Recently, I got the opportunity to visit various magazine/media companies in New York City through my university's magazine club. Sitting down and having Q&A-like sessions with representatives from places like HGTV magazine, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed and more was an amazing experience, but the best part, and what surprised me the most, was the fact that at least one person from every company graduated from Mizzou! You heard it here first folks, the Mizzou Mafia is, in fact, real! Umm, Go Tigers? I think YES.

Receiving advice and seeing first-hand success from someone who was once in our shoes, and even went on this exact trip, not only gave me hope but a look into a possible future.

Whether you are someone who attends/graduated from the University of Missouri or not, the information I received throughout my time spent in NYC will motivate and benefit anyone who has a dream, especially those interested in a career in journalism.

1. Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint - Thrillist

2. The more you ask questions, the more you learn - Adweek

3. Show the "roll up your sleeves" attitude through your resume and cover letter - HGTV Magazine

4. It is okay to start out as a big fish in a little pond - Glamour

5. Keep your contacts warm - Mashable

6. Every job you have, you are interviewing for the next one - Rachael Ray Every Day

7. Scope everything out prior to going on an interview - Refinery 29

8. Know how to answer "where do you get your news from?" - Mashable

9. Your main job is to make your boss's job easier - Glamour

10. Be as multiplatform as you can - Adweek

11. A 3 sentence email will get you in the door - Mashable

12. Stay in your lane when it comes to competition - Cosmopolitan

13. Include a QR (that links to an online portfolio) in your resume - Rachael Ray Every Day

14. Open yourself up to various experiences and opportunities - Adweek

15. Have one thing that you are passionate about that is not related to journalism - Mashable