a test of will.

“All the ‘no’s are steering you to where you need to be,” Jones said. “It takes a lot of grit and tenacity to power through that.”

Daniela Rosario, a creative director for VML, enthusiastically agreed

“No pressure, no diamond,” Rosario said. “It’s always going to be hard, but at the end of it, baby I’ll be shining.”

Image by torroid via Wikimedia Commons