How I Got My Job At Vox (video journalism job tips)

Yes, in the grand tradition of my coworkers, I'm sharing how I got my job as a video producer at Vox. It's a journalism job, a video job, a passion, and a pretty weird story.
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I got my job producing Vox Almanac at some point in 2015, but even though that's ancient internet history, I think there are some lessons for getting a video journalism job today. Also, I'm probably going to put this on my LinkedIn to get people up to speed. / philedwardsinc

[@abstract_duck]

I think it's also important to state that not everyone can get the same job. To increase your chances to land a job it's often important to look into unusual places, as that makes you stand out.

[@WellBattle6]

Security consultant: because most places will wave you in if you wear a high visibility vest and carry a two-way radio

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

If you have any questions about all this stuff, I'll try to reply as best I can.

[@joshnizzle]

Love your content and Johnny Harris also!

[@madhujaashtaputre8117]

Hi Mr. Edwards. I loved your story, the way you explained what needs to be done to get this job, and how to think, how to act on it. I'm a design student from India. My number one dream job has been a designer at Vox. I'm currently working on my skills to be able to work at Vox. I'd be honoured to get to stay in touch with someone from Vox. I'm attaching my mail id here, if you feel I'm worth an email please don't hesitate. The day I receive it would one of the best days in these times. [e-mail]

[@keerthichandra376]

Top notch content Phil, so happy to have found your channel (credit to Johnny Harris for that). I always loved your videos at vox, hope you keep making many videos here as well. Cheers 👍

[@gonzolonzo1383]

I've always been curious as to how well you and Haris were able to intertwine the ideas of modern day news and history together. Like how a modern day concept or idea can be traced back to historical concepts or ideas. Like for a future journalist, how would you recommend going about composing a piece on something like that?

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

@@gonzolonzo1383 I can't speak for Johnny, but I just follow my curiosity. Usually there's some weird thing going on, and my curiosity leads toward history (rather than present policy solutions, design, etc). So I think there are a ton of ways you can approach it.

[@harveyfelipe2436]

My summary of the important points: 1. Find what you want to do. 2. Remember why you want to do it. 3. Actively find ways on how to get to it. Inspiring vid! Thank you so much for sharing your insights from someone who relates so much to being on the lower end of the food chain.

[@brettjosh]

This is extremely inspiring!

[@sriramuday9322]

I stumbled upon your pentagon video last night (01/29/2022) and then the video about the tracks showed up today which led me to watch more of your videos and each time I was thinking about how you have such a "VOXY" style to your videos only to find out YOU are one of the guys behind the Vox videos! Really amazing content, absolutely loving it ❤️ You'll be hitting a million subs in no time and I'll be really happy to see it happen.

[@yydragon5713]

100%, I stumbled upon the pentagon video a couple days ago and I'm hooked, The same style as Vox but with more personal touches added in which just makes the perfect combination.

[@KarlSimmons]

That was something I never heard in my life. What a great perspective. I have spent 26 years making and discovering the mastery in becoming a journeyman carpentry, filmmaking, graphic designing, 3D animation, engineering, motion graphics, and being able to take the idea to fruition for other people to be heightened. I did it to learn because I respect them. I’m so happy I’m not alone. ❤️ thank you.

[@Geeksmithing]

Ahhh a fellow skill collector I see!

[@marinachp]

I relate to this video so much! I'm a fangirl of VOX too for years and I would love to work for them but I just recently learn how to use Ae and I'm nowhere near their skill level. I do wish I get to one day, till then I will keep working towards it! Thank you for making this video, very inspiring.

[@suzaka_ygo]

Thank you for putting this out! Stuff like this keeps me inspired to pearlroth on. Like Lincoln said, "I will study and get ready and someday my chance will come."

