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Entertainment

The Entertainment Industry offers a wide range of possible careers. From a large film or TV studio to a small production house, the options can be overwhelming. Typically, students pursuing the Master of Entertainment Industry Management (MEIM) degree will seek employment in TV, Film, Music or Digital, but the industry is not just limited to these areas. As technology and media evolve, our world will be witness to new and exciting possibilities.

In addition, there are a wide range of functions you can take on in the Entertainment Industry. Some of the more common ones are:

  • Production
  • Marketing/Sales/Distribution
  • Creative Development
  • Business Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Finance
  • Programming
  • Branded Entertainment
  • Intellectual Property/Acquisitions
  • Syndication/Exhibition

SEARCH STRATEGY

The key to securing a job in Entertainment is based on three elements: Networking, resourcefulness and timing. The matching of all three will ensure the best possible outcome upon graduation.

The Entertainment Industry is unique in that it is not driven by campus recruiting. Since the competition is usually so strong, most firms wait for prospective employees to come to them. Applying for opportunities online will not be enough; you must be proactive in your search. Networking is the number one way to “break-in” to your areas of interest. Make sure to take advantage of alumni connections, faculty and internship supervisors. In addition, conducting informational interviews, attending events, and joining online networking communities (e.g. LinkedIn [Link to www.linkedin.com) are essential.

As most people will tell you, there is no typical career path of someone pursuing a career in the Entertainment Industry. You must make opportunities happen for yourself. This requires an enormous amount of resourceful thinking to drive your career search and to decide which options are right for you. It also involves drawing upon help from Career Services and the MEIM Program Director to guide you in your search. It is never too early to start as opportunities will spring up suddenly. Flexibility is key! Be prepared to make decisions very quickly and realize that all your hard work ahead of time will pay off.

RESOURCES

  • Career Services has several copies of Hollywood Creative Directory available for loan, as well as a weekly subscription to Variety.
  • Build your network – attend conferences and networking events, conduct informational interviews, join a professional organization (take advantage of student rates!), volunteer, etc.
  • Research past internship hosts and utilize the alumni network.
  • Sign up for on-line newsletters including: Media Week, Hollywood Reporter and Cynthia Turner’s Cynopsis. There are a host of others to choose from, please see your Career Advisor for assistance.

Search the online job listings and resources