The Return of the Prodigal Alum
This week I returned to my alma mater, Georgetown University, to represent Viacom on a panel about careers in entertainment and media. I was joined by some very accomplished Hoya alum including:
James Grant: Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Elizabeth Luciano: SVP Brand Strategy & Marketing, A&E Networks
Alexander Marquardt: Senior National Correspondent, CNN
Here are a few takeaways to students interested in media from our discussion:
HAVE A PASSION FOR SOLVING CHALLENGES. Our business is changing fast. The winners will be those who are thinking three steps ahead and taking action.
HARD WORK IS THE COST OF ENTRY. Your ability to do the grunt work with a good attitude is what gets you in the door. Your willingness to take the initiative and find places to add value above and beyond your job description are what will differentiate you.
CURIOSITY + MASTERY = SUCCESS. There are so many facets and cool niches in our business. Find one that interests you and focus on getting great at it over simply getting ahead. This takes time and patience but developing mastery is far more satisfying than achieving status markers and is ultimately rewarded in the long run.