[@TheSuperpinkstar1]

A really inspiring perspective! thank you! I'll try and carry this perspective with my future

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Thanks for this Phil. I'm almost a year into my own journey with video and it's just good to hear stuff like this. My Pearlroth topic is definitely National Parks and Conservation history/trivia. I'll stick with that through thick and thin. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@geektalkwithbrianfromearth1480]

Bro, you got yourself a new subscriber! Loved this video! It is inspiring! Thank you so much for showing it!

[@gabrielk3140]

This was really inspiring thank you. My only problem is there's so many things I'm passionate about so i dont know what to lay my focus on

[@captainlimpfrog1093]

You're incredibly inspiring to watch! Just started watch your history videos and found myself delving deeper, and deeper into your channel. Than I stumbled upon this video of yours, and all I can say is 'wow'. For so long I've had a passion for KZbin and used to dream of being a "KZbinr" like all the famous or most well known ones are. This all was 10 years ago and I haven't once been able to achieve that wild goal of mine. I was always unmotivated to try harder than I had to and I just always gave up. What you talked about "Sticking through it, because you love it" was something I needed to hear. So thank you, and best of luck to you my friend. Don't stop doing what you're doing, because if I feel this way, then there has to be more!! 👍

[@kipronoexplores1981]

Good lessons, I love the story telling too.

[@tohiab5003]

holy shit, your videos' production quality is actually amazing, like really really enjoyable

[@Leninjaforce]

More than video journalism job tips, I see your video as an example of well-rounded work ethic and overall courage. Hooray for keeping at it and throwing yourself into the world

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

That's awful nice, thanks!

[@vinnieravioli4653]

you say you dont have as much natural talent but i really love your video style man!!! you always keep me watching all the way until the end!

[@ECPlex]

dude u are awesome, thank u

[@woolissolutions9347]

Thank you Phil very very inspirational! Keep’em coming

[@sunilduttsharma9038]

Hey Phil, this was superb. Thanks a bunch!!

[@haydenhoes12]

Ima be honest I stumbled across your account and decided to subscribe before even knowing about you being from Vox. You are doing some great stuff!

[@guayaquilindependiente8763]

I love your content, I’m bingeing everything.

[@KustomLife]

Awesome video! Thanks for todays inspiration!

[@chennyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

Inspirational and educational. What more could you ask for. Keep it up! Love your work.

[@crummyautumn]

very inspiring, you are truly a joy to watch.

[@magabre3212]

Super inspiring story, thanks for sharing.

[@simonmcdaniellswiss]

you rock Phil love it!!!

[@soundsgoodbro1296]

Nice, your were humble, patient, and positive..

[@DominicBallvideos]

Thanks for sharing your story.🤙

[@rabbitdawg7964]

Phil, say it. You're there because you're good at what you do. Not sure what it is, but this channel stands out over most. Dogs bark, cat's meow, you do this. That's all.

[@Sree_raj]

Loved it! A real eye opener :)

[@jigowatts1304]

Thanks so much for sharing Phil! So many things you said really resonated with me. I started my channel Jigowatts by asking myself "what if Vox made videos about film music?". In a similar way, I had to learn a lot about AE and other skills. But it's been super fun so far because , like you said, I'm a fan boy and enjoy the process a lot. Crossing my fingers my journey has similar results to yours LOL. Keep up the great work!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Thanks for writing! I'm a Jigowatts subscriber now!

[@waelwm4331]

Your videos have a very chill vibe thanks for the advice

[@cccapuno]

i am in love with joss fong

[@AbhiramK]

C'mon guys we need more subscribers here

[@noamteuerstein7287]

מדהים! Incredible video thank you so much, you are such an inspiration for me, a 20 year old little man who possess big dreams.

[@pandebonooverseas8098]

It's the good struggle. I spent weeks getting the hang of DaVinci Resolve and Audacity to make content that I know could still be better. Yet there's a big satisfaction in publishing it, just having it out to get the audience reaction. Keep at it man 🤘🏼

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

ugh the temptation to learn resolve is real. is it worth it? or do use it to edit as well as color grade?

