5 Tips for Staying Hungry, Humble, and Hustling

Don’t be afraid to raise your hand, even if you feel like no one is going to listen.

During Office Hours this week, Her Campus Media VP of Sales and Business Development Katrina Campanale hosted a motivating conversation with Krysten Chavez, the Coordinator of Partnerships & Investments for the Target account at Essence. Krysten shared her thoughts on staying humble, hungry, and hustling, along with bits of wisdom she’s picked up from being a first-generation college student. 

ICYMI, be sure to check out the replay here. In the meantime, here are some key lessons we learned from Office Hours this week:

Stay humble, hungry, and hustle

At just 23 years old, Krysten has worked for major brands like Brooklyn Brewery, LG Electronics, and now Target, where she has spearheaded campaigns during the holiday season, back-to-school, and more. Her philosophy: Stay humble, hungry, and hustling. “This philosophy keeps me going,” she says. “First, you have to be hungry...I was always hungry to find something new. Always explore and try new things. Next is hustling. Things don’t just happen — you have to go the extra mile. Third, remember where you started. Be humble.”

Katrina, who has worked with HC for five years, says that a key part of this philosophy is to always learn and be willing to grow. “I’ve been at HC for five years and I always want to keep growing!” she says. “You never want to be the smartest person in the room.” 

Set boundaries for yourself

“We’re living in a world where there’s more understanding that people have commitments and things they are balancing outside of work and education!” says Katrina, who reminds attendees to be conscious of their personal and professional limits. “When my team members are clear about what they have going on,” says Katrina, “I’m totally open to it.”

Krysten, who has years of experience juggling multiple jobs and internships throughout her career path, agrees. “If your schedule is crazy, don’t be afraid to tell people. If you come in with honesty, people will be more receptive. Be honest and have humility if mistakes happen or you need to set a boundary for yourself.” 

Show your value during interviews

During Office Hours, Krysten recalls interviewing for a media job where she didn’t have all of the experiences listed in the job description and needed to find a way to stand out. During her interview, she was able to demonstrate her value and position herself as an asset to the company — a pro tip that is super valuable for any college student or recent grad! 

“When I applied and got the interview, I researched the history of the company but was then asked media questions that I knew nothing about,” Krysten recalls. “I tried answering them, and when I saw myself struggling, I stopped the interviewer and said, ‘I’m going to be honest with you. I don’t have experience with media, but I’m creative. I want to understand your side of things so that I can be a bridge.’” With that honesty, Krysten says she was able to make herself an asset to the company, and prove that she had more to offer than her resume demonstrated. “I was quick on my feet,” she shares during Office Hours. “Figure out what you can bring to the table, and lean into that.”

Speak up about causes you care about

When it comes to speaking up about social causes, or topics like diversity and inclusion, Krysten reminds attendees that it can be powerful to use your voice strategically and respectfully. “Educate yourself, understand what you’re standing up for, and present ideas in a non-political stance. Be respectful, be humble, educate yourself, and educate others,” she says. “Tell your coworkers when you’re passionate about something. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand, even if you feel like no one is going to listen.”

Confidence can help you crush the job

“Once you land a job, how do you crush it?” asks Katrina during Office Hours. And Krysten’s response couldn’t be more spot-on. She says: “For me, it’s about attitude — the confidence in yourself and the work you produce. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, too. It can be easy to shrink and not want to sound dumb, but don’t be afraid. Questions show that you’re interested and you want to educate yourself. It’s better than staying quiet and trying to guess. And if they laugh? Let them laugh.”

We loved Katrina and Krysten’s motivating tips for how to stay hungry, humble, and hustle toward your career goals, especially if you’re a first-generation student navigating college for the first time. Catch up on the replay here and be sure to follow @generationhired and @krystenchavez on Instagram to stay up-to-date on future events!