College of Media Career Week

through 2/27/2025

Media Career Week graphic

Join us for the College of Media’s first annual Media Career Week, organized by Media Career Services. Events are scheduled on Monday, Feb. 24, through Thursday, Feb. 27, featuring workshops, guest speakers, and media professionals who will offer great insights for students as they prepare for their post-graduation career!

Monday, February 24

Career Fair Prep and Elevator Pitch

12-12:50 p.m.
225 Gregory Hall
Presented by The Career Center

Attending a career fair is an important step towards obtaining an internship or full-time employment, and Illinois offers several career fairs. We know your time is limited, but you do not need a lot of time to get the most out of a career fair. This workshop teaches you what to expect as well as how to create your elevator pitch, navigate employer booths, and follow up with employers after the event.

Rapid Resume Review

1-3 p.m.
18 Gregory Hall
Presented by Media Career Services

Conquer career fair season by visiting Media Career Services and getting your resume reviewed during our Rapid Resume Review drop-in hours. Experienced media professionals, including a Broadcast Creative Director, Digital Media Associate Director, and Communication Coordinator will be participating and meeting with students. This event will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be sure to bring a printed copy of your resume.


Tuesday, February 25

Exploring Industries: Creating Your Own Career Paths

12:30-1:30 p.m.
225 Gregory Hall
Presented by Media Career Services

Join our interactive workshop, where you will identify interests and discover various industries that align with your passions related to media. Students will be able to explore media-related positions within corporate, nonprofit, entertainment, politics, agency, and more. Whether you are unsure about where you fit into the media landscape or want to broaden your career path options, be sure to attend this workshop to learn about the diverse opportunities available.  

Student Internship Panel Showcase

4:30-5:30 p.m.
223 Gregory Hall
Register here to attend
Presented by Media Career Services / Sponsored by the Media James Scholar Program

Join your fellow Media peers as they share stories about their past internship experiences. The student panelists will discuss internship search tips, the interview experience, skills they learned, and much more! Pizza will be provided by the Media James Scholar Program, so be sure to RSVP.


Wednesday, February 26

Frank Center Student Workshop: Meet WCIA News Director and Reporter

12-12:50 p.m.
225 Gregory Hall
RSVP to Colleen King, cck@illinois.edu, Frank Center Director
Presented by the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media

Learn more about producing and reporting on local news from Maggie Grinestaff, WCIA news director, and journalism alum Amanda Brennan (BS ’22), WCIA reporter and anchor.

Media Career Night: Careers in Public Relations

7-8 p.m.
Register to join via Zoom
Presented by Media Career Services

Join us for Media Career Night where College of Media alumni share stories about their career path and offer career advice. Students will have the opportunity to hear about their career journey and ask them questions. Panelists include:

  • Cesar Rodriguez (BS ’05, journalism), Media Relations Manager at bp   

  • Vee Shahab (BS ’16, journalism), Global Brand Manager at The Bel Group  

  • Gene White (BS ’20, journalism), Account Supervisor (Tech) at Edelman   


Thursday, February 27

Hire Illini Career and Internship Fair

12-4 p.m.
Illini Union
Presented by The Career Center

Unlock your future and join us at the Hire Illini Career and Internship Fair. This is an excellent opportunity for you to explore a vast array of career and internship opportunities at 100+ of the nation’s leading employers (and the list is still growing). Open to Illinois students of all majors and class levels, this event promises to connect you with recruiters who are eager to engage with talent like you! Whether you are seeking an internship, a full-time position, or just eager to expand your network and knowledge of your chosen field, this fair is the perfect platform for you to kickstart your professional journey. Registration is encouraged but not required.

On the day of the fair, feel free to stop at the Career Coaching Corner (located in the Pine Lounge of the Illini Union) for any last-minute advice. Our expert career coaches will be available to assist you with any last-minute questions you may have as you navigate your career fair experience.

Ebert Center Screening: Dog Day Afternoon

7 p.m.
Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum
Presented by the Roger Ebert Center for Film Studies

Join us for a free Ebert Center screening of the Oscar Award-winning 1975 true crime drama starring Al Pacino. Sidney Lumet’s gritty film will be introduced by Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips, alongside Ebert Fellows Kennedy Caldwell, Diamond Steward-Hutton, and Aaron Anastos.