2024-2025 TOOLKIT
This toolkit is designed to support and guide you as you explore career opportunitie the Arts & Media sector. Whether you're just beginning your career journey or loo refine your understanding of this dynamic field, this resource provides you wi comprehensive insights and actionable guidance. In this toolkit, you will find valu information and an overview of five common career pathways, including Publishing Film/TV, Communications, and Fashion. Each pathway is tailored to help you und the unique opportunities and challenges within this field. You'll also gain access to t industry trends, discover emerging fields, and uncover potential career paths that a your interests and skills. This toolkit is your essential resource for making inform decisions and navigating your career in Arts & Media with confidence.
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ABOUTVANDYINARTS&MEDIA
As a member of this community, you will have access to individualized career coaching and guidance; opportunities to connect and interact with employers, alums, and industry professionals via panel discussions, workshops, career fairs, and immersive experiences; and access to tools and resources (such as this toolkit) that will help you feel more prepared as you work towards your next steps, regardless of what those next steps may look like!
We encourage you to leverage our resources, events, and career advice to explore industries of interest, develop skills that will increase your competitiveness as a candidate, and get creative with demonstrating your skills and knowledge to potential employers, graduate school representatives, etc. via a portfolio, blog, and/or website.
ABOUTTHEVUCAREERCENTER
The Career Center’s mission is to help students gain clarity about their future. The office plays a significant role in the Vanderbilt experience by offering a full range of services to help students with their future at Vanderbilt and beyond. Be it a career, an internship, graduate study, a fellowship, a gap year, or an entrepreneurial endeavor; our team is here to start the journey.
MEETTHETEAM
Yasja Hemmings
Career Coach
Lindsey Carroll
“One of my favorite things about the Vandy in Arts & Media Career Community is how thoughtful, insightful, and creative so many of the students are.
I also appreciate how many alumni want to be engaged and contribute to providing career support and guidance to current students via participating in panel discussions, being engaged with immersive experiences such as Vandy on Madison, agreeing to provide mentorship to students, and so forth.”
Employer Relations Specialist
“The Vandy in Arts & Media community is an exciting career space, driven by a consistent focus on innovation, creativity, and risk-taking.
I’m excited to collaborate with employers, students, and alumni who are eager to invest in the relationship-building that fuels creative success. In this industry, relationships are key, and I’m committed to connecting talented, passionate individuals with others who share their vision!”
Larson Student Ambassador
"I am excited to work as a Student Ambassador for the Vandy in Arts & Media community this year.
I’m dedicated to guiding students as they explore potential career paths and helping them find the resources and opportunities that match their unique passions and strengths."
Nathalie
HOWTOUSETHETOOLKIT
This toolkit is designed to support and guide you as you explore career opportunities within the Arts & Media sector. Whether you're just beginning your career journey or looking to refine your understanding of this dynamic field, this resource provides you with comprehensive insights and actionable guidance. In this toolkit, you will find valuable information and an overview of five common career pathways, including Publishing, Music, Film/TV, Communications, and Fashion. Each pathway is tailored to help you understand the unique opportunities and challenges within this field. You'll also gain access to the latest industry trends, discover emerging fields, and uncover potential career paths that align with your interests and skills. This toolkit is your essential resource for making informed decisions and navigating your career in Arts & Media with confidence.
HOWTOENGAGEVANDYINARTS&MEDIA
There are a plethora of ways to engage with this community, including:
Engaging in dialogue with industry professionals on various topics like the most effective ways to communicate your experiences/skills to employers, exploring arts & media career opportunities within athletic organizations like the NBA, etc.
Participating in an immersive experience like the Vandy on Madison Avenue Program, where you can gain helpful insights from employers/alumni while exploring NYC.
And so much more! Make sure that you read the bi-monthly Vandy in Arts & Media newsletter and regularly check Handshake to stay up to date on upcoming events and workshops of interest.
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QUICKSTARTRESOURCES
The Career Center is proud to provide a robust suite of resources to support the career development of Vanderbilt students. Here are 6 key tools we recommend to get started and how you can apply them to a career in Arts & Media.
