Career Night - The Only One In The Room: How To Succeed In The Workplace
Reel Works hosted its 2nd Annual Career Night on Monday, February 4, 2019, to connect Reel Works alumni and students with media professionals in the industry. We had an amazing line up of panelists who shared their unique experiences correlating with the theme of the evening, The Only One In The Room: How To Succeed In The Workplace.
Panelists Rachel Alvarado, Jason Pollard, Kareema Partin, Eric Yue, Quintin Xavier Roper-Sirvent and Ashley Velez
According to USC’s Comprehensive Annenberg Report on Diversity in Entertainment, across the 100 top-grossing films in 2016:
- 4.2% of directors were female
- 5.8% of directors were Black or African American
- 4.2% of directors were Asian
- Only 29% of New Yorkers employed in the creative sectors are non-white. This is a critical concern because NYC is a major-minority city with 67% of NYC’s population being non-white.
Our moderators for the evening, Alumni Council member, Naiquan Greene (Fall 2005 graduate) and Reel Council member, Kaylon Tunstall (Spring 2018 graduate), led the discussion with these statistics to illustrate the lack of diversity in the industry. Our career panelists opened up about feeling isolated because of their race or gender during some point in their careers. Panelist Kareema Partin, an associate producer and writer for Strayer Studios, spoke on her experience being the only one in the room. "I've had plenty of being the only one unfortunately. [...] It's kind of sad, because a lot of what America is, is a melting pot." Rachel Alvarado, the only female crane operator in the United States, shared her experience and how she struggles with being confident in a male-dominated field. "The film industry can be very clicky [...] and you're very much judged by appearance in a very odd sort of way. There's a certain presence that you need to have to be taken seriously. I've definitely struggled with self-doubt. And that was something that was really hard for me to overcome." Jason Pollard, an editor and co-panelist, agreed with Alvarado. "Yeah, you doubt yourself all the time. I think [Rachel] has a great point [...] I always have that doubt the first day. Can I do this?"
Panelist Kareema Partin
Although the panelists and audience members seemed to agree that the industry needs to be more diverse, some acknowledged that progress is being made and more roles are opening up for minorities. Partin addressed why she believes that despite new opportunities arising for women and people of color it is still a very white-male dominated industry. "We're trying our best to bring more young talent of diverse backgrounds into the industry [...] I think one of the things I find that we're going to have to do is that we have some more sustainment. Everybody wants to have some kind of diversity program or initiative so we can welcome more young talent in, but we're not doing enough to make sure that they can stay in." She went on to stress the importance of sustainability and how it is key to achieving a more diverse industry. Panelist Quintin Xavier Roper-Sirvent, a writer and producer for the Showtime Network, mentioned how he tries to combat the low numbers of minorities and women in the industry. "Keeping those [statistics] in mind, I am constantly trying to make sure that my time in network television as the only person in the room is limited. And I'm constantly figuring out ways to help, especially women."
Panelist Quintin Xavier Roper-Sirvent
One topic that seemed to appeal and engage young professionals in the audience was how to build connections and network successfully. The overall consensus of the panel was that it's essential to not only network up, but also to network across within your inner circle. "If I need a last minute editor I might go to friends that edit [...] It's just good to have your network of people and just constantly be helping each other out," Roper-Sirvent said. As the discussion dove deeper into networking a few of the panelists spoke on the importance of just being yourself. Ashley Velez, senior producer for The Root, stated, "just being a genuine person, and being kind, and being who you are will get you further than being a shark." She continued to say "Sharks will always reveal themselves [...] People who have come to me and genuinely wanted to share their story, those are people who I want to connect with and help." When asked by our moderators what would you tell your younger self just starting out in the industry? Artist and filmmaker Eric Yue said “before I was experienced, I felt you needed to network. It’s such a gross word. I think it’s more like finding a community, […] those are the people that are going to be with you for your life.” Yue’s fellow panelists added some gems of inspiration: Alvarado said, "It gets better." Pollard stated, "stay the course and stay determined."
Reel Works’ students, alumni, and community at Career Night
At the end of the evening, the audience had an opportunity to ask the panelists questions and network. One audience member asked the panel to share their thoughts on pursuing higher education in film/TV versus deciding to make art on their own (without getting a higher education), and what are the benefits of choosing one over the other. Partin said, "Both have been successful, the difference is the hustle and how hard you're willing to work." Partin also mentioned she is among those who pursued a master's in the industry and loved school because she had resources. "I think it's just a matter of seeing what works for you," she continued. Velez admitted that when she was recently hiring for a new position at her job she unintentionally did not focus on the education section of applicant's resumes, but rather looked at their reels. Roper-Sirvent added on by saying, "If I could do it all over again, I would've stopped at undergrad." The general accord of the panel was that there is no right or wrong decision. It is based on the individual and you can be successful regardless of what path you choose as long as you work hard.