So you think you have what it takes to work for Diddy? The real question is, do you know what it takes to work for Diddy?

People, both in and out of the music industry, express their desire to work for the multi-faceted mogul. However, these people are speaking about a topic they really lack knowledge on.

Some people misunderstand the industry, thinking it is all about the glitz and glamour, hot cars, big homes and high-priced jewelry. These people are more focused on which artist is going to roll through the office, which hot party is going down that night and who they can meet to snap a picture with for their MySpace page than succeeding.

Some are blessed. Some work hard. Some have the passion and appetite. Others just watch and let whatever happens happen. Working for Diddy is not just another job. Working in this industry is a lifestyle. It takes patience and non-stop determination. Don’t think that you’re just going to walk into Bad Boy Entertainment and all your dreams are going to instantly come true.

Viewers of VH1’s “I Want to Work for Diddy” got a small taste of what it is like to work for the hip-hop legend. If you are looking for the regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work days with that one-hour lunch that the rest of America is acclimated to, this industry is not the place for you. It takes a certain level of tenacity and a distinctive type of person to survive this game. You have to know how to play your cards right. Honestly, at the end of the day, it is not about who or what you know, but who knows you.

Most interns come to Bad Boy Entertainment and let this unmatched opportunity slip away. They come only expecting to check their Facebook, put in the minimal amount of hours and go about their business. I question the motivation of my interns every day. They seem to want explicit directions and expect me to hold their hand. Often, interns think in terms of requirements—not going above and beyond—and merely hope they will land a paid position down the road at Bad Boy Entertainment. To be offered a position at Bad Boy Entertainment, you must earn that spot. You cannot just be one of the best. You must be the best.

It takes lots of hard work. It may take weeks, months or even years before your internship leads you to the payroll department. Diddy did not become such a huge success by sitting around waiting for a break; he worked hard to reach where he is today and expects others to do the same.

To survive in this industry, one must not be scared to take a risk. Never let anyone discourage you by saying you’re being used as an intern or that you aren’t getting paid enough. If you shift your eyes away from monetary measure, the rewards of your hard work and experience far exceed any dollar amount. Know that your surroundings are a byproduct of one. Create a position for yourself rather than waiting for a spot to open up. Each step or risk is a learning process. Succeeding in this industry takes passion, dedication, hard work and loyalty. You have to really want to make it and be more than hungry for success—you should be starving for it. This hunger cannot be taught.

Success in this industry is possible. It is important to humble yourself, start from the bottom and know how to take direction. Without compromising your dignity, do you honestly have what it takes to stand out from the rest? I did, and that’s why I’m here. I will continue to be grateful for the position I earned. I will rely on my perseverance for success and look forward to my next stop on the way to

the top.

Being a part of the Bad Boy Entertainment family is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an honor and a dream come true. At the end of the day, I can only speak on what I know and remind you to stay focused, stay determined, stay positive and stay humble.

Sara Anwar is a 2006 Columbia alumna. She now works as Executive Assistant to Sean Combs.