To set the scene, I graduated from university less than a year ago, attaining a First-Class Degree in Film, Television and Radio Studies. Since then, I’ve been directionless, with that end goal of a career within the media industry seeming far away. January and February were tough, to say the least. However, after finishing my first week on the Agent Academy Rise Programme, I feel confident that I can pursue something that I’ll thoroughly enjoy.

As I reflect, with Google Docs open on the laptop and the record player spinning, my main thoughts revolve around the people I’ve met this week. Starting something new is always nerve-wracking, especially when it’s a 12-week programme with people you’ve never seen before in your life. Questions like “Will I fit in? “or “Am I going to be liked?” hang over you. So, I got a head start by friending a few people on Facebook from my applicant day to ensure that I know someone at least when I walk into that room for the first time.

Was it worth it? Yeah, of course! It made the initial “How’s everyone doing?” on day one a little less awkward. Truthfully, those existential questions mentioned earlier were solved within the first couple of hours of us being together. Now, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my peers and making the most of our time together.

Marketing was the core focus of the second day, and it was there that I realised I haven’t been marketing myself well. Or, at all, for that matter. (How did I only just realise that I haven’t posted on Instagram for a year and a half? Big whoopsie!)

If there’s one takeaway from this first week for me to work on, it’s social media usage and getting Jo Lindsay out into the virtual world.

Next week, we have a few guest speakers coming in, and we’ll be diving into the meat of it all – the brief, where the fun begins. It’s going to be exciting yet challenging, and I can’t wait.

Just as a final note and an FYI, if you ever find yourself in a position where you’ll be getting a headshot taken – please prepare accordingly. I must admit I had a bit of a mishap with mine. It seems that one of my peers has affectionately named me “anorak man,” which isn’t the most flattering moniker!

Thank you for reading my ramblings.

You’ll Never Walk Alone,

Jo