Networking Does Work

Stephanie Fung

There is nothing more awkward then approaching someone with an intention of getting a job. It’s seems insincere because it makes it seem like you have ulterior motives; at least that’s what I use to believe.
I was volunteering at the OFFF Festival in September, with my dream motion graphic companies in the same space as me. As I listened to their talks and saw their projects, I was also waiting for good chance to chat to people from Future Deluxe, The Mill and Territory. I knew for sure that I wanted to work for a motion graphics company and these guys are renowned for it.

So, with business cards at the ready, I approached them after their talks and realised many other students had the same intentions. It was uncomfortable, putting myself on the spot and trying not to sound like student lurking for an internship but I realised that it was all in my head and that the creative directors are not scary people with big job titles, in fact they are just human like me.

A few months down the line, after emailing the contacts I collated from the event; I managed to secure an interview with the Mill in November. It was for a runner position, which wasn’t my ideal role but I was willing to attend the interview to see what the company was like. The interview was great, the interviewers were down to earth and I also informed them that I was looking more for a motion design intern role rather than a runner.

I was particularly lucky to be in contact with a HR lady who took me to the next level. Although the initial position was to be a runner, I chatted to the HR lady on and off for 3 months via email and somehow she managed to get me into a motion design intern position. I believe it was either due to my persistence and she saw potential in me or I’m just lucky and she’s very good at persuading the Head of Design to take me in.

I have been at the Mill for over a month now, and the design team said that there hasn’t been an intern in the Mill for a very long time; in fact, they mostly just take runners not interns which makes me insanely happy to know that they hired me. Most of all, I am not treated as a typical intern, producers give me work every day – I am trusted to complete work that are sent to clients. I am building my 3D skills as well as learning from other 3D masters in industry.

I am very happy where I am right now and also believe that I have found somewhere I would like to work after I graduate. The work culture here is healthy and I also enjoy the work that I am given. They seem to have the balance between corporate work and creative work right and the design team are amazing to work with.

All of this leads to, if I didn’t put myself out of my comfort zone and reach out to the creative director or recruiter at the event then I wouldn’t be in this position at all.

Also, here's my design instagram which showcases my motion graphics projects that I do in my spare time : https://www.instagram.com/stephyfungdesign/