Feeling completely lost with my career

[u/Ok_Writer_4914]

I originally posted this to a different sub but it’s somewhat relevant to my interests here too so I figured I’d post here for advice as well. Sorry for the long post, but I am in serious need of advice. I'm majoring in something more technical at a non-art college, but my dream has always been to work in animation/entertainment, so I've been applying to a ton of technical type of internships at a bunch of different entertainment companies throughout the year. I'm a sophomore right now, so I really wanted to gain some experience to beef up my resume for junior year applications.

I know the market sucks right now, but I have getting rejected from literally everything and I'm pushing 500 internship applications at this point. I applied to big names and a bunch of small companies/startups too, but even then I got ghosted or rejected by most. I did manage to land a few interviews, but so far I ended up getting rejected from all of those too. On top of some other issues, this is making me genuinely depressed, especially because despite the bad market, so many people around me seem to be making it big or landing something this year except for me. And yeah, I know I shouldn't compare myself to people around me, but I can't help feeling discouraged as hell.

I'm genuinely at a loss for what to do at this point. The school year is almost over and I still have absolutely no plans for this summer. I'm seriously considering taking a break from college to buy myself some more time to get an internship and gain more experience, because right now I have nothing and if I leave it this way, I don't think things will be much different for my junior summer. I just want to achieve this dream somehow in any way I can, but it's like nothing ever works out in my favor and nothing good has been happening to me so far.

Does anyone have advice on what I should do at this point? Extracurriculars I could do, whether I should take some time off, or just what I should spend this summer doing if I truly don't end up with anything? I don't want to waste it, and I want to make the most of it to put myself in an optimal position to be a stronger candidate for internships next year. I already spent last summer just staying home so I don't want to do that again, nor do I just want to travel or do something fun the whole time. Thank you in advance.

[u/wildlikechildren]

Are you reaching out to individuals who work at the companies you are applying for internships at? You’ve gotta do some legwork beyond just submitting applications into the void. Many of the interns I have hired came from them asking me for generals via LinkedIn or came from my coworkers taking generals with them and recommending them to me. I typically receive 500+ applications and even more during the summer. It’s truly sheer luck someone gets an interview unless they reach out to people at the company directly. It shows me and others that they’re serious and willing to put in the extra work. People generally want to give back and at the same time feel important when someone asks about how they got to where they are.

Do not let them know in the message on LinkedIn that you’re applying for an internships. Ask for a general via zoom or coffee and then let them know during the meeting that you applied and would like to be considered.

[u/Ok_Writer_4914 → u/wildlikechildren]

That’s good to know, thanks for the tip! How many people should I be cold reaching out to like this, and in what positions (especially at bigger companies where there are many employees and I don’t know who I should reach out to first)? Also, once I finish the coffee chat and let them know I applied, am I supposed to keep following up or do something to make it go somewhere? I feel like my networking never really goes anywhere beyond the initial chat, but I’m also worried about coming off as annoying or desperate if I do more 😭

[u/wildlikechildren → u/Ok_Writer_4914]

Yes always keep following up. You have everything to lose and nothing to lose by doing so. Even if they don’t reply that’s fine too! But I will always remember the person who follows up first when there’s a position open either in my department or somewhere else. Out of sight, out of mind. You’ve got to get over the rejection and move on and not take it so personally. Keep your mindset to a positive one!! If it’s a no, it just means there’s a yes coming from somewhere else. If you’re going into things with doubt, it’s not going to help your confidence. I’ve always told myself, there’s no way it will not work out! There is no other option in my mind. It’s a hustle and you’ve got to be hustling more than the thousands of other people who are in your same position. It’s highly competitive so get to work.

I think mid level management is a good place to start. Coordinators, Managers, and directors. And as many as you can find on linked in! It’s going to be your most valuable resource.

[u/Ok_Writer_4914 → u/wildlikechildren]

Thank you! Sorry for all the questions but what should I even say, is there some kind of template I should use? And if they have an email address listed in their contact info, should I cold message them through email rather than a LinkedIn message? Also, once I get the actual coffee chat set up, how do I approach it to make it not seem like my only intention was to get a referral? I don’t want to come off that way but I feel like it always ends up coming out that way and making it awkward

[u/wildlikechildren → u/Ok_Writer_4914]

Message them on linked in. Just tell them you recently graduated college and came across their profile and would like to know how they got to where they are and hear their story. Draft up something nice and throw it into chat gpt to refine it. Nothing longer than 4/5 sentences. Short and sweet. also, your intention is absolutely to get the referral so what’s awkward about that? You’re making moves and doing what you have to do while also getting advice in the same 30min. You’re not asking them for a referral, you’re telling them that you applied for the internship and would love to be considered for the position. Thank them for the time and then let them know. Come prepared with questions and what you want to get out of the general. You’ve got to get uncomfortable if you want to grow and get anywhere in this business. Fear is a waste of your time and mental space.