HANDSHAKE CAREERSHIFT GUIDETOLINKEDIN BIGINTERVIEW VANDYPASS COMMODORECOMPASS
The Career Center’s primary online career hub! To find events happening on campus related to education, search the “Vandy in Arts & Media” tag under the Events tab.
A powerful network and job search tool.
Gain free access with a Vandy email. Once logged in, search for opportunities under the ‘jobs’ tab using key words (e.g, screenwriting, fashion design, etc.)
This resource contains helpful tips on cultivating your brand on LinkedIn. Consider clearly communicating your career interests throughout your profile- e.g. “Aspiring Social Media Manager”
Big Interview is a virtual resource designed to strengthen your interview skills via tailored practice interviews that will provide insights to what an interview with Spotify or NBCUniversal may be like.
Consider completing the Vandy in Arts & Media Portfolio Experience Set that will provide you with the tools and guidance to create your own portfolio, assist you in expanding your network, etc.
Commodore Compass will make it easier to connect with and learn from alumni in industries of interest such as those who are established within the field fashion or the film/TV industries.
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ces and learn about corporations and their ongoing efforts vironments. You are encouraged to research lues and identity and foster a culture of inclusivity.
Culture
d Inclusivity in all its Forms” - Gucci UMG
If you need professional clothing for an upcoming interview, consider stopping by the Commodore Closet! Located on the second floor of Sarratt, the Commodore Closet provides students with FREE access to new and gently worn clothing items such as blouses, blazers, suit jackets, suit ties, dresses, etc.
DATESTOKNOW
SEPTEMBER
Commodore Career Week: September 23rd - 27th
OCTOBER
Internship/Early Career Panel: October 8th
NOVEMBER
Let’s Chat About It: Communications Careers: November 12th
Vandy on Madison Avenue Applications Due
FEBRUARY
Vandy In Arts & Media Week: February 3rd - 7th
MARCH
Ask Me Anything: Disney Edition: March 25th
LAURENHAMRICK‘19
ARTIST MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT ALUMNISPOTLIGHT
How can students deepen their understanding of this field?
“First and foremost, be a music listener. Then, be a concertgoer. Read music autobiographi biographies, watch interviews, and seek to emulate those who are having success who you personally.”
What type of experience is valued?
“Anything that's creative or creative adjacent, demonstration that you've flexed some market muscles (when you're just starting out); beyond that, working in one area of the business ca you transferrable skills (and contacts) for another.”
Helpful resources/tools?
“Stay up to date on Career Center events, explore careers pages on company websites acr music industry, LinkedIn + grabbing "informational interview" coffees”
What are trends/areas of growth you see in the field? How should a studen informed?
“Rise of streaming/decline of radio, the rise of TikTok as well as its limitations (algorithm silo Stay informed by reading topline articles in trade magazines (Country Aircheck, Billboard, et getting involved in trade orgs like GRAMMY U, and attending industry speakers/panel event you.” table of contents
5COMMONPATHWAYS
From the vast array of opportunities, we will highlight career pathways where our graduates have found success. These pathways serve as a representative sample of the diverse possibilities within the world of business. Each of the five pathways will be viewed through the lens of Discover, Develop, Design and Deliver.
PUBLISHING MUSIC
PUBLISHING DISCOVER
The publishing industry encompasses a wide range of functions that contribute to creating and distributing audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, books, music, etc. These functions include editing, copywriting, design, marketing, and production. Helpful skills include creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, and superb written and verbal communication skills.
The biggest trends in the field are:
The number of authors choosing to work with independent publishing houses
Increased innovative use of social media and technology to connect with audiences and promote upcoming projects.
Gain more insight into the field:
2024 Publishing Trends
Publishing Newsletters: Consider subscribing to either of these newsletters to stay informed on industry developments, etc.
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Consider getting involved with a professional publishing organization, like the Independent Book Publishers Association, as a way to access professional development opportunities, connect with professionals in the field, etc. Additionally, consider attending publishing events and joining online publishing-oriented groups online
TIMEMANAGEMENT
NETWORKING UNDERSTANDINGTHEPROCESS
Parker Dewey offers micro-internships that allow you to gain experience by completing short-term projects posted by employers. Each project lists a project description, payment, duration of the project, and skills that will be useful in completing the project. Completing micro-internships can demonstrate time management skills as you work to complete these projects in a timely fashion while also managing your other commitments (e.g., classes, student org involvement, etc.)
