It’s the last summer of my undergraduate career.

Soon, it will be time to think about career opportunities and what lies ahead. The past few months have been filled with lots of decision making, reflections and risks. As my future practically stares me in the face, I am left with no choice but to pursue something that will set things up for a more concrete future.

Alas, my road to Charlotte is born.

Coming here, honestly was by chance. My good friend recommended me two places to reach out to. Without a breath, I reached out immediately, made my connections, and traveled out to take a chance on a few interviews to see if anyone would find me a good fit. Not having any sort of idea what I would be doing if the interviews didn’t work out at all, but just feeling that if I didn’t do anything about these opportunities, something would be passing me by.

The exact same day as my arrival, I was hired.

For the next few months, I will be serving a videographer role with the Metro Proponent news studio of Charlotte, NC. The platform itself is a great one – non profit organization giving back to local businesses by providing free marketing opportunities in their newspapers, presenting news to the people of Charlotte in a unique way, and just really providing a different platform that, I would argue, is one I’ve hardly ever seen.

As with any opportunity, there is always questions about whether or not you’ll fit in, you’ll live up to the expectations of who hired you, etc. And I’ll admit, I definitely had my fair share of those, and often times still do. Here is a person who believes in me and my work without even fully knowing who I am, but just trusting in me to be there and get the job done.

When I think about what I would like to do with my career, I envision myself serving on a platform that gives back. Something that really shows the public why it matters, and really taking pride with the news it delivers to their audience. I’ve always been a little unorthodoxed in my approach with news and journalism, and at times, it can be intimidating for me to explore certain platforms and not get discouraged along the way that I won’t get hired by a company, or fit in with the brand.

These next few months, I tear down those barriers as I continue to explore the voice that I have in media and today’s society and really showing the world what I’m made of. My advice to anyone that is pursuing an internship, or currently has one – definitely don’t take the opportunity lightly. You honestly never know when a door will open and release an opportunity your way.

– KD

The internship series will occur all summer long featuring video, behind the scenes and editorial features of advice and activity happening during my internship with The Metro Proponent. For more of the fun stuff, be sure to follow along with my blog, “Truth Be Told”! Share your thoughts and connect with me!

Twitter: @KDennis94

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