How To Break Into The Business: Be An Intern!

I was hanging on every word that Tassler had to say about how she broke into the business. That's lesson No. 1. No matter how successful you are at something...you can always keep learning. On that note, I had a chance to chat with several interns after the program who had great, insightful questions that I tried to answer but I couldn't speak to everyone. So, I thought I would offer up some advice to them here since I'm sure most of them are now curious as to what I write about on a daily basis. Now I'm writing about you!
 
# 1 - Internships are your best step towards a bright future. While you are in school, there is no better way to learn than through a mentor. Most companies offer some type of program. Do your homework online on where you might want to work and start investigating if they take interns. Don't be discouraged if the place you want isn't available. An internship at one company could lead to something somewhere else. Something is better than nothing.
 
Oprah Winfrey was an intern at WTFV in Nashville as a sophomore in college. She was later hired on to co-anchor the news.
 
#2 - Once you are in an internship, make the most of it by asking questions, sitting in on meetings (when allowed), offering your services as often as possible and doing the things others don't want to do... and do it with a smile, even if it is just getting coffee.
 
Sean 'Diddy' Combs started off as an intern getting people coffee at Uptown Records.
 
#3 -  Get as many phone numbers/e-mail addresses as you can before you leave. Use them later on to always keep in contact with someone. Let them know where you are and what you are doing every six months or so, even if you found a job. You never know where those relationships can lead in the future. Remember - Out of sight, out of mind.
 
"Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams worked as an intern during the Jimmy Carter administration.
 
# 4 - Ask until you get an answer. We are a very busy society, constantly getting e-mails, tweets, status updates, phone calls etc... We can't focus on everything sent our way. Just because someone doesn't answer your e-mail does not mean its a no. Keep pursuing it until someone gives you an answer even if it might not be the one you want.
 
Katie Couric was an intern at several radio stations as a student at the University of Virginia.
 
#5 - Don't be afraid to take another internship if you can't find the job you want. Most interns are not paid and that can be difficult but you have to think of it as an investment in your future. The skills you learn and the people you will meet are invaluable to your future. So you have to wait tables or barista at Starbucks on the side. Isn't that worth it for a year or so if your dream job is around the corner?
 
"The Office" star John Krasinski was an intern at "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" in 2000.
 
#6 - Be confident. This is a competitive business and you have to hold your head up high and know that you are good at what you do. Self-doubt is written all over your face if you let it get you down. Don't let it follow you.
 
Steven Spielberg was an intern in the editing department at Universal.
 
I also enlisted some of my colleagues here at Access Hollywood for further advice and here are some tidbits for you as well:
 
"Volunteer. Be as aggressive as you can. See what people are working on and get on the computer and suggest things."  - Rob Silverstein, Executive Producer.
 
"My internship at a community AM radio station one summer led to my first job at a 3000 watt FM station in Gilford, NH. Don't be afraid to jump into a small pond, because you'll get more opportunities to shine and actually build a resume. This is an era of 'instant stars'...a craft, built from the roots, devoid of grandeur, will insulate and bolster you, and who's better than you, kid?"  - Billy Bush, Host.
 
"Sell yourself in a short cover letter with a ONE PAGE resume --  push your enthusiasm & initiative -- and proofread the letter for spelling and grammar.  First impressions are lasting -- make a good one with your letter." - Sharon Smith, Director of Research and Video Tape Library
 
"Work ethic is everything. Surprising as it sounds, there's a lot of younger people who aren't willing to commit 110 percent once they get past the hardest part -- which is getting in the door in the first place!  Show your boss you are ready to do whatever it takes. Step forward and volunteer for the extra work. Though it may kick your butt, it's the one sure-fire way to stand out and open new doors -- which is the whole point! - Mike Marson, Supervising Producer