Media Career Nights, a college initiative borne out of necessity during the pandemic, has become a successful continuing model for connecting students with alumni from across the nation. Now in its second year, this virtual series has been an innovative and effective way to facilitate panel discussions focused on careers in specific media industries.
Three Media Career Nights were scheduled this semester on careers in entertainment media, especially in Hollywood, in nonprofits, and in media and law. Past panels addressed sports media, politics and public life, science communication, crisis communications, and more.
“Students have enjoyed getting advice from professionals and hearing about panelists’ career paths,” said Daniel Almanza, assistant director of Media Career Services. “Students are also interested in knowing the types of organizations, internships, and other things alumni did while they were students here at Illinois.”
Alumni at the entertainment and Hollywood panel included Stephen Feder (BS ’02, media studies), producer at T-Street Productions; Emma Miller (BS ’08, media studies), senior vice president of scripted development and programming at AMC Networks; and Mike Vainisi (BS ’08, journalism), head of original content at ATTN:.
Students asked the panelists about recommended locations to begin entertainment careers, how to gain experience through summer internships, and how to connect with people in the industry. Panelists also provided advice on how to break into the entertainment industry and navigate the job market after college.
“Every experience that you have is part of the narrative you’re going to create, which is what you’ll use to help sell yourself for potential opportunities,” Feder said.
Alumni at the Media Career Night panel on nonprofits included Isabel Morales (BS ’13, journalism), media relations manager at The Nature Conservancy; Rosie Powers (BS ’12, journalism), strategist at Mission Minded; and Bradley Smith (BS ’18, advertising), program development manager at Children’s Miracle Network.
The panelists addressed what influenced them to work in the nonprofit industry, the resources they used during their time at UIUC, and the importance of resumes and portfolios.
“Our alumni panelists value events like these where they can give back and connect with current students,” Almanza said. “They also enjoy sharing their advice, their story, and are happy to discuss other topics to help students as they prepare for a successful career post-graduation.”
The final Media Career Night this semester, on media and law, will take place on April 12. The alumni panelists include Renee Cogdell Lewis (BS ’90, journalism), legal and HR consultant, private investigator, mediator, and coach at MFR Law Group PLLC; Aura L. Lichtenberg (BS ’06, journalism), partner and divorce and family law attorney at Berger Schatz; David E. McCraw (BS ’76, journalism), lead newsroom lawyer at The New York Times; and Todd Stern (BS ’85, advertising), entertainment attorney and shareholder at the law firm of Weintraub Tobin. Students can register here.
Past Media Career Night panels have been recorded and can be viewed online.
“We are grateful to our Media alumni for their generosity with their time and for their sincere interest in helping our students prepare to be the next generation of leaders,” said Dean Tracy Sulkin.
—Faith Lee, Communications Intern