Experience Is The New Black: Does My Degree Even Matter?
What a time to be alive.
From YouTube vloggers and podcasts to social media influencers, it's the age of the entrepreneur.
If something isn't happening for you, you can make it happen for yourself, and on your own terms. It's that simple. And while I love living in this time of inspiration and limitless possibilities, I feel like my Master's Degree is just collecting dust. I literally wouldn't even know where to start looking if I needed to find it right now.
This has really made me question whether I should have gone for it in the first place. It hurts to say that, considering Sallie Mae refuses to let me be great after I took out loans for an advanced education. But a graduate degree and even a Bachelor's Degree doesn't seem to hold the weight that it used to. Was it worth it? There are times where I am not so sure.
We all know experience is the new chick that everyone seems to be eyeing right now. So, does my Master's Degree even matter? If you have a Master's or are thinking about pursuing a Master's in the future, here are 4 things to keep in mind:
Back To The Basics
Drake's multiple shout outs for Black educated women wasn't the only reason I went to graduate school. To back track, I was so excited to get offered my first job weeks before I even graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. But it didn't take long for me to realize I wasn't happy in my first full-time gig. Let's just say sales is definitely not my strength.
During this time, I started to reflect and think about what I really wanted to do with my life, and what dreams I had that I was too afraid to go after. It didn't take long for me to realize that I wanted to work behind-the-scenes in media. But I thought there was no way I could just jump into that right away. I looked up different graduate programs and came across a Journalism one at Columbia College Chicago. I applied after the deadline, so I was shocked when I got accepted.
I went to graduate school because I felt like I needed more knowledge on a topic that I didn't get in undergrad. Considering this, I really believe I made the right decision because of my career change. Please don't ask why I even got a degree in Advertising to begin with. I was all over the place back then.
I Got The Experience Anyway
The experience I actually received in grad school, is what prepared me for life after. The program I enrolled in was rigorous to say the least. It didn't help that it was based on a subject I had no interest in at the time – public affairs AKA Blah. But I figured if I could write about that, I could write about anything.
Thankfully, I was right. I learned how to write articles on tight deadlines, find a story to tell in nearly any situation, and most importantly, discovered my voice as a writer. In hindsight, I surely wasn't ready to work for anyone's publication without this experience. If I had to give anyone advice on whether to attend graduate school, I would definitely tell them if they want to go, find a program that's hands-on that way you gain experience while getting your learn on.
It Got Me To Where I Am
I started to get real experience outside of college when I attended a panel the school hosted that featured local magazine editors. I connected with a woman who ran her own magazine, and started writing for it for free. While it was my first unpaid contributing role as a writer, I was able to do celebrity interviews and get into the entertainment and lifestyle side of media, which was truly my passion. Thankfully, I could actually apply those skills I learned in class to writing for that publication. Plus, it helped me get a handful of writing samples that would be needed to write for other sites.
Over time, I got better and found that I absolutely loved it. I remember telling someone about it and they told me I should start looking for paid positions. I never even knew that was a possibility. I just knew I loved to write and that I wanted to do it as much as I could. I applied for a few positions and soon found that I could make just as money writing as I could at nearly any other job that I went after.
Make It Work For You
I'll never forget the day one of my former bosses gave me a major side eye when I told her I had my Master's and followed it up with how much I was making. It's safe to say the dollars weren't adding up. But I partially blamed myself because I didn't value my advanced degree. I even thought about taking it off my resume because I didn't want to turn off employers. Talk about desperate. Then I realized that I worked hard for that thing and anybody who wanted to hire me would know what I was bringing to the table with me.
Ultimately, my Master's Degree proved to be worth it. It was what I needed to experience on my journey to achieving my dreams. It not only helped me develop the skills I needed, but it was a time in life where I really found myself and my voice. There's no way I would be who I am now, or even have those life-changing moments to write about, if I didn't go to graduate school. Clearly, it's not for everyone. College period isn't for everyone.
And while graduate school might have been so last season, before experience hit the runway, I have to admit I'm glad I could get in where I fit in.
Featured image by Shutterstock
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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'Finding Tony' Director Raven Magwood Goodson And Star Stephen Bishop On Telling Authentic Stories On Screen
In cinema, stories often serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of our experiences. Finding Tony, the latest cinematic gem from millennial director Raven Magwood Goodson, takes us on a profound journey of trauma, redemption, and resilience. With the magnetic performance of lead actor Stephen Bishop, this film shines a light on the struggles and triumphs we face daily. Through the lens of mentorship, community, and self-discovery, Finding Tony invites audiences to journey alongside its characters as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and everything in between.
In the process, it sparks conversations, challenges assumptions, and inspires viewers to embrace their own stories with pride and authenticity. As the film prepares to make its mark on the cinematic landscape, it serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the power of storytelling. Executive-produced by NBA star Anthony Davis, Finding Tony not only adds another layer to the tapestry of Black narratives in cinema but also reaffirms the significance of our voices in shaping the cultural conversation.
