Angel Zayas

Angel Zayas

Master’s Student

Where are you from and what were you doing before enrolling in graduate school? 

I’m originally from New York, but I’ve spent the past ten years in Los Angeles. I first came to L.A. to pursue my BA in theatre at USC, an experience that shaped both my creative and professional path. After graduating, I became a cast member for BuzzFeed Video and later worked as a content creator in the video game space. 

Over time, my interests expanded: I attended makeup school and transitioned into fashion content creation, where my day-to-day involved planning photoshoots, collaborating with designers, and producing social media content. 

How did you learn of the degree program and why did you choose USC Annenberg? 

I always knew that if I pursued graduate school, I wanted to return to USC. I had such a positive experience during undergrad that coming back to my alma mater felt like a natural next step. While exploring programs, I discovered this degree almost immediately and knew it was the perfect fit. I’d wanted to take Annenberg classes during undergrad, so finally getting the chance to join the school as a graduate student felt especially meaningful. 

What have you enjoyed the most about the degree program? 

What I’ve enjoyed most about our program is the variety of paths it offers. Whether you’re drawn to sales, influencer marketing, music, entertainment, or something niche, there’s a route that supports those interests. The DSM degree feels like a “choose your own adventure” book with endless possibilities and the freedom to explore. 

I’ve personally chosen to return to what I love most: video games. But the program has empowered me to feel confident exploring any direction. It’s truly the ideal degree for anyone who values flexibility and carving out a personalized professional journey.