My job transition from My job transition from IT sales to filmmaker
How was your University time?
I went to Miami University up in Oxford, OH, and had an incredible four years there. I met people I never would have known in high school from different parts of the country and it really helped me grow as a person. I listened to all different types of music, heard different perspectives on life, discovered unique family values, learned more about different areas of our country and so much more. I also had a chance to travel abroad post-graduation and that was one of the best experiences of my entire life.
Why did you Seek out a career in this field?
I actually didn’t at first. I started after college doing IT sales then I got into Marketing and waiting tables/bartending on the side at night. I loved my job doing public relations and digital marketing for small bands across the country and had an amazing boss there. Unfortunately, the only way up was his job and I felt I needed to move on to grow. I ended up getting into Marketing in Cincinnati and now work in freelance doing Video coordinating, marketing, social media management, filmmaking and so much more. It spoke to me and I just went with it. It’s been a tough ride on the freelancing train but I think I’ve found a great fit with my current company and have been able to expand my role there already within three months of starting.
What was your first job or nuggets from jobs you had that helped you to get to where you are today?
-I worked in IT Sales my first job out of college up in Columbus, OH, and it was HARD. I wasn’t very good at it, the culture was not my style, but I met some amazing people there and wouldn’t change my experience for the world. Close to a year in, 10-12 of us were let go before lunch on a Friday as the company was making big changes and they did not feel we fit the mold. It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me! It was extremely difficult at first but I quickly realized I’d never have to go back there and be someone I was not. I found my Marketing gig through a high school friend, went into a restaurant and interviewed on the spot, and found my next two gigs within two weeks of being let go. I grew as a person more than I ever would know during that time period of my life and I am so grateful it all worked out the way that it did.
How did you prepare for an interview?
By doing my homework, reaching out to anyone that I knew that worked for the company or had worked there before, developing great rapport with the person/people I was interviewing with and by being honest. The more experience I gain, the more I see that the interview goes both ways. I also need to be interviewing them on their company and values and asking as many questions as I can. No one wants to work somewhere where they were promised this and that only to find out that they signed up to work in a toxic environment and it was all for nothing.
Books that helped you.?
The E-Myth Revisited was/is a big one. I try to take something from that every single day. It really helps show the three major different working styles and why things don’t always go as planned when working for a company or starting your own business. I try to have one business book and one fiction or non-fiction book going at a time so I can challenge my mind with all types of stories and information out there. Right now, I am reading Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects and going back to the E-Myth Revisited once again.
Things are changing very fast in the industry; how do you keep yourself updated. Please list techniques or newsletter, podcasts, events etc.
I do anything that I can to utilize the tools we have out there today. Google alerts, podcasts, television series, books, whatever I can get my hands on really. Often, I’ll do a specific Google search and find what I need right away. It is mind-blowing how fast we can access information today and it’s both a blessing and a curse. Often, I try to slow things down and take it one day at a time, while planning for my future and fighting off the anxieties of the future with exercise, great music, movies, books, television and more. I like to take time away from all the noise to find the answers I’m looking for.
What can you recommend on CV?
Be yourself and really look at how you helped an organization, the people and YOURSELF grow. Also, remember that every company and situation is different. Some places might not even want a CV, they may want something totally unique and creative and you’ll have to adapt. Stand out in the way that you want to! Don’t listen to what every person and website tells you to do. If it doesn’t work out, then so what? Keep grinding and good things will happen.
Advice for someone looking for job?
Don’t be afraid to go directly to the hiring manager with a cold email. I landed countless job interviews in big cities because I emailed the hiring manager directly with a catchy subject and something to catch their attention. Think about all the emails you get all day long – it’s tiring. CEOs and Managers don’t have time to read every single thing that comes their way, but if you can catch their attention for a second, you may just get the interview you’re looking for. Also, I would advise anyone looking for jobs to never give up. The process will beat you down. It always does. Just keep going and take time away from it when your body and soul are telling you to.
why do you think you were selected among other candidates?
In my current role, I had the chance to impress the Founder a few years back. We had a great conversation about what I was doing at the time and where I wanted to be and I think it really resonated with him. As they say, it is also about who you know as the Founder is old friends with my Dad but I never really thought anything would come of it. Then, I was approached by their recruiter for some of my skills and my content on LinkedIn and now they are my only current freelance client at this time.
Lessons from jobs that you couldn’t get.
Just because you didn’t land a job, doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy or good enough for it. IT MAY JUST NOT HAVE BEEN A FIT! So what? Wouldn’t you rather work somewhere that your skills were the perfect match for and the environment seems to be more up your alley? It’s not about just getting a job, it’s about working for people you like, respect and can see yourself helping in the years to come. Don’t let anyone tell you how much you are worth and degrade you for something you’ve done (or haven’t done) in your career. Life is too short to let others control your way of thinking and interacting in the world today. So, keep going, never quit, prove the haters wrong and always remember to DO YOU.
Patrick Kollmeier a filmmaker, marketer and storyteller passionate about bringing stories to life and making a difference in the world. When it comes down to it, people are my business and my true passion in this life. Throughout the years, I have absorbed numerous amounts of information and insight into the behaviors and motives of those around me, and it is a gift I carry with me through life. Learning by listening and keen observation has served me well for 28 years, and I don’t plan on quitting these tactics any time soon.
At the end of the day, most people don’t really tune in to what others are saying, but I want to be the one that does. Wouldn’t the world would be a better place if we all took the time to listen a bit more? Overall, I take pride in leading by example, improving 1% every single day, and building personal relationships on an everyday basis. You can watch my first documentary here: https://vimeo.com/236172245
Also Read:How I Got The Retail Job – Interview With Nick Glassett
