Lauren Breen
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Lauren’s Career Stories
What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?
Mistakes are "ok". You learn from them. Granted you want to work to not make any but everyone has made them in their career and when you do make mistakes, acknowledge it, own it, and of course learn from it.</p> <p>Also, it's all about relationships. The people you meet and interact with are the ones that help you get to the next job.
When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?
I interned as much as I could. I volunteered to help on projects and I found jobs that were in line with my industry so I could meet more people who worked in the industry.
In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?
I manage a lot of things: People, money, clients, and projects.
How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?
I knew in high school that I wanted to work in the TV/Film industry; however, I'd say my role now is completely different from what I thought I'd be doing. The Lauren from 10 years ago wanted to make documentary films about gangs, homeless people, etc. I am now overseeing 30-70 video projects a month and millions of dollars in revenue a year.. I still work in the production industry but I am doing something completely unexpected..and loving it.
What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?
One of my intern supervisors told me - it's not about being asked to get the coffee...it's about how you get the coffee. If I tell you bring me a coffee but don't tell you how I like it, the person who comes back with milk, cream, all types of sugar is someone who is detailed oriented and takes initiative. This shows I can trust that person with bigger tasks. </p> <p>Also, ask questions. Don't just ask what can I do to help. Ask what people are doing and why. Really try to understand how groups and businesses work. That is how you learn.
How did you start building your network?
Ahhh networking -- first let me say, that this is a skill I have yet to master. I've learned some people (like my brother) are really good at it, and some people (like myself) have to work really hard at it.</p> <p>I started networking on my internships. Always carried business cards and asked for business cards. It was hard when I moved from New York to Atlanta because I didn't know anyone.</p> <p>I used people in my current network to make introductions for me down here. I also called the phone book and asked to meet with people at companies I was interested in working at - not for jobs to but to learn about them. Networking isn't about meeting people and asking them for jobs. It is about meeting people and learning what they do and finding ways you can help them.
What is it like when your job gets tough?
All jobs get tough. It's stressful and frustrating but you rely on your team/co-workers and your support system at home to make it through. That may mean late nights and early mornings and some singing to disney songs while in the office but you get through it.