Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Carney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jonathan, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome had been one of my biggest hurdles through college and as I pursued future career opportunities. The feelings and thoughts that accompany imposter syndrome can be discouraging and deflating. As I took strives in my career with internship opportunities, apprenticeships, etc. I always felt those feelings of anxiety and questions of worth in my role, no matter the case or no matter the qualifications I met. It wasn’t until I brought these feelings up with colleagues, bosses, and friends that I truly realized what was affecting me and how to overcome it. Through these discussions, I learned that in any new opportunity, it is important to realize that I truly am there for a reason. Whether it was a role that I was overqualified for or underqualified for, someone (hiring manager, colleague, connection, etc.) believed in me and my skills to gain the opportunity/role. When I saw this, I began to think, if they believe in me and my skills, why should I not believe in myself and my capabilities? I have always been proud of my work and value the opportunities I am given, so it was difficult for me to overcome the sudden imposter syndrome I began to feel as I moved toward some of the larger career opportunities I was given. With the support of my managers, colleagues, and connections, I was able to value my work and know that I was where I was meant to be.
Even though the emotions of Imposter syndrome caused me to doubt myself in countless ways, no one is alone with these feelings. Over half of all professionals will experience imposter syndrome during their careers. That being said, having the comfortably to discuss these feelings with managers, colleagues, and friends allowed me to get over my imposter syndrome.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Currently, I am pursuing a Marketing Master’s with a minor in photo/video at Maryville University. I anticipate graduating with my Master’s in the spring of 2025, and my Bachelor’s in the upcoming spring of 2024. I have been fortunate enough to gain countless opportunities through my time at Maryville, including a marketing/videography internship with Keeley Construction during the summer of 2023, and currently a position with the St. Louis Blues – Blue Note Production team as a video intern through the 2023-24 season. Thus far during my time with the Blues I have pushed myself so much further than I could have imagined, and I am seeing my skills, production quality and industry knowledge grow with each experience I am given. Growing up a massive Blues fan, I set extremely high expectations and so far, it has lived up to everything I could have imagined and more. Along with these, I have also recently gained a position with the Athletic Department at Maryville as a photographer/videographer. Capturing moments in sports and important events has consistently been a passion of mine. I really enjoy the opportunity to help the university’s athletic pages grow by providing marketing insights and aiding where I can, while also providing the athletes with photos/videos of moments they will remember forever.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three skills/qualities that helped me advance tremendously through my journey were:
1. Support
By far, one of the most impactful pieces of my journey has been the support from all of my colleagues, family, friends, etc. Having a support group, you can rely on is one of the most important things as a growing young professional. Create a group of 5 people similar to your level of expertise, career goals, etc. check in with them once or twice a month, update them on how you’re feeling mentally, what opportunities you are pursuing, and engage in general proactive conversations.
2. Goal Ambition
Another super important quality I have been working on consistently is my goal ambition and the willingness to chase my goals, no matter the effort required or the possible hurdles along the way. Not every goal is going to be easy, and not every opportunity will just arrive on your doorstep. Learn to pivot on strategies early on in your career, and don’t be afraid to take that extra step, stay the extra hours, etc.
3. Willingness to take risks
One of the hardest things to learn is to take risks. Those who are early along in their journey should practice jumping head-first into opportunities and experiences and trying a new program/shooting method. Regardless of how great you are in your career, mistakes will come, but a mistake can teach more than success. When making a decision or reaching out to a prospect/position ask yourself, “Seriously, what’s the worst that’s going to happen?”
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One of the best books that contributed to my success was given to me just before starting my internship with Keeley Companies last summer. The book was “Building Career Equity” by Jan Torrisi-Mokwa. Jan’s story within Keeley Companies is motivating for those wanting to build a company with an outstanding culture and career opportunities within. While the book doesn’t dive deep into her time with Keeley, the book walks through building career equity, doing engaging work, cultivating relationships with your connections, contributing to the community, and reaping the right recognition/rewards in your personal career and within your firm. Overall, the book allows you to fill out your career timeline and teaches you how to set reasonable and attainable career goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jonathancarney.myportfolio.com/contact
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcarneyphotos/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathancarneyy/
Image Credits
Max Bouvatte (Headshot)
