Just last week, I ran into a friend from high school. We were discussing college, internships, the future, etc. She had been following College Prep so she knew what was going on with me. When she mentioned that her dream internship was to work for a specific television network, I asked her why she hadn’t applied.
Let me just clear something up… if you don’t try… you will never succeed 100% of the time. I always hear people saying, “Oh, I really want to……”but I never hear their plan of achieving whatever want they have.
So let me ask you… what is your biggest wish, dream, want, etc?
Do you want to win the lottery? Do you want world peace? Do you want to travel the world? Do you wish you could quit your job and do what you’ve always wanted to do? Do you dream of living in an amazing city? Do you want to run a marathon?
When was the last time you bought a lottery ticket? Have you been reading political journals and advocating for peace? Do you have a savings account that you add to every month for travel? Are you looking every day for new job listings or networking to find an opening? Have you asked your boss if there is an opportunity in Dream City? What’s your running schedule and training plan like?
If you haven’t taken that first step yet… DO IT NOW.
Some advice?
Don’t be intimidated. Even the biggest celebrity is a just a person at the end of the day.
Network. If you need to reach someone at the top of the pyramid, work your way up from the bottom. Call the assistant to the intern of the assistant to the assistant of the vice president under the president. Sweet talk, be polite, say thank you.
Be optimistic! Someone is going to be chosen for the internship. Why not you?
Keep the timeline in mind. Very few things are going to happen overnight. If you want something enough, you’ll be motivated to follow through and keep up with it even if it’s a frustratingly long path.
Flexibility is key. Sometimes even the best of plans needs to be adjusted along the way. Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned. If you can knock your way through a brick wall, walk around and look for the door.
All of this literally is the definition of my personal mantra, “Live your dreams.”
What’s your biggest dream? How are you going to make it happen?
xoxo
That is so true. I took me two years in get into the nursing program that I wanted. (The school messed up my paperwork and it was nearly impossible to transfer in.) In the mean time I began working as a Certified Nursin Assistant to get into the field. Now I am currently a sophomore in a RN/BS program!
Ah. Carly. I love this. I get so nervous to put myself out there and apply for internships and volunteer opportunities. Definitely a pep talk I needed while I'm filling out forms for counseling volunteer opportunities. 🙂
This has been ringing in my head for some time now! I couldn't have said it better myself 🙂
Great advice! I had two part time internships at film development companies in LA this summer, and I honestly wish I could say it was easy but I had to work my butt off to even get interviews. If you are really passionate about something, it pays off to put all your energy into it. If you don't, someone else will. And it really pays off 🙂
Bisous,
Rachel
http://lovealamode.wordpress.com
PS Don't forget to enter my blog giveaway for an online shopping spree to Zestii! All you have to do is leave a comment here!
Perfect advice! My biggest dream is to work in New York City! Right now, I am only a high school senior. However, that doesn't stop me from pursuing every possible way of reaching that goal. I have an internship for the summer. I am applying to colleges that will help me succeed. I am discovering more and more about myself through blogging, hobbies, and living overseas. My favorite quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt. She says it all.
prettylightsinthesky.blogspot.com
I've been following your blog for a while now and this might be my favourite of all your posts. So well written! The future is yours for the taking – and only you can make it the way you want it (speaking in a universal 'you', not necessarily specific!). Of course, I need to remind myself of this from time to time, but I've just recently discovered that with hard work, belief and surrounding yourself with the right people, you can have the life you never imagined could be yours! I'm going to print this off to remind myself of the importance of determination.
C x
This is some of the best advice ever! I can fall into that habit so often, but I've always wanted to row crew so I contacted the local coach about joining.
This is so very well done, anyone at any age can benefit from your message. "Even the biggest celebrity is a just a person at the end of the day." is one of my favorite lines. You are an *amazing* writer.
Sending you a smile,
tp
Fabulous post! Truly well said!
KK
Inspiring
Wonderful advice. So true that most of the time we are the only thing in our way. Love this post 🙂
Thank you for this post. Such a simple, yet powerful message.
Great post, Carly! I just graduated and am still trying to figure out what my long-term career plans are. This was very inspiring.