How She Got There: Kristi Stewart, Assistant to the Managing Editor at O magazine

Name:
Kristi Stewart
 
Age:
29
 
Job Title and Description:
Assistant to the Managing Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine
 
College/Major:
Marketing
 
Website:
facebook.com/kristimchenry
  
What is a typical day like for you? 
What a good question… Every day is a little different.  Some of my main duties include creating contracts for writers and photographers in the magazine, following the art memos from the time they are handed in to me until the editor signs off on them, and various administrative duties.
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
This is my first entry-level job in the “corporate” world.  A little back-story here.  I grew up in South Dakota, went to college at Minnesota State University Mankato and got a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.  After college I moved to NYC to be a nanny.  What a great way to see another part of the U.S. For the past 6 years I was a nanny for 3 different families.  The last family I worked for the mother was a publisher of a magazine, and my love for magazines started growing there.  I worked for that family for 4 years.  When it was my time to move on from the nanny world, and enter the “corporate” world it was a struggle.  There were so many people looking for employment and not many positions available.  So I reached out to my boss who was the publisher here at Hearst, and asked for help.  She did more than help, she worked with me on my resume, and helped me “get my foot in the door” with HR.  It took a few interviews at a couple different magazines, but I finally found the right fit for me.  I honestly can say it’s not what you know, but who you know.  Make connections with people and use those connections.  Stay in touch with these people because you never know when you might need advice, or help from them.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
Adam Bell, he took a chance on me…and that meant a lot, and every day I try to make sure he knows he made the right choice my hiring me.
 
Is there a particular quote or mantra that you live by?

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
I sometimes feel I made the mistake not going into a business-related position right after college.  It put me back a few years, and made the job-hunting really difficult when I started looking.  Everyone wanted someone with experience, or wanted to know why I waited so long.  But you live and you learn :)

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
That someone gave me the chance to prove myself.  Without “experience” in the corporate world, someone took a chance on me and I was able to prove my worth, and continue to do so every day. 
 
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
Well considering I have never had to really hire someone, I’m not quite sure, but if I were to hire someone, I would want someone who is confident, has a willingness to learn, and someone with drive and determination….I have been told “no” many times when interviewing for jobs, but you can’t stop when you get rejected.  You have to keep moving on and persevere over any and all challenges.
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
Don’t get discouraged if things don’t happen right away.  You have to start somewhere, and if that means at the bottom of the ladder, then you work your way to the top.  It’s much more rewarding when you have worked hard for your success.

• how she got there