Wide Angle Youth Media

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IT'S ALL ABOUT SHOWING UP

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jade Underwood is a Wide Angle alum and a Creative Intern at Unlock Health. She participated in Wide Angle’s summer workforce development program and graduated from Northwestern University in 2024, where she double-majored in Theatre and Psychology. As a Freelance Creative, Jade involves herself in the arts in all capacities, whether that be writing a book, filming and editing a promotional video, or performing on stage and screen. Jade loves meeting and learning from new people, particularly within collaborative processes. Jade believes she can only go so far on her own, but with the right team, she can reach new heights in achieving her goals.


When it comes to getting ahead, we’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.” You’d be surprised by how many people at major companies are hired not for their intensive portfolio or impressive resume, but simply because they were recommended by a friend. Success is found through building a supportive network. Hard work will only get you so far. How does one find this hypothetical network of people to pull them to the top? Some would say by getting thousands of connections on LinkedIn. Others may advise you to send cold emails to every billionaire whose name you happen to know. While there may be some value in those methods, one simple, yet powerful lesson I learned from a successful CEO is that the secret to networking is all about showing up for other people. 

This seed was first planted when I interned at Broadway Theatre Marketing company Situation Group, as part of Black Theatre United’s summer program in 2023. At their New York City office, I shadowed individuals across departments ranging from Account Coordination to Content Creation and Creative Strategy. As helpful as the scheduled meetings covering account briefs or social strategies were, I went out of my way to accept all that my mentors and associates had to offer. I scheduled coffee chats with anyone willing to make the time. I was genuinely curious about my associates beyond their job description. As a result, I opened a new world of opportunities. 

Photos from Black Theatre United’s summer program

I learned that the Executive Assistant also ran her own Theater Company. She invited me and my fellow intern to sit in on rehearsals and attend the final show. As a performer who is moving back to New York City, I’m excited to reach out to her again about any way I can be involved. My Media Supervisor shared that he was featured in an opera and offered me tickets to see it. A year passed by after my internship, but I was still able to reach out to him for a recommendation letter which he generously wrote. At the end of my time, the CEO expressed that he was impressed by my involvement within the company’s community. He re-emphasized what I observed: making lasting connections is all about showing up for the people within your network.

Beyond my internship, I have found this to be true across my professional and artistic opportunities. For years, I have been struggling to find a music producer to help me turn my songs into a reality. A friend of mine kept telling me about a really talented musician she knew that I had to meet, but there was never an opportunity to do so. Luck struck when I attended a production she starred in and was able to connect with him after the show. Later that week, she recommended that he work with me and we have been collaborating together since. I was ecstatic to finally find a producer who honored my vision and exceeded my expectations. Now, he is an Emmy award-winning composer, and I am beyond excited to release the song we’re creating. I would not have gotten the opportunity to work with him if either of us had decided not to show up for our friend.

That same friend recommended I audition for an unpaid student film she was no longer able to participate in. Through that opportunity, I gained two new friendships with local Baltimore artists. This was especially appreciated considering I had been out of state for the past four years and hardly knew anyone back home. I recently was able to recruit both of them, as well as the friend who recommended me, to help me with the visualizer for my song. They were excited and able to show up for me as I had been able to show up for them. 

Knowing the right people is essential in ensuring your success. However, it shouldn't be done solely through surface-level social media connections. You don’t have to have the most prolific resume. You just have to show up.

Behind-the-scenes photos of the music video