Passion and creativity are qualities that cannot be taught; how to apply fandom skills to a full-time job.

Alexa Graham had long been interested in video editing as a hobby, creating One Direction clips and Marvel trailer-style videos. However, it wasn't until one Marvel TikTok edit caught the attention of a potential employer that she landed a job.

As a 26-year-old student advisor at Westcliff University in Irvine, California, Graham created a video that featured dramatic fade-ins, precisely timed action sequences, and the consistent background music of Kendrick Lamar's "DNA."

"If you could take a moment to watch this edit, which took approximately 20 hours, I would greatly appreciate it," Graham stated at the start of the 2021 TikTok video.

In July 2024, Graham's edit received 2.5 million views and 400,000 likes. Due to its success, Graham was offered a job as a contractor for New Rockstars in 2021, a YouTube channel that specializes in Marvel and other franchises.

Graham considered the beginning of her professional editing career as a blessing from God.

""Graham was too scared to pursue film school or leave his job to try and get into editing, so he decided to hand it to him on a silver platter," CNBC Make It reports."

Since then, Graham has taken on other editing roles, but she is not the only person who has transformed their fan-driven hobby into a full-time career.

Emily Levine, the executive vice president of Career Group Companies, has recruited for clients in New York and Los Angeles. Despite the increasing use of artificial intelligence, she believes that "it's really hard to compete with the creative aspect of someone's mind," which can actually benefit job seekers.

"According to Levine, being a good editor, content creator, or digital marketer requires creativity and storytelling skills, rather than relying solely on data or mathematical analysis."

According to Levine, those skills are highly transferable and can be utilized across various industries.

Advice for transforming fan skills into professional assets: 1. Practice active listening and empathy to better understand and connect with your audience. 2. Develop strong communication skills to effectively convey your message and engage with your audience. 3. Continuously learn and adapt to new trends and technologies to stay ahead of the competition.

Own your interests

Cailey Merulla, 23, embraces her interests as a K-pop fan and showcases them on her LinkedIn page, YouTube channel, and work as social media editor for EnVi Media, a "fan-project turned media company."

Merulla secured a job at Impactable B2B Ad Agency as the head of content due to her YouTube channel. She included a video as an example of her skills, but recruiters also reviewed the rest of her channel.

"Merulla stated that they watched other videos on his channel and found that he had the necessary skills. However, they also discovered his personality and were impressed by his passion for something beyond his profession. Despite this, they believed he could still apply his passion to his work."

To address any skepticism during an interview, Levine advises acknowledging potential doubts about being a fan early on. After acknowledging these doubts, you can then showcase the tangible skills you've gained as a fan.

Levine advised those transitioning from unrelated careers to emphasize the skills and recognition gained from their previous profession when introducing themselves in their new field.

By acknowledging the recruiters' self-awareness and ability to relate to them, you can effectively communicate the benefits of your experience and emphasize the positive aspects.

Highlight results

Davonna Gilpin, 32, never imagined that her work as a fan could lead to a job. As a devoted fan of boy bands and K-pop groups, such as NLT and Wonder Girls, she spent years planning fan events, organizing Myspace campaigns, and boosting trends on a burgeoning Twitter platform, now known as X.

In 2016, when she began her career in insurance, she reduced her work as a fan. As Gilpin volunteered her time outside of work to help record labels track fan engagement, one of her friends told her that people are paid to do that type of work.

"I was like, 'Wait, what?'" Gilpin says.

She left her job in insurance and started exploring social media marketing as a potential career path. After freelancing, she landed jobs at creative agencies and now manages the social media strategy for clients such as Amazon Music and Levi's.

Gilpin, who is also deputy editor at EnVi Media, attributes her success to her unique perspective as a fan, but she also advises others to quantify that experience with tangible results.

Instead of rattling off data in an interview, Levine advises listing the metrics on a resume or within a portfolio. Gilpin recommends tracking in-app insights for platforms like X and Instagram to understand who viewed your posts and the rate of engagement.

"Gilpin advises that numbers will always be your best friend. Therefore, if you have a social media account with 10,000 followers, it's important to remember that you grew that account from scratch to 10,000 followers."

In an interview, it's beneficial to have work samples prepared to demonstrate your experience to the recruiter, in case you have the opportunity to showcase your skills.

Emphasize your professionalism

To secure a job that aligns with your fandom interests, ensure that your motivation is driven by the position, not the chance to obtain access to the subject of your fandom. Be cautious of the content you share and post online, as it may remain on the internet indefinitely, advises Levine.

To showcase your skills as a fan, Gilpin advises offering a "sneak peek" into how fans think, but ensure it connects back to the company or role you're applying for. If you have analytical skills from your work as a fan, explain how they can benefit your job, such as analyzing audience demographics.

Gilpin emphasizes that fandom is driven by passionate individuals who prioritize success and victory.

"In a corporate setting or job, individuals desire to know that you are committed to achieving success, she asserts."

Graham is winding down her video editing career to return to school and study medical imaging. Although she discovered she didn't want to edit as a job, she still believes that fans add a unique element to professional endeavors.

She asserts that creativity and passion cannot be taught.

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