Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiao Hu.
Qiao, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
So, during my undergrad days, I kinda stumbled upon this whole sound thing. You know, playing around with audio stuff in class got me super curious. I started diving into bits about audio processing and sound design, and boom, I was hooked on the whole science and tech behind sound. As graduation approached, reality hit, and I found myself thinking, “What’s next?” With this burning love for sound, I decided I wanted more – deeper academic stuff bigger professional moves. I’m a sucker for movies, by the way. So, after some family chats and considering the fancy tech and academic goodies abroad, I thought, “Why not study overseas?” Fast forward, and here I am, chasing my sound dreams. It’s been a game-changer, giving me loads of cool experiences and job opportunities along the way. Life’s funny, huh.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entire process wasn’t a walk in the park. Like any adventure, it had its bumps and twists. Convincing my family to support my decision to study abroad was a significant challenge. Initially, they had concerns, and overcoming those took time and ongoing communication. Adapting to a new culture and academic environment presented its own set of challenges, from language adjustments to different learning styles. Balancing coursework, personal life, and adjusting to the new environment brought some stress. Yet, each hurdle became a chance to learn. Overcoming these challenges not only strengthened my resilience but also enriched my overall experience, contributing to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Sound Design major at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. My usual tasks involve on-location sound recording and post-production sound design. Since joining the program, I’ve actively participated in the production of multiple short films. Last semester, a short film I worked on, “MEL,” where I handled the sound design, won the Best Independent Short Film award. It’s a sci-fi-infused romantic short, and I invested a lot of effort into it. Right from the initial pre-production phase, I collaborated with the director to plan the sound design approach.
I’m known for excellent communication skills in team collaborations, where I share my ideas, listen to others’ suggestions, and am open to continuous improvement through communication and revisions. Additionally, I’m not afraid of making mistakes; I believe every work opportunity is a learning process. I’m willing to experiment continuously until achieving a satisfactory outcome.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
First and foremost, it’s crucial to clarify your goals early on – know what you want to achieve in your career or academic journey. This helps in targeted mentorship and networking. During my time in school, I often grabbed the chance to chat with mentors during office hours. These conversations weren’t just about academic matters; we also discussed future career plans, and mentors provided invaluable advice. Besides that, in my free time, I actively engaged in industry-related events, workshops, and social gatherings – excellent opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. Joining professional organizations or associations opened pathways to connect with experienced individuals in the industry. The audio union often organized parties, creating a fun environment for learning and making new friends. Personally, I found effective methods included participating in online social platforms, interacting with professionals, and showcasing my knowledge and skills when appropriate. Informational interviews and involvement in industry events were also impactful in establishing meaningful connections.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: victorhu666