Consider taking courses that will help you gain valuable skills, such as Fundamentals of Public Speaking to improve your verbal communication skills, Drawing and Composition if you’re interested in the design aspect of the publishing industry, or any other course that will build relevant skills.
A great way to familiarize yourself with the publishing process is to become an involved member and/or pursue a leadership position within a student-led journal or newspaper, like The Vanderbilt Review Literary Journal.
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Generally speaking, publishing summer internships go live sometime in November or December and tend to close around March.
Full-time opportunities can be posted yearround but tend to be posted from January through May.
Since every company is different and may have a unique timeline, be sure to check relevant job boards regularly because you never know what opportunities you may come across!
Fall internships are usually posted around July, and Spring internships are typically posted around November.
1.
Established Internship Programs
Consider starting with larger publishing companies like Hatchette Book Group, Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and Harper Collins, as they have established cyclical internship programs.
2.
Job Boards
In addition to company-specific job boards, check out publishing job boards and resources like BookJobs.com and Pages Unbound.
3.
Network with Publishing Professionals
Regularly check Eventbrite for publishing-focused events like The Book, Author, and Publisher’s Fair, which will be happening on March 2, 2025, where you can connect with professionals in the field. Consider reaching out to professionals at companies of interest to see if they’d be interested in a career conversation/informational interview so that you can learn more about their career journey, gain insights about the company/industry, etc.
Your brand is what you want others to know/remember about you and can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.
“To stay informed about the industry, I’d recommend subscribing to various newsletters and consistently reading about the companies you aspire to work for. This knowledge gives you a significant advantage during the interview process, as employers are looking for candidates who are passionate and well-informed about the industry.” - Jane Lurie, Peabody ‘21, Scholastic, Design Researcher
1.
Be in “The Know”
Subscribing to newsletters like Publishing Perspectives or listening to podcasts can help you remain current on industry trends and developments. Understanding what’s happening in the field can convey your passion and dedication and provide helpful insights that you can integrate into your application materials, interview responses, etc.
2.
Attend Events
Attending publishing events (or publishing adjacent events) like the WriterFest Nashville happening Nov 22-23, 2024, is a great way to organically form connections with professionals in the field, gain helpful insights and hands-on experience, and may provide clarity on what your next steps may look like.
3.
Portfolio/Blog/Website
A portfolio or blog allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the field, showcase your writing capabilities via samples you’re proud of, highlight your creativity via projects, etc.
PUBLISHING DELIVER-HIRINGTIMELINE
Publishing roles are being posted and filled year-roun roles posted in planning and preparing literary awards, b industry conferences, launching new projects, and prepa seasons.
ADVICEFROMPROFESSIONALS:
“To prepare for applying to jobs, I always recommen story: why are you interested in this specific job, and have that make you a great fit? I found that this mad less intimidating. ” - Jane Lurie, Peabody ‘21, Schola
“Network in any capacity that you can. Whether it’s t like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Reddit, volunteering, or con alumni, strive to form meaningful relationships with m publishing industry.”
The music industry has many moving pieces that can be simplified writing & recording (i.e., the life of an artist), release & distribution (i promotion (i.e., PR), copyrights (i.e., PRO), live music (i.e., talent ag artist management), publishing (i.e., the business of songwriting), a business management). Since music is an ever-evolving field, it wil learner, have creative problem-solving skills, and have connections influencers/brands with massive followings and consistently good e promote new music or music events).
Currently, a significant trend in music involves leveraging emerging technologies like Augmented Reality and Generative AI to enhan consumer experience and streamline the more tedious aspects of p
Check out the 2024 Music Industry Insights & Trends
Overview of the Music Industry
NETWORKING
Music City Networking Nights happen on the third Thursday of each month. They are free and provide an opportunity for music professionals to connect and be in a community with one another. Who knows who you might meet and/or what opportunities you may learn about from attending these networking events!
Blair School of Music offers various courses open to non-Blair students, such as Songwriting and Elements of Music Theory (MUTH 1120), Lyric Writing Workshop (MUSO 1230), and the Business of Music (MENT 1120), which will help you familiarize yourself with the music industry.
