Breaking into the workforce is not easy and just because you get your foot in the door once doesn't mean the door will stay open forever. After over two decades of success in the entertainment industry, I've learned a few lessons along the way. Let me share them with your students!
After 25 years navigating the gig economy in entertainment, I’ve mastered the art of building strong relationships and staying top of mind—skills every real estate professional needs to stay relevant and in demand. This keynote delivers proven networking strategies that drive long-term success.
• Do's & Don'ts Of Networking
• Techniques for Starting Conversations & Maintaining Them
• Top Ways to Stay Top of Mind to Decision Makers
• 5 Book Recommendations on Networking
• Audience Q&A Session
• Meet & Greet
In the entertainment industry getting your foot in the door is only the first step, you still want to stay top of mind of employers and achieving long-term overall success. This keynote, "How To Break In, Stay In & Win" goes over the steps you can take to achieve your big picture goals as an entertainment professional.
• The L.I.T. 3-Part Method. (Learn • Interact • Think)
• Actionable steps to take to get closer to your goals
• 5 Book Recommendations
• 1 Life Hack that can save you a lot of money
• Audience Q&A Session
• Meet & Greet
When you're a young diverse student, sometimes you just can't see how special you are. ""One of One (1/1)" is a speech designed to help diverse students re-imagine the way they've seen themselves and use their uniqueness as a super power.
• A guide to embracing your diversity
• Actionable steps to take to get closer to your goals
• 5 Book Recommendations
• 1 Life Hack that can save you a lot of money
• Audience Q&A Session
• Meet & Greet
Whether it's speaking in front of twenty or 14,000, the message is still the same; motivation and inspiration. This talk can be tailored to the specific needs of your students as they prepare to enter college, transfer to state or enter the job marketplace.
If you want me to expand on my keynote pillars or just need a different topic like Time Management, Self-Awareness or Mental Health, a more moderated Q&A appearance or a more in-depth workshop on similar subjects. There are a variety of a la cart options to provide for your college, organization or event's needs.
Pierce College Roundup
"When producer and director Augie Max Vargas was growing up as a child of Filipino immigrant parents, he did not see people who looked like him on TV. He wanted to be more like the quintessential light skin, blonde-haired character on the 90s sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” Zach Morris.
“I wanted to be him so bad that it was a pain that haunted me for many years,” Vargas said."
El Paisano Media, Rio Hondo College
"Rio Hondo College welcomed Emmy award winner Augie Max Vargas on Wednesday, February 19 to the boardroom in the L Tower for a Master Class in television production tailored for Mass Communications and Journalism students and open to campus in general. Vargas is a producer, director and speaker who has over 25 years of experience in the television industry and has received a Primetime Emmy award."
There is no greater reward than paying attention
You can't get to your destination if don't pick a destination.
"Thank you, Augie, for motivating and inspiring our students by sharing your amazing success story with such enthusiasm and honesty."
"Augie inspired and motivated our students by sharing his path to success. His enthusiasm, sense of humor, and his honesty left a lasting impression."
Professor for Communication Studies
"Augie is a fantastic speaker who exudes warmth and who passionately welcomes students from different backgrounds. His well-crafted presentation is full of specific details and no-nonsense advice. Augie eagerly shares his hard-earned wisdom on not only how to break into the industry, but also how to stay in it in the long run, with authentic passion and humility that ring true for aspiring student filmmakers."
Film/TV Department, Chair
"Augie's story is inspiration for any generation on forging a path for themselves with career and life."
"Through courageous acts of "firsts", scanning for untapped opportunities, and developing a legacy of a strong work ethic teaches others about his cultural capital of aspirations."
Director, Arise Program
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