We asked experts from a broad range of industries to open up to us about things they know about their industry but that we probably don’t and we’ve shared some of those responses below.

Tadashi ‘Tad’ Kondo | CEO of The Kondo Group

Most people probably don’t realize how much networking amongst other agents it takes to be successful in the Real Estate business. We are constantly working to build a good rapport not just among clientele, but also with the local community we work in and our peers. Building a solid reputation is vital to the business. Agents want to work with other agents that have good rapport. Working with agents that are unresponsive, unexperienced, or egocentric can be the roadblock to the home of a buyer or sellers dreams. Who you work with truly matters! Read more>>

Vanessa McCaffrey | Real Estate Agent & Interior Decorator

The biggest misconception about being a real estate agent is how much nuance there is in the business. Not only are we the biggest economic drivers and wealth makers within our communities but we are also tasked to deal with individuals on a personal and intimate level. Dealing with different individuals can seem to be the easiest task but moods and personalities are very different. Finding a way to navigate that while also making them feel safe during a very confusing and exciting time in their lives can be very difficult but in my experience the most rewarding. Read more>>

Pranav Shah | Event Technical Producer

For better or for worse, it’s how “constant” it is. Live entertainment is an incredibly deadline driven industry by its nature, so there’s not a ton of room to fall behind schedule. Because when doors open, or when the broadcast goes live, you and everyone around you better be ready to put on that show! But the positive side of this is just how collaborative everyone in this industry is, all moving forward toward the same goal, and how many teams of people work with each other to make a vision into reality, sometimes under difficult circumstances, harsh physical conditions, or seemingly impossible timelines. Almost always, the show must go on! Read more>>

Hanson Ma | Graphic Design Student

The graphic design industry is very very fast-paced. Typically, students at Art Center are taking 2-3 studio classes at the same time. This is comparable to taking on 3 freelance jobs at the same time, where in each class you will work on a huge project with weekly deadlines to fulfill. In a similar experience, during the summer of 2022 I interned at a creative agency by the name of INDUSTRY. Our team would typically work on 2-3 client projects at the same time. Whenever one project is completed, a new project will come along in a never-ending cycle. Read more>>

Nadia Conrow | Real Estate Agent

That being a real estate agent is easy money and that anyone can do it. It’s not easy and not everyone can do it. It’s a very layered type of job that requires you to wear many hats and demands a lot of your time. Besides being your client’s real estate agent, you’re also their assistant, project manager, negotiator, designer, and even their therapist. Buying, selling and investing in real estate is a huge financial decision that people work very hard to acquire, so it can be very emotional. Read more>>

Melissa Garcia | Campaign Manager at NBC Universal Peacock

Be genuine to others because it will bite you in the bum. The word will travel around of the truth of how someone treats others. Read more>>

Nadine Duncan | Independent Publisher & Travel Educator

I think outsiders assume it is solely the publishers responsibility to publicize books. For large publishing companies, absolutely! But for smaller, independent companies, it is really all hands on deck. Writing a book is a big deal, but the hardest part is getting people to read it! Read more>>