Media&Entertainment track as a freshman
Hello everyone :) I’m a freshman at USC Marshall interested in the intersection between business/finance and media&entertainment. I was wondering if my school was good for that path but more importantly, what do I need to do as a freshman (if really anything) in order to better prepare myself for recruiting. Also, I don’t know if it makes a difference, but I am a very open member of the LGBT community and trying for the diversity track. Thanks so much and have a great day everyone!
Hello there, fellow Trojan! It's great to hear about your interest in the intersection of business/finance and media & entertainment. USC Marshall is indeed a fantastic place for that path, given its strong connections to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
As a freshman, here are a few steps you can take to prepare yourself for recruiting:
Start Networking: Begin building relationships with professors, alumni, and professionals in the industry. Attend networking events and don't be shy about reaching out to people for informational interviews.
Join Relevant Clubs: There are likely many clubs and organizations at USC that focus on business and media/entertainment. These can provide valuable experiences and connections.
Gain Experience: Look for internships or part-time jobs in the industry. Even if they're not directly related to finance, any experience in the media & entertainment industry can be beneficial.
Learn the Industry: Start reading industry publications and following news in the media & entertainment sector. This will help you understand the landscape and current trends.
Leverage Your Identity: As an open member of the LGBT community, you can also look into diversity programs and resources. Many companies have diversity recruiting tracks, and there are also organizations that provide resources and support for LGBT individuals in business.
Remember, the journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time to explore your interests, gain experience, and build relationships. You're in a great place at USC Marshall, so make the most of it! Fight on!
Sources: 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), USC Marshall vs. NYU Stern, USC Marshall vs Emory Goizueta (Undergrad), As A Soon-To-Be College Freshman, What Should I Do This Fall?
Question 1: Yes. Outside of Ivies, USC and UCLA is the best place to be.
Question 2: Think less about "what should I be doing" and more about "what do I enjoy doing" and "where can I have a big impact". You're 18/19 years old. Your interests will change. Your path won't be straight - it will have many curves and turns.
I would note that while some media & entertainment business/finance roles hire directly out of undergrad, most people join these roles after doing a few years in consulting or investment banking. For example, Netflix does not hire for biz/finance roles directly out of undergrad. Something to keep in mind.
The WSO Bot answer is pretty much spot on. Join the clubs, attend the events, identify upperclassmen mentors/role models that are in the spot you want to be 2-3 years down the line. A few recs to get smart on the industry are Deadline, Vanity Fair, and Hollywood Reporter Business sections, and a podcast called The Town.
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