By Catherine Donahoe
Student Writer
The 4th annual Careers in Entertainment Day took place recently at USC Annenberg, which welcomed back seven alumni who spoke to students about career opportunities.
About 175 graduate and undergraduate students chose two of seven seminars to attend, and had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with industry professionals. Seminars focused on subjects such as talent agencies, entertainment marketing and publicity. Students took advantage of the expertise of the professionals by speaking to them personally and networking during the seminars and luncheon.
“Careers in Entertainment Day offers Annenberg students the opportunity to interact with established professionals in small seminars and the opportunity for candid discussions about the skills needed to be successful in the dynamic, rapidly changing entertainment field,” said Suzanne Alcantara (pictured below, far right), associate director of career development at USC Annenberg.
Alcantara said USC Annenberg students have “access to Hollywood and the entertainment industry in their backyard. Students have the opportunity to intern with major studios and productions houses, as well as with local news and digital media. High-level alumni in the industry are eager and willing to come back to campus and mentor current Annenberg students,” she added.
Speakers included: Jae Kim, senior director of original programming, BET; Kelly Kahl, senior executive vice president, CBS Primetime; Kristen Keen, account manager, Sony Pictures Imageworks Interactive; Owen Ward, vice president, Theatrical Marketing, Lionsgate; Gena Davis, executive director, Global Brands, Fox Entertainment Group; John Singh, owner/principal, JS Communications LLC, former publicity executive for Lucasfilm, Disney and Fandango; Elizabeth Newman (pictured, above left), agent, Creative Artists Agency.
Keen spoke about marketing at the Careers in Entertainment Day.
“It is really smart to take advantage of this opportunity,” Keen told students. “I think you have an advantage being from Annenberg.”
She and other speakers gave students advice as to how to break into the industry, saying obtaining meaningful internships is one of the most important steps they can take while still in school.
Newman encouraged students to become engaged and interested in their potential future profession, and stressed the importance of networking. Newman gave every student in her workshop information on her company and internship opportunities with them. She also handed out a suggested reading list with important entertainment articles and books.
“Annenberg is unique because we have many adjunct instructors here who are also working in the industry, allowing them to bring real-life current issues to the classroom,” said Tim Burgess (pictured above right, far left), director of career development at USC Annenberg.
The event was sponsored by Annenberg Career Development and Annenberg's Office of Alumni Relations.