LEADERSHIP
Consider pursuing a leadership position within a music-oriented club like Owen Music & Entertainment Club, Melanated A Capella, VPB Music Group, or The Amp. Student orgs are a great way to meet people with similar interests, learn more about your field of interest, and gain hands-on leadership experience. Additionally, strong communication skills are a must!
LIFE-LONGLEARNING
NYU offers a non-credit certificate program (the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials) designed to build relevant skills and further familiarize individuals with the industry. There is always something you can learn and certificate programs are just one way to go about doing that!
MUSIC DEVELOP-FINDINGINTERNSHIPS
Music industry opportunities are posted yearround, but several summer internship opportunities are posted during the spring semester (January through May). Regardless, please be sure to check relevant job boards frequently!
Music internships include, but are certainly not limited to, the following areas: Artists & Repertoire (A&R), Digital Strategy, Marketing, Artist Development, and Finance.
In addition to job boards, be sure to lean on your networks for opportunities of interest that they may be aware of and/or can help connect you with.
Large music companies like Universal Music Group, Spotify, and Warner Music Group offer robust internships and other early career opportunities.
1.
Music City Opportunities
Consider starting locally since many music-oriented companies have internship opportunities, such as:
Music Corner Nashville, Country Music Hall of Fame, Concord (Nashville), and Banner Music
2.
Job Boards
Regularly check industry-specific job boards like Jobs by Rostr, Symphonic, and MusicCareers. Also, check out more general job boards like LinkedIn and Handshake for music-related opportunities.
3.
Networking with Industry Professionals
Music City Networking happens the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., and it is an opportunity for music professionals to connect and be in community with one another.
Your brand is what you want others to know/remember about you and can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.
Ideas for building your brand include attending music industry events and making it a point to introduce yourself and make connections with others in attendance, demonstrating your understanding of music industry patterns and trends, and creating and regularly updating your portfolio that showcases your creativity and skills relevant to the roles you’re applying for.
1.
Capitalize on Being in Music City!
Take advantage of living in Music City—make it a point to help with and/or attend live shows and performances. Volunteering will provide you with a chance to expand your network, learn more about the logistics and planning that go into a performance, and possibly gain a skill or two.
2.
The Business of Music (MENT 1120)
Consider taking the Business of Music course to learn more about the recording industry. Guest lecturers include individuals who are professionals in the field who can answer questions, provide helpful insights, etc.
3.
Blog
A blog can be an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills, provide insights and perspectives on music industry happenings, collaborate with and/or interview (aspiring) professionals within the music space, etc.
Click here for some inspiration.
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MUSIC DESIGN-KEYRESOURCES
Music Ally MusicCareers.co
A great resource for staying current on what’s happening in the music industry
A database of various careers/roles in music
Newsletters
A list of some of the best music industry newsletters to subscribe to
Trades help you understand the ecosystem of the industry, who the key players are, etc. Trade suggestions: Billboard, MusicRow, Rolling Stone, etc.
Recruitment and hiring happens year-round in music. However, an uptick in recruitment happens (1) the year prior to and months leading up to music festivals, (2) in preparation for a new album release, (3) prior to and throughout the touring seasons, and (4) leading up to award shows and industry conferences.
ADVICEFROMHIRINGMANAGERS
Attend local music industry networking events. Be prepared to talk about yourself and your goals/interests, ask questions, and get to know those in that space. Ask for business cards or contact info to make it easier to stay in touch. It’s not what you know but who you know!
Subscribe to music industry-oriented newsletters to ensure you remain up to date on industry happenings. Follow companies of interest/established professionals on social media. Regularly check industry-specific/company job boards.
TV and film use visual narrative to tell a story and/or communicate a message to an audience, typically for entertainment and/or education. Since film and TV are industries with many moving pieces that are constantly changing and evolving, flexibility, life-long learning, building and maintaining connections, creative problem-solving, and subscribing to reputable newsletters and blogs to remain in “the know” are all skills that will come in handy.
The top trends include leveraging and utilizing technological advancements in film/TV processes, maintaining/renewing interest in cable and movie theatres, and continuing opportunities to tap into and elevate the international film markets.
To gain more insights, review 2024 Entertainment Trends , Overview of the Film Industry, and Careers in Film/TV.
