EICOP Panel/Understanding Your “Why”- Attending a general interest conference or workshop: 3 points

I had the privilege of attending a panel for EICOP, hosted by Kristena Hatcher, founder of North Star Focus, and Dereck Lau, WME representative. Through the EICOP program, students gain access to internships sponsored by organizations based in LA, New York, and Atlanta. EICOP welcomes all majors and has a variety of 8-12 week programs with provided housing. As they accept people on a rolling basis, they encourage all to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. Throughout the panel, they emphasized the importance of knowing your “why?” before entering a career path in Sports and Entertainment and in general through your livelihood. Thus, they asked a series of questions, including: Why EICOP?, What are your core values? How does it align with what you are seeking to do in the industry? Who are you as an individual?

 

Regarding determining your why, the speakers emphasized the importance of understanding your North Star, which involves holding fast to your core values and adhering to them. Because the industry may try to tell you who you are, they stressed the importance of knowing your values, or else you won’t be comfortable in your own skin. Additionally, they provided guidance on how to present yourself as your best self during the interview process. This process involves discussing your unique skill set and being adaptable. As your pitch is the most essential thing that will get you the job, interviewers value when the interviewee tells their story and addresses the values that they offer. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed gaining quality information from attending this panel and plan to use it as I navigate my career path.

 

By Tori Larkins