Synopsis:
In a special Giving Tuesday episode of Hollywood IQ, Handy Foundation alums Dalia Soto-Beltrán (assistant editor and producer) and Danielle Kim (assistant editor) talk with host, Ri-Karlo Handy, about how they broke into Hollywood with the help of the Handy Foundation’s apprenticeship program — and a lot grit. Danielle discusses a pivot from majoring in business in college to studying editing after discovering a passion for posting videos to YouTube; Dalia talks juggling school, a salaried positions outside of the industry, and first gigs. Plus the pair explains why advocating for what you want (such as longer-term job opportunities) pays off; how they found meaningful work on projects that showcase their cultures; and what kept (and keeps) them inspired and pushing forward, even when facing rejection.

Episode Highlights:
Two first-gen Americans share how they’ve started successful Hollywood careers as assistant editors. Dalia Soto-Beltrán and Danielle Kim also break down:

• the impact of apprenticeship on their budding careers
• why starting a LinkedIn profile and staying active on the platform is crucial for jobseekers and fresh talent in Hollywood.
• why it’s not about the prestige of the show, but the work experience you amass.
• the importance of learning office politics and presenting yourself for IRL jobs.
• why having a community is one of the most important aspects of creative work
• how representation can inspire the next generation of filmmakers
• how to move from unscripted to film, even with no prior film experience
• the value of keeping in touch (and collaborating) with former coworkers
• the importance of networking and persistence in the industry
• how tapping alumni resources (like the Handy Foundation alumni Slack channel) can lead to resume-building gigs.