A lesson learned

Back when I was looking for jobs in the media industry, right after my post graduation, I decided to get into content writing. So I decided to opt for a career in journalism

I approached a reputed national daily for a job role. Having an internship experience at the same publication that I completed during my college, I thought my application will easily be accepted. But, It wasn’t all nice and easy like I thought it would be.

Having an inclination towards sports and being an avid football fanatic, I approached the sports editor of the publication. After an hour of the interview, he asked me to write 4 sports articles in a week’s time and meet him once it was done. I agreed as I didn’t have any work experience or work samples to back my skills.

A week passed and I was able to write around 6 articles with all my efforts. So much so that I stayed awake half a night to write a post-match analysis of a Champions League match. I mailed the articles hoping that they would earn me a place in the next round of the interview.

On my second visit, the editor took me to Vaishali for his coffee break. Trying to avoid the crowd and noise all around, I kept my ears at full alert, eager to know the feedback. The editor took out mobile and started going through the articles. He had a lot of comments on each article and had his own perception, not just on the articles but on sports in general.

Though he was quite polite and brutally honest about his opinion, I felt like I knew nothing like Jon Snow. Trying to keep a straight face, I took all the appreciations and (mostly) criticism quite well and I knew everything has a learning curve. But, I asked the editor (not out loud) “Sir, do you expect me to know everything about everything, right now”

The editor asked me to write 10 more articles and didn’t give any time limit, this time. I agreed and headed home while trying to hold my head high.

Knowledge has a beginning but no end. What I understand is that knowledge is acquired externally and intelligence is something you are born with. Your knowledge will grow with experience and learning.

Don’t limit yourself as per your interest. Read, learn, understand and read some more. Also, if you know something that others don’t, share it with them without an ounce of ego. You’ll feel good doing a good deed.

Jon Snow might not know everything, but he is the only one who managed to survive. Wonder why? Read the title of this post

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