Ask Amanda

Ask Amanda: How to Create the Life That You Want

posted on March 17, 2017 | by Amanda Holstein

Question:

Hello Amanda,

I know you get thousands of emails every day. And you probably get this question asked a lot. But, how does a 21-year-old media communication major get her name out in the media world like yourself? How did you make your dreams come true? How did you get your voice heard? Any advice for a getting your voice out there and to one day be a successful career woman. Your life is something I aspire to accomplish one day.

Thank you,
Ashley

Answer:

Hi Ashley!

I love this question! And thank you for saying such sweet things! :)

Here is my advice for getting your name out there, achieving the career of your dreams, and creating the life that you want:

In order to get your name out there, you need to network, network, network! I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “it’s all about who you know” and honestly that is very true. Where you go in your career has a lot to do with the people you meet and the connections you build. Even emailing me and asking this question is a great start and shows initiative. I recommend researching people who are doing what you want to be doing and making an effort to build a relationship with them.

Ask them to meet for coffee or hop on the phone. Pick their brain on their career and what their specific path looked like. Use the time to get a better understanding of what their career actually entails so you can continue to figure out exactly what you want to do. Ask them to keep you in mind if there are events that would be helpful to attend (where you can network even further). And I promise you, more often than not, those people will know someone who is hiring or keep you in mind if they end up hiring, etc. Building these relationships is essential!

As for achieving the career you want, I think it’s important that you stay open-minded to different opportunities. Know that you don’t have to have an exact career path in place (especially in the media industry). Focus more on what interests you now and pursue whatever that is. It won’t be your dream job, and that’s okay. But each experience/job will teach you more about what you want out of your career, what you enjoy or don’t enjoy doing every day, and what direction to go in next. Take your career one step at a time. Have faith that each step will lead you to the right place as long as you are listening to what truly interests you and going after it.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is this: In order to create a life that you want, every decision you make should be one that feels true to who you are. Follow what your gut is telling you deep down, ignore others’ opinions and judgments (even your parents sometimes!), and don’t make decisions out of fear. If each step your taking feels right to you deep down, then it’s the right decision and it will lead you to a life that you love. I know that sounds very “out there”, but it’s honestly what has gotten me to where I am. I listened to my gut in every decision I made, stayed true to myself in every career move I’ve made, and it’s helped me get to where I want to be.

I hope this helps! If you want to get into more specific career advice, I’d be happy to set up some time to chat! Just let me know :).

xo
Amanda