3 Keys to Career Success

For this final installment of the 2002-2003 Career Beat column, I decided to end the year with three career pointers. I have talked about these ideas in past columns, and they are definitely worth repeating. I hope you have enjoyed reading this monthly column as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Professional Materials Are Important

Too often, in the frenzy of preparing for auditions, managing rehearsal schedules, and keeping up with the laundry, we fail to update our professional materials (résumé, biography, headshots, press clippings) regularly. The phone rings. It is an agent with an inside lead on a new pilot series. The agent needs your material now. Unfortunately, you have neglected to update your bio and résumé for the past six months. This afternoon is too late. Tomorrow is out of the question. What are you going to do?

To avoid this scenario and dozens of others, I strongly recommend dedicating one morning every two months to reviewing all of your materials. I recommend adhering to a vigilant schedule, like every eighth Tuesday. Put it in your calendar as though it were an important interview. On the morning of the appointed date, give your material a solid read-through. Ask yourself, "Does the material inspire interest? Is it efficient and effective in its format?" If you are uncertain, ask someone who has experience in reviewing professional materials to give an honest appraisal.

Materials that are accurate will give you the best possible edge in all of your endeavors. Think about this in terms of equity. If you fail to update your materials regularly, you are giving up valuable equity that could be used to further your chances towards a future audition or performance. But do not delete your previous copies. Those copies are evidence of your past, which you can use to chart your progress.

People Skills Are the Key to Long-term Success

Dale Carnegie once said that success is based on 20 percent technical skills and 80 percent people skills. While some believe that this is a little excessive, most agree that, in the professional world, people skills are a valuable commodity.

The term "people skills" includes everything from handshakes and smiles, to conversation skills and listening strategies, to cover letters and thank-you notes. The list is endless, if you think about the number of intricate variables that affect interpersonal communications.

You can begin improving on your people skills by attending one of the thousands of seminars held across the country each day. There are seminars on just about every topic you can imagine. All you need to do is type in a topic search on Google using the words "interpersonal communication workshop" or simply "people skills training," and voilà--a list of sponsoring organizations magically appears. As part of your continuing education, I recommend signing up for at least one seminar a month. If it is too expensive at first, try one every three months. The long-term benefits of this effort in your career will amaze you.

Be the Director, Not the Actor in Your Career

I am surprised at how many people see the truth in this statement, but fail to apply it to their lives. I believe that being a director is harder because you must assume responsibility--and with responsibility comes accountability. Many people are afraid of such responsibility because, ultimately, the results reflect on them. Taking responsibility by becoming the director and actively searching for opportunities is scary. It is common to think, "What if they hang up on me? What if they tell me 'No!'?"

It is the fear of rejection that produces career paralysis. Stand up. Get angry at that fear! Tell fear that you are not going to let it direct your life.

One way to fight fear is to assign 20 minutes each morning to make three calls or write letters to three different presenters, managers, directors, agents, conductors, and anyone else who is in a position to help you. Research new contacts by surfing the Web, or by browsing your principal trade publication. Send out letters of introduction; ask for an interview; propose an audition. If you follow any or all of those suggestions each day, you will discover that the road of the director is a far healthier path for you and your career.

Good luck to all of you and remember that we are here to help you. Feel free to call and set up an appointment with us in the Office of Career Development, ext. 313.

Derek Mithaug is Juilliard's director of career development and an alumnus of the School.