WORLD'S LEADING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Q & A with Charlie Caudill

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What do you think are the keys to your career success?
The ability to learn from your mistakes so you don't repeat them; There is no such thing as failure as long as you try; Aim high; Separate yourself from others; Have FUN in what you do because if you don't you shouldn't be doing it!

What is one significant challenge that you’ve faced in your career and how have you overcome it?
Balancing personal and professional life; It doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is the SINGLE biggest challenge that affects a person's life. Knowing that work is not everything and family is just as important is a critical path for a rewarding life. It is also the SINGLE hardest thing to achieve.

Have you received mentorship? What are some of the greatest pieces of advice/knowledge you’ve gained that have helped you advance?
My father, who was in the TV news business, was my early mentor. He took me under his wing after college and taught me the ropes. Later in my life, beginning at CNN, my boss, Ted Kavanau was a huge factor in my success over my 20 years there. He taught me to not accept failure and to not let anyone try to tell me that I could not achieve my goals.

What do you recommend is a great way to get your foot in the door of a major company where your resume and application for an internship or job could easily get lost in the shuffle, being one among hundreds or thousands?
Simply said, not easily done; SEPERATE YOURSELF FROM OTHERS AND AIM HIGH!  Find a company where you would love to work, research the executives from the website in the area of your interest. Send that person an email asking for advice and insight, NOT a job. Avoid HR, start at the top!

In your opinion, what are some bold moves that a young person may take to land a position within a company?
Doing whatever it takes to get a face-to-face meeting with a key executive. Come up with strategies that will CLEARLY separate yourself from others. Researching (Google, etc) that key executive so you have some "nuggets" to put into your email. Be aggressive, but in a way that makes it look like you really respect that person and want his experience and knowledge so you can be a better person.