Moving to NYC, need some advice!

[Archaic]

I just graduated from college and I am moving to NYC for a year long unpaid internship as a junior assistant. I'm 29 and feel that I'm unprepared for this internship. I have a few ideas of what my work life may be like tasks and such, but I'm insecure that I won't fit into the culture. Anyone give any incite to what my life might look like once I move to the city in 2 weeks? Like the post production house that I'll be interning at. What is the attitude or mojo working in a creative environment like this? People friendly or stressed, constructive or fierce? What should my attitude be as a junior assistant? Anyone have any experiences with being a junior assistant working your way up to assistant editor to editor?

I guess I'm nervious about the internship and want to get the right mindset before I start. Want to be as prepared as can be.

Any thoughts, comments, advice? Thanks!!

[ClockworkNinja]

Have you at least visited NYC before? Depending on where you're coming from it might or might not be a pretty massive culture shock.

The competition for jobs can be pretty fierce though, lots of people wanting to live in New York and only so many openings. Plus you have the obscene costs of living.

[jax_rox]

Is it full time? Do you have a paying job there at all..? I guess my concern would be how do you live for a year in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) full time without any money coming in.

[NickClapper]

Please watch the first season of Girls, that will teach you all you need to know.

I'm sure you'll have a great time. Yes, it's expensive and competitive but living in a major world city has so many advantages and if you're interested in film and culture it'll be an amazing experience.

[Cracker Funk]

Do you know how to make coffee? Yes? You'll be fine.

Just kidding. I have no clue what to expect; I've never done it. I do think you'll be fine, though. It ain't rocket surgery. Best of luck!

[Archaic]

My parents are graciously helping me financially

[Alcove Audio]

Originally Posted by Archaic

My parents are graciously helping me financially

Just remember that in NYC it is ungodly expensive to do anything.

Get a MetroCard and learn the subway system.

Radiate confidence, even if you are not.

Keep your wallet in your front pocket.

After two weeks you'll fit in like you've always lived there.

[Modern Day Myth Prod. LLC]

NYC is high octane stress. Everyone wants things done yesterday. Everyone wants to be first. It is over populated with dense crowds you constantly have to break through. Too many stressed people are ready to pick fights.

Looking in the suburbs for a place to live. The rent in Manhattan is for millionaires. Even the suburbs are getting too expensive.

Good Luck!

[WalterB]

You'll have to find out for yourself how the people are.
Show that you want to learn things, be yourself and be positive.

Everybody experiences things like this differently.

I recently read that unpaid internships aren't allowed anymore??

[Archaic]

Thanks everyone!! I'm sure things will work out, I 'm just nervious like anyone would be. I'm not sure about that thing with internships having to pay the internee. The boss I'll be interning for said that it wasn't going to be a paid internship, which is alright with me.

[directorik]

Wow, a year long, unpaid internship...

Good thing you have generous parents.

Originally Posted by Archaic

Like the post production house that I'll be interning at. What is the attitude or mojo working in a creative environment like this? People friendly or stressed, constructive or fierce?

I think this will depend on the people. No way anyone can tell you
what all post production houses are going to be like. You may end
up in a very stressed, fierce, unfriendly environment - for a year
with no pay.

Obviously the exact opposite could happen.

I hope you stick around indietalk, I would love to read about your
experiences.

[Aspiring Mogul]

I'm sure you'll do fine. But it's good to be nervous, because then you'll pay full attention to your work.

As for NYC, you'll either like it or hate it. I liked it so much I seriously thought of moving there.

[Archaic]

Originally Posted by Cracker Funk

Do you know how to make coffee? Yes? You'll be fine.

Just kidding. I have no clue what to expect; I've never done it. I do think you'll be fine, though. It ain't rocket surgery. Best of luck!

That video was awesome! haha

[Aspiring Mogul]

NYC is expensive, but, if you go to the boroughs like Queens or Brooklyn, it wouldn't be too bad. I like NY.

[Archaic]

Thanks all for your feedback!