How To Break In, Pt. 2...

There are two types of people in the world. Those who sit on the sideline always ready to comment or give their opinion on how life should be, what others should be doing, and how they could be doing it better.

Then there are those who are actually in the game of life, playing full out, giving it their best, and as many times as they fall down they get right back up, brush themselves off, and get back in the game.

To get in the entertainment industry you must be like the second-type of person I described. You must be willing to do what is necessary to make it happen because no one is going to feel sorry for you or give you a hand-out in this business. Everyone and their mamma wants to break into the entertainment industry. I compare it to the sports industry - your chances are 1 in a million.

It's not impossible. I did it. I got off my ass, stopped listening to the haters, and moved to another city, Washington, DC, where I didn't know anyone, and began as a intern at CNN.

Just like a coach tells his players, "If you want the championship, you've got to be hungry. The other team doesn't care about you. They don't want you to win. They are trying to stop you from getting to the number one spot." This is the same mantra you have to take on in breaking into the entertainment industry. There are a million people who are just as smart, if not smarter, and are just as hungry.

What makes you stand out from the rest of the crowd? What makes you so different?

Don't be afraid to go against the grain. Don't be afraid to be different. Don't be afraid to stand out.
With that, it's summer for college students. Most internships have been filled at the entertainment companies, however, if you are diligent, eager, and ambitious, you can still get you a spot at one of the companies.

MTV, where I once worked, has a great internship program. You can call them (212) 846-8000, and ask for the Human Resources department. Introduce yourself and let them know who you are and that you are interested in the possibility of being an intern this summer. Speak professionally and intelligently.

One thing you should know, at MTV the most difficult departments to get internships in are: Production, Marketing, Special Events, Talent, and Publicity. They sound fun and enticing, and trust me they are fun departments.

But, you can also get internships in Accounting, Sales, On-line, Human Resources, and Tech Services.

This is just a way to get your foot in the door. Once you are in, then you can network and meet people. You can set up informational meetings with other department heads. Find out what they do, what their department does, and how they got started in the business.

YOU CAN DO IT! BELIVE IN YOURSELF and NEVER GIVE UP!!

Peace and blessings,

Terrance Dean