Uncovering the Path to a Dream Career
Have you ever wondered how others landed their dream jobs? We’re on a mission to uncover the secrets behind successful careers. In this series, we’ll dive into the stories of professionals who have achieved their goals, from their humble beginnings to their current roles.
From Passion to Profession
Meet Patrick Pho, a content production leader at Volkswagen. Patrick’s journey began with a passion for filmmaking, which he discovered in fifth grade. He pursued this interest throughout high school and college, eventually majoring in communications media with a dual concentration in film and video, and communication studies.
Laying the Foundation
Patrick’s college program required a full-time internship, which led to a job offer at a PR firm near Washington, D.C. After graduation, he moved to Arlington, VA, and started working immediately. This early experience laid the foundation for his future career.
Finding His Niche
Patrick’s initial interest was in video editing, but he soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Instead, he focused on producing and managing productions, which became his true calling.
Networking and Opportunity
Patrick’s work with General Motors caught the attention of another agency, which led to a job managing social media for Chrysler. Later, a recruiter from Volkswagen contacted him to build a brand new team dedicated to producing content for their brand marketing team. This opportunity was too good to pass up.
Advice from the Top
Patrick stresses the importance of networking and preparation. He recommends The Briefcase Technique, a valuable resource for job seekers. In the competitive world of TV and video production, respect is earned through hard work and dedication.
The Journey So Far
Patrick’s starting salary was in the low 30,000s, but his current role as a content producer for Volkswagen’s brand marketing department offers a much more rewarding experience. His team produces content for various platforms, including retail stores, digital, social media, and broadcast. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
Behind the Scenes
One of the most challenging aspects of Patrick’s job is the controlled chaos that comes with production. Shoot days can be long, and problems can arise at any moment. It takes quick thinking and grace under pressure to overcome these obstacles.
A Dream Realized
Patrick’s career path may not have unfolded exactly as he envisioned, but he’s proud of the journey he’s taken. In a letter to his future self, written in high school, he predicted that he would get a job from an internship and have a career making videos. While some details differed, his passion and hard work ultimately led him to his dream career.
Stay Connected
Follow Patrick on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on his latest projects and adventures.
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