[@SpricesExist]

​@@PhilEdwardsInc Imo, Resolve is really good if you don't need particularly complex motion graphics work (or even if you do, you don't need any specific after effects plugins) Resolve is significantly more power hungry than premiere/after effects, especially fusion (and in particular the gpu vram) But the render times are much better if you have a good pc and need to edit 4k footage often You can edit/color grade/sound design/do basic vfx and mograph (like, it's great for vfx and has a graph editor for mograph but good luck doing any rigging, audio waveforms, map animations etc.) I think some really expensive plugins like the red giant or boris fx ones are available for resolve if you're loaded The interface is VASTLY superior to adobe and it's all in one. If you can find alternatives for specific functions like trim paths, it's way better than constantly switching between premiere for edits, audition for sound, resolve for color, and after effects for motion graphics. 'Zebra zone' had a great video about this.

[@voneinemfreund]

Thanks from Germany

[@TMM6900]

When I was applying for my first full time job, I wanted to be the passenger service agent in the airport, but I didn't wanted to write a cover letter. Instead I applied for aircraft cleaner. Mind you I'm a skinny guy- the interviewer asked can you even carry a heavy vacuum cleaner on your back? He offered me a chance to interview as a passenger service agent. My eyes were bright af when he said that. 😂😂. Thanks Jake for the chance

[@DestroyingBombNL]

2:21 He has become self aware! Quickly, fix the 4th wall 😖

[@MetalBere]

Super video

[@JeanReneRodrigue]

It reminds me of the same "how did I got my job at Vox" video by Johnny Harris.

[@DANAMIONLINE]

You mentioned time management in the context of sharing your life story, but I’m curious how do you manage your content ideas for this channel and Vox? What’s the deciding factor(s) for what ideas goes on what channel?

[@Dakb1000]

Very interesting video!

[@armanke13]

3:00 i remember Ripley's show

[@davidn9318]

Did u study anything related to what you work now? Edit: Btw great channel also i love that vox show of yours with that kind of sepia filter look where you sit on an kinda old armchair up there with borders as my favourite vox content i just don’t remember the name haha

[@xrayblaster4874]

My great great grandpa was in one of the Ripley's Believe it or Not

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

what for?

[@xrayblaster4874]

@@PhilEdwardsInc It's in Ripley's Believe It or Not 28th series, page 71. It reads "John D. Banks of Spanish Fork, Utah has lived in the house in which he was born for 90 years."

[@BowWowVideo]

You remind me of a young, modern Walter Cronkite. Great story.

[@mimikyoo]

the thumbnail pic makes me realize just how much Phil's eyes resemble the eyes of tired Brendon Fraser in that one meme pic

[@rubenhonermeyer8335]

Nice to hear Gary Oldman got a job at Vox.

[@sirrahca]

have you ever had anything published in / submitted to the believer? the way you intro this video reminds me of the nonsequitur-y epigraph they have at the beginning of each article.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

I get that! I think like most people my age I probably have some Eggers influenced taste!

[@roshanminai]

MAN WHY TF DIDNT I KNOW YOU GOT A CHANNEL.😭

[@mattlo1661]

How does one get into explanatory journalism? I'm currently in highschool, not sure what to study to get into the field

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

My personal preference is to study the thing you’re passionate about rather than journalism. Then you have options and subject matter expertise.

[@DCskater79]

cultural anthropology is a great option!

[@wellesradio]

@@PhilEdwardsInc I always joke to my students that what I enjoy about this type of journalism is that it’s people who found a way of turning high school research essay presentations into a full-time career. So keep writing those essays! It’s a shame Vox doesn’t provide transcripts of their videos. I think they would be a great help for young writers and classrooms.

[@RedRumble14]

Man I really wanna make some motion design for my mini documentary and I’m desperately looking for cool motion designers like vox have! I hope they are not so pricy so I can afford them…

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

it’s hard to find good ones but they are out there!

