TEDx Media Content Reviewer
at TED Conferences
New York Metro Area
Why I left
I left at the end of a contractual role, as there wasn’t a clear path to continue full-time. The experience was insightful and offered a closer look at how ideas are shaped into a meaningful platform. The environment felt relatively relaxed and flexible, with a beautiful office space, kind colleagues, and a generally low-drama atmosphere from what I experienced. That said, mentorship and structured growth planning felt limited, particularly within the team I supported, which made long-term development less clear. I also noticed that representation was stronger at junior levels than in leadership, which stood out over time. While I connected with the mission, internal dynamics sometimes made the experience feel less inspiring than expected, and it wasn’t something I felt compelled to return to later on.
Advice for the next person
Be proactive about asking questions and contributing your ideas early, as visibility can shape your experience more than expected. If you’re starting at a junior or internship level, take initiative to connect with people across teams to better understand where your skills are best applied. It helps to map out your own career goals early on, as structured guidance or growth plans may not always be clearly defined. Sharing your strengths and ideas can open up more opportunities. Exploring different areas can help you find a better fit rather than staying confined to one path. Overall, the more intentional and self-directed you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience. If you take this on or any other job, I'll share a piece of advice a colleague there shared with me, "if you're not growing (skills/money/portfolio), it is time to go."
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