Crafting Calm in the Creative Storm
As Black women, it's crucial to carve out moments of self-care amidst the demands of our daily lives. Raven Magwood Goodson, the visionary behind Finding Tony, embodies this ethos with unwavering grace and determination. In our conversation, she shared her strategies for nurturing her well-being amidst the whirlwind of filmmaking, offering valuable insights into the importance of prioritizing self-care in pursuit of creative excellence.
"While shooting, I was all into the film. No one knew, but I was pregnant and 2-3 months along. After production, you have a long period of post-production, and we spent months editing, going back, rewatching, and adding music,” Raven explains. “During that time, I was able to prioritize myself and my family. It’s a matter of being intentional for me and knowing these are the things I have to do for the film or for other businesses I have. I'm very intentional about whether it's work or play and making sure everything gets my attention.”
Amplifying Black Narratives in Cinema
Anthony Davis (L) and Raven Magwood Goodson (R).
Courtesy
Our stories matter, serving as the heartbeat of our collective experiences. Authentic representation on screen is not just a desire but a necessity, and Finding Tony emerges as a powerful testament to the importance of reclaiming our narratives. In our dialogue with Raven, we delved into her vision for the film and its profound impact on Black stories in cinema.
"I just want to be able to be an advocate, whether it's through the actual storytelling or my own life, for individuals that look like me. I know the importance of being able to watch TV and have an example because, being a brown-skinned girl growing up, sometimes you look and you don't see those examples,” Raven says. “To have women and little girls come up to me and say how much I've motivated them and that they want to write a book or a movie because of me means the world to me.”
Authorship Amplified: Raven's Journey to Filmmaking Mastery
Black women are no strangers to wearing many hats, navigating various roles and responsibilities with unparalleled grace. Raven epitomizes this multifaceted brilliance, seamlessly transitioning from author and motivational speaker to director. In our conversation, she shared how her experiences in these diverse domains equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to lead with confidence and creativity in the realm of filmmaking.
"I get the distinct opportunity to speak to a lot of different types of people, young people, women, men, and athletes about their experiences. I got the inspiration for Finding Tony. I've met a lot of different individuals, youth, whether that's in high school or college, that had similar experiences to [the lead character] Destiny and the film,” Raven shares. “I've also spoken to a lot of mentors, and people have gone through adversity and found themselves in a Tony space as well. My experience in speaking, writing, and getting to know different audiences shaped my viewpoint to be able to write this story.”
Game Plan to Script: Stephen's Playbook for Acting Success
Stephen Bishop
Courtesy
In a world that often underestimates our abilities, the Black community continues to excel in diverse arenas. Stephen Bishop's journey from professional athlete to actor resonates deeply with our own experiences of resilience and adaptability. As a former Atlanta Braves player, Stephen talked about how his background in sports equipped him for the challenges of portraying a complex character in Finding Tony.
“In sports, you learn a lot of life lessons and can use a lot of those to help inform your characters when you're in different roles. But specifically, this role, it helped because I’ve been an athlete who's had to retire,” Stephen says.
“I am a current coach, so I know what the transition was like. I know a lot of the emotions you go through and things you battle with when you're looking at athletes that you're trying to get to level themselves up. It was a very fortunate coincidence that I happened to be an ex-professional athlete who was going to play this role. It played a big part in me being able to be as comfortable as I was in the role.”
A Role Written in the Stars: Stephen's Path to 'Finding Tony’
Raven shares that her decision to cast Stephen in the lead role of Tony was a moment of intuitive certainty, sparked by his compelling performance in Terminal List alongside Chris Pratt. Upon witnessing his talent, she knew without hesitation that he was the perfect person to capture the essence of Tony Greene. The very next day, fueled by conviction, she reached out to her casting director, passionately advocating to do whatever it took to secure Stephen for the pivotal role. This bold move speaks volumes about Raven's unwavering commitment to bringing her vision to life with authenticity and excellence.
As Stephen reflects on this pivotal moment from his perspective, he shares, "They told me about it and sent the script. [My team and I] all read it the same day, and then the next day, we all got back on the phone, and I said, ‘I really like this.’ A lot of times in my career, by the grace of God, I've played the love interest, and I've been in a couple. I've been really wanting to move into roles where I could just be a standalone character and have my storyline drive the film or the television show without it being at the whim of the relationship. And this role came along and it was not only that, but it was an opportunity for me to really show myself and others what kind of chops I really have because there's a huge emotional arc.”
L-R: Raven Magwood Goodson, Stephen Bishop, and David Banner on set of "Finding Tony."
Courtesy
As today marks the release of Finding Tony, it's not just a film hitting the screens; it's a testament to the power of determination. Shot in a mere 17 days, this cinematic gem shows the sheer dedication and grit of its creators. Director Raven Magwood Goodson, amidst her battles, led the charge with unwavering strength and grace, proving that obstacles are merely stepping stones to greatness. Through late nights and unforeseen hurdles, her unwavering vision shone bright, guiding the cast and crew through the rollercoaster ride of production.
Finding Tony reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there's beauty to be found, strength to be discovered, and purpose to be fulfilled. So, as we prepare to immerse ourselves in Tony's journey, let's raise a glass to the triumphs of creativity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the pursuit of art.
Finding Tony - Official Trailer
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