Meet Los Angeles Editor Melissa Bailey

Meet Melissa Bailey: She traveled 3,000 miles away from home to pursue her dreams. Within just 3 months, she landed a job with one of the biggest networks in Hollywood.

The deets

NAME: Melissa Bailey
AGE: 33
FROM: Simsbury, CT
COLLEGE: University of Hartford
CURRENT JOB: Assistant Editor for NBCUniversal
DREAM JOB: Editor for a scripted show
FAVE THING ABOUT LA: No snow
LEAST FAVE THING ABOUT LA: Traffic and parking

The Good Stuff

How soon did you move to LA after graduation?

I came out to LA four years after I graduated college.  I had jobs at local TV stations in CT before I took the plunge and moved.

Did you know anyone in LA?

Yes.  One of my best friends growing up lived out here.

Where did you first live?

I stayed with my friend in West Hollywood – Corner of Fairfax & Santa Monica.

How did you meet people/make friends?

Some friends I met through work.  But I met the majority of my friends through networking.

How do you feel about internships (free, paid, etc)?

The internship I did in college is what introduced me to editing, so I’m all for them. A lot of my co-workers interned at work before getting hired—If you’re good, people remember you.

How did you land your current job?

I found the job posting on the Internet and applied.  It took a few months, but it worked. Once at the company, I moved around and up into the position I have now.

What is the coolest part about your job?

I love being apart of a brand that is so global; it makes me feel apart of something good.  On a day-to-day basis, the best part of my job is how much I get to learn. My department is very big on helping to improve yourself and your skills.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in your industry?

Network. It really is as important as they say.

What was your biggest struggle moving across the country?

It took me awhile to really settle into living here. It wasn’t until all the pieces fell into place (great job, apartment, core group of friends) that I was able to call LA home. And now it’s been almost seven years.

What advice would you give to someone moving to LA?

Save up enough money to feel comfortable without a job for a few months. Moving to a new city is stressful, so do everything you can to avoid unnecessary tension.

Where can we follow you?

Twitter: @MelCBailey