I was in the second grade when Barack Obama originally ran for United States President and ever since the day we got to "Kid's Vote" at school, I knew I want to be involved in politics.
Looking back at the age where I didn't know anything about politics, rather than little kids making fun of me for voting for Obama, I wanted to document things.
I decided during my senior year of high school that I wanted to pursue journalism as a career. I still had my little 2nd grade self in the back of my mind pushing for politics, and that's when I decided to pursue political journalism.
A lot of people questioned me on why I was interested in such a field that doesn't offer any "real jobs in the real world." If you're reading this, you too may have been scrutinized for your career choice. Here is my advice for you.
1. Plan ahead. It's never too early.
I want to write to empower, educate and support people all around the world, so I asked myself what better place to do so than Cosmopolitan? Look up jobs in the area that you want to go into. If someone else's name is where you want to be, you know there is a job for you and you have to figure out how to get there. Take baby steps.
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2. Meet as many people as you can, and take opportunities.
If you want to see your name in lights one day, you need to know the right people. Personally this one was a huge struggle, but I've come to the great conclusion that opportunities do not come to you for no reason. You should take every one that you can and run with it.
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3. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice does.
We all know the great saying, practice what you preach, and this is sort of like that. The only way you get better at something is by practicing. If you are going to pursue a job in the journalism industry then you should be writing any chance you get. The same is likely applicable to any dream in any field you wish to pursue.
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4. Publish anywhere you are able to.
As you should be writing everyday, you should also send your articles to online publications, your friends and post them on social media. Like stated above, take any opportunities you can. Even if you aren't journalism-focused, put anything out anywhere you can. For example, one of my cousins is starting his own brewery company called Ignite. Every week he posted an update on his construction of his brewery on the company's Instagram and Facebook. Giving this update allowed people to stay up to date with their favorite place in town.
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5. Find an accountable friend.
Find someone who will keep you on track. One time, a professor told me to send my deadlines to a friend or a family member that you know will have your back. In no way is this unprofessional, if anything it's the counter. You want someone to check on your progress rather than your editor, who is also your boss.
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6. Put your heart into it and never give up.
Love what you do with everything you have. There are times where it gets tough, but stick through it. I always love to write with a friend, bouncing ideas off each other even if they aren't a writer. It puts a new perspective on the board. In the times where you no longer believe in yourself, you have to push to be better.
