10 Ways to Level Up Before the End of the Year

By Matthew Threadgill, Assistant at Disney Branded Television; Co-Editor in-Chief at THA

It’s September, which means 2025 is almost out the door and 2026 is less than four months away. But don’t fret, y’all. There’s still time to make some moves that can carry you into the new year at your strongest. Here are ten ways to level up before 2025 rounds out.

1. Set an end-of-year reflection with your boss.

The close of the year is the perfect moment to check in on how you’re performing at work. Some companies require reviews, but if yours doesn’t, take the initiative. Ask for time on the calendar, come prepared with smart questions, and frame the conversation around growth. It’s also a chance to restate your professional goals and explore how your boss can support you in reaching them.

2. Build a career game plan.

The industry ebbs and flows, and no one can predict exactly where they’ll be a year from now. But you can take control of the steps you choose today. Evaluate where you are, decide where you want to be, and outline specific steps on how you’ll get there. It can be a long-term plan, like becoming a CEO one day, or something more short-term, like landing a new desk. The goal here is to be proactive and strategic about your growth.

3. Clear your watch/read list (or at least as much as you can).

Be honest. You’ve got a backlog of shows, movies, and books gathering dust. Don’t drag it into 2026, because the new year will only pile on more. Use these last months to binge that series, finally watch that classic, and get through the books on your nightstand. Pick a realistic number and commit. Your future self will thank you when the fresh wave of content hits.

4. Make an end of the year goal.

Is there something you’ve been meaning to do all year, but have constantly put off? Finish the draft of your screenplay, learn a new skill? Whatever it is, make it your goal to complete it before December ends. And if nothing comes to mind, create a goal for yourself. Closing out the year with a win, big or small, will give you momentum heading into 2026.

5. Squeeze in more coffee chats.

You hear it all the time: this is a people industry. Relationships fuel everything we do, so we must prioritize building new ones and nurturing the ones we already have. Set a concrete goal: ten coffees before year’s end. And they don’t all need to be new faces. Reconnecting with people already in your circle matters just as much.

6. Learn about an area of the industry you’re unfamiliar with.

They say knowledge is power…and it’s true. The more you understand how different corners of the business work, the sharper you’ll be in your own role. Pick one area you know little about (casting, post-production, marketing, distribution, the list goes on) and dig in before the year ends. Even a baseline understanding can set you apart.

7. Ask to sit in on a meeting.

Assistants soak up tons of info from emails and calls, but the real action happens in the rooms we’re rarely invited to. Scan your boss’s calendar, spot a meeting that sparks your interest, and ask if you can sit in. Zoom makes it easy to listen off-camera. And, hey, if you’ve earned your boss’ trust, you might even get a chance to contribute.

8. Get involved with a professional organization.

If you haven’t already, get involved! Organizations like JHRTS and Assistants vs. Agents are great ways to build your network, access educational events, and sharpen leadership skills. Company ERGs also provide valuable entry points.

And of course, The Hollywood Assistant is another way to plug in. By writing for us, you’ll have the chance to share your voice with the entertainment community at large. Email us if you want to get involved (thehollywoodassistant.official@gmail.com).

9. Curate your digital footprint.

The reality is, people are looking you up. You want to make sure what they find works in your favor. Google yourself and audit your socials, LinkedIn, and any public profiles to ensure they reflect the professional image you want. Then, go a step further and add to your footprint to help shape your narrative. A thoughtful LinkedIn post can show you’re engaged and informed. A piece for The Hollywood Assistant can showcase your voice and interests.

10. Carve out time for self-care.

Career matters, but so do you. Without a healthy mind and body, you can’t do your job, let alone enjoy your life. Schedule that doctor’s appointment you’ve been avoiding, take a real day off, or treat yourself to something restorative. Work will always be there. You won’t be if you burn out.