TIP: “If you want to work in movies, for example, you can learn just as much about what works from an Oscar winner as you can about what doesn’t from a box office flop. Whatever your medium of choice, research the trends over the decades”
- Ben Root, Peabody ‘19, NFL, Video Gaming
KYRALEVENSON‘20
MANAGER,EDITORIALSTRATEGY@PEACOCK(COMCAST
NBCUNIVERSAL)
What are ideas for building relevant skills?
"To build and showcase script coverage skills, I would recommend internships at production companies or talent agencies. You can also find volunteer or freelance opportunities to provide this service. To foster relationships, network! Reach out for informational interviews and attend networking events. Transferable skills to call out: interpersonal skills, being persuasive, public speaking, written and verbal communication, deck building and pitch skills - these can all be gained and practiced in classes, in student orgs, etc.”
What do I need to do to be competitive?
“Know what you like and why, both in terms of content and the job and company you’re applying to. Nurture relationships outside of asking for help so you have strong advocates when the time comes With so many applications received, a personalized referral is more important than ever People hop back and forth from the same few companies so never burn bridges Professional etiquette [is key]
”
Helpful resources/tools?
Young Entertainment Professionals (Facebook Group), Vandy in Hollywood, UTA Job List
To become and demonstrate being data-informed, you should practice manipulating and interpreting trends and keep up with industry news and competitive best practices.
UNDERSTANDINGTHEINDUSTRY
Cinema & Media Arts offers a plethora of courses that can help you have a better foundation and understanding of film/TV, such as 1500 –Fundamental of Film and Video Production and 2260 – Digital Production Workshop.
CREATIVITY
Your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your creativity through its design, structure, and format. In addition to highlighting projects you’re proud of that demonstrate your personality, style, and skills, feel encouraged to “think outside the box” when brainstorming ways to demonstrate your creativity. ScreenSkills has resources on getting started.
Vandy in Hollywood is an opportunity to get further acquainted with the Film/TV industry via internships and mentorship, expand your network by making connections with professionals in the field, mentorship, and assistance finding a summer internship.
COLLABORATION
Student orgs are a great way to enhance your teamwork and collaboration skills. Consider getting involved with an org that aligns with your interests, such as Vanderbilt Video Productions, as a way to gain helpful skills necessary for video production and collaborate with members of the org on a variety of projects.
While many film/TV summer internships are posted between January and March, check company and industry-specific job boards regularly, as opportunities may be posted before January or after March.
Tip: Several film/TV internships are unpaid or underpaid, so consider applying for financial support like the Levy Fund or the Lovinger Family Internship Fund.
Informational Interviews, also known as Career Conversations, can help you gain valuable insights about a company/industry, provide suggestions for making yourself a more competitive candidate, create new connections/expand your network, etc. Resources for getting started:
1.
Established Companies
Many of the established, larger organizations like The Emmys, Paramount, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate, Warner Bros, and Sony Pictures recruit and hire interns every year.
2.
Job Boards
Regularly check film/TV-specific job boards for internship opportunities, such as Film Internship Opportunities, ShowBizJobs, and Entertainment Careers, as well as Handshake and LinkedIn.
3.
Network with Industry Professionals
Consider attending film/TV-oriented events like the Nashville Film Festival, which will be held September 19-25, 2024. At these events, you can connect with industry professionals, learn more about TV/film, possibly learn more about internship opportunities, etc.
Awareness of what’s happening within your industry of interest can help you be even more intentional about what you choose to get involved in, what skills you further develop, etc.
“Read books about the field you’re interested in. Listen to various podcasts about that field as well. Read the daily news (Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline Hollywood, for example) and stay informed about what is selling, what is getting made, and what is having success in terms of ratings or box office. ” - Bryan Haas, A&S ‘99, Film/TV Producer
1.
Get Involved!
Being active in a student org like Basement Films or Vanderbilt Video Productions is a great way to get hands-on experience, gain relevant skills, and connect with students who share a similar interest.
2.
Attend Events
Search for film events happening nearby, like the Nashville Film Festival, and make it a point to introduce yourself and get to know others in attendance (be sure to collect their email address and/or LinkedIn info to stay connected). Attending film/TV-focused events is a great way to gain exposure to the field, expand your network, and learn more about employment opportunities.
