Her Story
About Alana
My journey in media began with a passion for writing and asking questions that started in high school and college, where I was an editor on the college newspaper. Though I initially planned to go to law school, everything changed my junior year when I was accepted into an alumni-sponsored internship at CBS News. I walked into that internship and was just obsessed, wanting to be there every single day. I looked up to the executive producer and wanted to be her. I was enchanted with that world and realized this was what I wanted to do, not law school. That experience set me on my path, and I applied to graduate school, got in, and everything took off organically from there. I started as an executive assistant to a news executive, which wasn't what I had gone to school for, but I learned so much and it gave me great access. I've always thrived when I have a million things going on and don't do well sitting idly. I like wearing many hats and find it exciting to go from liaising with reporters one day to working with clients the next, pitching stories and operating in a silo while looking at the bigger picture. What I've learned is that you don't have to have it all figured out - your first job won't be your last, and you can learn something from every job and every task. I've found that being curious, taking initiative, and being open to learning from everyone, including coworkers, has been essential to my success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and taking initiative. When I wanted to go into journalism, and later when I was pivoting to media relations, I really knew that I wanted to do it, so I met with everyone, followed up with everyone, applied to everything, and networked extensively. Once I was in the job, I was very much focused on how I could leverage my position to get to the next step. I continued networking within the organization, and when I saw opportunities, I would jump on them - pretty much any opportunity. I think the key attribute is really jumping on any opportunity you have and being curious and open to learning from people. I think the least helpful thing is when people go in with an attitude of 'oh, I already know this, this is beneath me.' Being able to learn and being curious is really helpful. I definitely think initiative is really key. If you're sitting there bored, you can ask 'can I help with anything?' or flag information that's pertinent to your client or send something to your boss who's working on a segment. People want to give that help, they just want to be able to trust you, so proving that you're trustworthy is helpful.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell you that you don't have to have it all figured out. The first job you start with is not going to be your last job, and you can learn something from every job. My first job was as an executive assistant to a news executive, which was not what I had gone to school for, but I learned so much and it gave me great access. Really try to find the opportunity in every job that you've had, every task that you're given. You can always learn something, and it always leads to something. When you're thinking about a job, think about the long term. The priorities you want at a younger age are not necessarily the priorities you want when you're in your mid-30s. It's hard to think about it that way, but try to maintain more of a long-term view. Do what you're passionate about, but also know that what you're passionate about may change, and there are fundamental skill sets that you can learn from every job. Be open to learning about everything, and that includes coworkers. Find something interesting in everything that you're assigned to do, because you can always find something interesting, and it'll make your work more enjoyable. You really have to have an interest in learning things and being open.
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