Everyone talks about how exciting it would be to work in the film and entertainment industry, but nobody really talks about how difficult it can be to actually get started, or how much you begin to question yourself along the way.
As a college student studying film and media production and trying to break into the entertainment industry, I’ve realized there is so much pressure, both from ourselves and others to find internships, make connections, build a portfolio, attend events, and constantly search for opportunities that will open a door for you.
Sometimes, even when you’re doing all of those things, you still feel like you are falling behind.
One of the hardest parts is feeling like you need experience to get experience. How are we supposed to get our foot in the door when so many opportunities already expect us to already have professional experience? Plus, when you’re surrounded by people who seem to know what they’re doing, it’s easy to start questioning whether you’re doing enough.
During my internship at TelevisaUnivision, I was constantly surrounded by people who were a little older than me or even around my age. Even though I was doing my work and gaining experience, I still felt like I wasn’t doing enough, or that I didn’t belong in the same room as them. Sometimes, my own peers would tell me I was doing a good job and remind me that I was just starting out, but I still didn’t feel good enough. I kept questioning myself, wondering if I was actually doing well or if I deserved to be there.
Looking back, I think I was putting so much pressure on myself to prove that I belonged that I wasn’t giving myself enough credit for what I was already accomplishing. And honestly? It’s something I still struggle with. Sometimes, no matter how much you’re doing, it just never feels like enough.
I also think there’s an inevitable identity crisis that comes with pursuing a creative career. You’re still figuring out who you are, what you’re good at, and where you belong in an industry with so many different paths. Sometimes you feel confident about your future, and other times you’re questioning everything.
I believe hard work doesn’t automatically guarantee success, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop dreaming just because something is challenging. We have to be realistic about the challenges, without giving up on what we love.
I often think about Walt Disney’s quote, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” It reminds me that even the people we admire in the entertainment industry had to start somewhere. They weren’t always successful, experienced, or surrounded by opportunities. At some point, they were also beginners trying to figure out their next step and maybe that’s where we are right now.
Maybe we’re not behind. Maybe we’re just at the beginning of our own stories, and if there’s one thing movies have taught me, it’s that the beginning is never the whole story.