3.
Portfolio
Your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase projects you’re proud of, skills you wish to highlight, familiarity with relevant software, and an understanding of the film/TV landscape. Examples: Matthew, Pinterest, Canva, Wix
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Insights Film Industry Networking Tips My First Job in Film
The hyperlink above provides helpful tips and insights on getting into the film/TV industry
Helpful networking tips!
‘My First Job in Film’ contains helpful resources for those interested in learning more about and/or working in the film industry
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FILM/TV DELIVER-HIRINGTIMELINE
Film/TV positions can be posted at any time. There usually is a opportunities around pre- and post-production of TV or Film proj launching of film festivals. Regularly check film/TV-oriented jo relevant newsletters to remain in “the loop”.
“Big companies recruit for summer at the top of the new year, bu companies are later in the spring.”- Kyra Levenson
ADVICEFROMPROFESSIONALS:
Your elevator pitch should contain the 4 Ws: who you a where you’re going, and why you’re there. Staff Me Up that goes into more detail. Access it by clicking here.
Strive to be as knowledgeable and helpful as possible– learn as much as you can about the workings of film and TV production, particularly as it relates to your interest. Communicate this knowledge via your resume/cover letter, when networking, during the interview process, etc.
Though broad, the field of communications can be summarized as a profession whose focus is gathering information, transforming it into digestible, easy-to-understand messaging, and disseminating this messaging. In addition to having strong written and verbal communication skills, it will also benefit you to be collaborative, have strong interpersonal skills, and adjust and tailor your messaging to resonate with different audiences.
Regarding industry insights, many communications roles are expected to grow steadily for years to come. Similarly to other fields, communications is identifying ways to streamline processes and increase efficiency using technology such as generative AI.
Overview of the Communications Field
“[In] So many interviews, I get asked about where I failed and what I learned from it. [You] can’t learn from failures if you don’t try something and then fail. Try your hand at something out of your comfort zone. If it’s bad, learn from it. If it’s great, then share it and learn from that process.”
- Ben Root, Peabody ‘19, NFL, Video Gaming
WRITING CREATIVITY
A writing portfolio and/or a blog is a great opportunity to showcase samples you’re proud of and your innovative thinking. Samples can include ideas for social media captions, articles, poems, short stories, memos, PR statements that you’ve written, etc. This can show your creativity, your range, and your ability to tailor your writing style, your voice, your personality, your knowledge or insight on a specific topic, etc. Remember to think outside of the box!
LIFE-LONGLEARNING
The Communication Studies and English departments offer a variety of writing/communications-focused courses, such as The Art of Blogging: Learning How to Think and Write in the Age of Online Journalism, Fundamentals of Public Speaking (CMST 1500), Persuasion (CMST 2110), and Business Communications (CMST 2120).
NETWORKING
Consider getting involved with a student org that aligns with your interests and helps you develop meaningful connections. Orgs to consider may include Anchor Marketing, VandyWrites, or Vanderbilt Spoken Word. Taking the time to form and maintain connections with your peers is a very valuable form of networking.
Udemy.com offers both paid and free courses that can help you learn more about a specific area of communications, develop skills helpful for excelling within the field, and more. Taking the time to seek out new information and develop new skills demonstrates your dedication to your craft. table of contents
Communications encompasses marketing, journalism, advertising, copywriting, public relations, event planning, social media, political communications, brand management, digital strategy, and more.
Since so many different careers fall under the communications umbrella, your chances of securing a communications internship opportunity increase!
Communications roles can be found in just about every industry/company.
Many communications internships are posted between October and March.
1.
Large Companies
Large companies with multiple departments can be a great place to start, as there’s a good chance that a department of interest will be hiring interns. Suggestions: The White House, Disney, Walgreens, The NBA, Target, NASA, Sephora, Universal Music Group, New York Times, and Penguin Random House.
2.
Leverage Connections
Connect with peers, faculty, and alumni to share your interest in marketing, public relations, social media, internal communications, etc., and ask if they have any insights or internship leads.
3.
Network with Communications Professionals
Identify professionals at companies of interest to reach out to request some time to chat so that you can learn more about them and their career journey, hear any insights they may have to offer about a company and/or industry, etc.
