@PriyaSam / Twitter
On October 13, Fanshawe Alumnus Priya Sam and Cheryl Hickey had a conversation about Hickey’s career. Part of Sam’s “Turning Point” podcast, they touched on topics such as first jobs, challenges faced in the industry, and how Hickey got to where she is today. Along the way, they gave some advice to students currently in the broadcasting industry.
“I truly believe it’s a situation where preparedness and luck meet. You can be the luckiest person in the world. But if you’re not ready, it’s not going to matter. Being prepared is doing those jobs that maybe you don’t think fit into what you want to do,” says Hickey.
She adds that it’s important to continue growing and bettering yourself to be prepared for the next opportunity that comes your way. When someone says no, it shouldn’t be a sign to give up.
“If their door isn’t open for you, make your own door. Go to the hardware store, make a door, open it up, create something for yourself. Do something so you are evolving and growing. You’re not waiting for someone to give you a job so you can grow into it. Get growing.”
Like everything, a job won’t always come easy the first time.
“Not everybody is going to be your biggest fan. That’s just the reality of it. So you have to go look for the people who are and know what you’re worth, know what you have to offer, and just keep going. Teach people how to treat you, and when you hear no, okay. I’m not for you.”
“I know it’s hard sometimes to not let it affect your self-confidence. I’ve certainly had experiences where it’s been hard on me too. You have to just move forward and move onto the next opportunity,” Sam says.
Sam expresses the importance of online branding and presence.
“Start building [your own brand] on social media as early as you can in your career. I don’t work in traditional media anymore, but I’ve been able to take the brand that I created when I did work at a television station.”
The online branding and presence can be incorporated into everyday life as well. If an internship opportunity comes, take advantage of that, make an impression, and talk to the mentors doing the job.
“You don’t want to blend into the background. I think a lot of interns come in like, ‘I don’t want to bother anybody’. No. Turn the tables up. Get noticed, say hello. Make your mark,” says Hickey.
“When people ask me for help or advice, I love sharing my experiences. It feels so good to know that what I’ve experienced can help someone else,” Sam says.
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