[@AlvaroVallesV1991]

Interesting story

[@maximman102n7]

Warby parker Wilkie in eastern bluebird fade

[@doublehuman94]

How did he know my passion for new dental technology?!?

[@KelzVisuals]

hi i need some tips sir i have an interview tomorrow at the BBC Africa, I'm so excited

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

good luck! just make sure they know all you bring to the table!

[@KelzVisuals]

@@PhilEdwardsInc thank you

[@LashanR]

Lol I love the time management reason - that's exactly why I've made a bunch of my videos 😂 Everybody keeps asking the same question and while it can be a good story you also get tired of telling it after a while

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

yes! i’m sure you’ve found this - i love the conversation part but not the me monologuing part!

[@konradnoises]

Your story is very inspiring. But it makes me wonder what happens when you don’t feel particularly motivated by something on such an intense level. Could you chat a bit more on that? Perhaps on how we are a society of not so driven people, idk. Thanks for your work!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

That’s a good question. I don’t know, I’ve had jobs I wasn’t motivated at and just enjoyed the rest of life more. I wasn’t passionate about being a cashier, or whatever, but it wasn’t bad and gave me space for other stuff.

[@chrisklugh]

My challenge is its hard to meet new people since Covid. Opportunities are behind closed doors. We live in a world of segregation. But thanks for inspiring the 1 in 100 that will make it with your story. Always enjoy your Vox productions. :)

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

I hear ya there.

[@flamewave64]

Wonder what that interview was with the idiocracy designer was like because that movie has a really good look.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

triviahappy.com/articles/what-logos-crave-behind-the-scenes-with-the-logos-in-idiocracy

[@advicescreen.1432]

Nice

[@pearlywhiteteeth]

The thumbnail made me think It was Marc Maron

[@deadmilkman121]

step one: i grew this half beard

[@starchington]

How were you making ends meet when you were going to the library in Chicago and doing Trivia Happy?

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Well, it was only around six months ish, so a combo of savings and royalties from cozy mysteries I wrote (that’s a whole other story). It wasn’t really sustainable (hence applying for jobs).

[@markbenjotenorio6553]

That's Jim Gordon.

[@harvey1965]

And there I was thinking that your most handsome looks and winsome personality got you the job!!! 😉

[@tonyking7714]

Phil you remind me of David Spade. ✌

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

i'm taller i swear but otherwise ill take it

[@NanoBytesInc]

"How to be an effective lacky"

[@Minerbrick]

Whats your favorite color?

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

Afraid to commit.

[@usapanda7303]

Literally the ONLY Vox person who deserves ANY level of respect. Johnny Harris is very hit or miss with his pseudo research, but Phil is by far aces and the only one there with any dignity or self-respect.

[@kyb7795]

Now to execute my plan to become your lackey

[@AndrewChiNguyen]

VOX!!!!

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

wow i was worried you’d disappeared. though i feel like PEARLROTH is a highlight word of this video

[@AndrewChiNguyen]

@@PhilEdwardsInc dont worry, i'll keep an eye for next time. i just felt i had to highlight the amazing jingle tho

[@Furluge]

Ahhh, suddenly the reason why the YT algorithm started recommending you for no reason makes sense. You sold your soul.

[@KentuckyFriedChildren]

Would you rather have tiny hands like a baby, or long feet, like a Ski.

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

ski feet. could be cool. might move to minnesota for it. you?

[@MrGreen-ci2mm]

And now you left...

[@gabreshaa8234]

Nr. 2: Drink your coffee with either soy or almond milk.

[@sorrenpeak4870]

Okay but who in their right mind would want a job at Vox?

[@MacrWest]

Ew vox

[@elonmusk8711]

Garbage media.

[@Bobwehadababy]

Why would you admit to working for Vox?🤣

[@armanke13]

3:00 i remember Ripley's show