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Your brand encompasses your skills, knowledge of the field, experience, and anything else you want to communicate to potential employers.
“Create your own content. For example, start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast that flexes what you love and the skills it takes to produce.” -
Renee
Georgatos, iHeartMedia, Director, Employee & Recruitment Engagement
1.
Student Organizations
Communications is pervasive and can be found in really anything. For instance, many orgs have PR/Publicity, Advertising, and Marketing exec roles. That said, find an organization that aligns with your interest and consider aiming for a communications-focused executive role!
2.
Network + Learn from Communications Professionals
Connect with comms professionals on LinkedIn, request informational interviews, engage with professionals online (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc.) via communications-oriented groups, etc.
Networking Tips
3.
Examples: Jack, Stephanie, Allie, Advertising, Canva Communications Portfolio/Blog
A portfolio or blog provides an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the field, showcase your writing capabilities via samples you’re proud of, etc.
Interested in public relations?
Consider subscribing to the newsletters linked above!
If you are interested in media and/or journalism, consider subscribing to any of the newsletters linked above.
Tips from Communications Pro
Members of the Forbes Communications Council share insights they wish they had known earlier in their careers.
COMMUNICATIONS DELIVER-HIRINGTIMELINE
Many communications roles are posted at the start of the fiscal year. While fiscal years can vary from company to company, common fiscal year start dates include January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. You may see positions posted January through May, April through July, July through October, and/or October through January. Positions may also become available at the launch of campaigns, projects, events, etc.
ADVICEFROMPROFESSIONALS:
Showcase your experience, strong writing skills, creativity, knowledge, etc., via the work/projects you display in your portfolio. This could include press releases, social media posts, blog articles, or any other material you’ve created (it doesn’t have to be work you were paid for).
The communications landscape is constantly evolving, so staying in the know is essential. Read industry publications, follow relevant blogs, and attend webinars and conferences to keep your finger on the pulse. Also, ask your colleagues, peers, mentors, etc., what they are reading.
FASHION DISCOVER
The fashion industry is a global enterprise that involves the design, production, distribution, marketing, retail, advertising, and promotion of clothing and accessories. Since this industry is constantly evolving and changing, it would benefit you to remain informed by subscribing to fashion newsletters, regularly listening to fashion-focused podcasts, and reading fashion-focused blogs. Moreover, a firm understanding of social media trends, analyzing data and trends from past fashion trends to predict future trends, a willingness to learn, and being reliable are all skills that will benefit you.
Some current industry trends include a resurgence of brand marketing (making an emotional connection with your audience), an emphasis on sustainability, and the integration of technology to streamline processes and assist with sustainability efforts.
To gain insights about HR roles, check out State of Fashion 2024 and Careers in Fashion - Overview
Craft a fashion portfolio that shows your range, creativity, skills, etc. Portfolios are an extension of your cover letter/resume and help employers see your skills in action. Highlight projects/pieces/writing samples you’re proud of. What’s your signature? What would you like to be known for? What are your areas of interest? How can you differentiate yourself from others?
NETWORKING
Strive to attend fashion/fashion-adjacent events happening around Nashville as a way of being connected to Nashville’s fashion scene as well as an opportunity to connect with and learn from fashion professionals. For instance, the Nashville Art Gala, a high-fashion, black-tie event, occurs in September.
The Wond’ry offers fashion courses such as The History of Fashion (THTR 2781) and Sustainable and Adaptive Fashion Design & Production (THTR 3891). In addition to courses, the Wond’ry also offers a Fiber Arts Build Lab where people can practice or improve their sewing skills.
EVENTPLANNING&STRATEGICTHINKING
Consider getting involved with Vanderbilt Fashion Week and Vandy Vanity to connect with people who share a similar interest, expand your network, and cultivate your strategic thinking skills through the planning and execution of events such as fashion weeks, workshops, and panel discussions.
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FASHION DEVELOP-FINDINGINTERNSHIPS
Fashion summer internships tend to be posted sometime around October through March.
Careers in fashion include PR, marketing, merchandising, graphic design, personal stylist/shopper, illustrator, textile design, fashion design, costume design, makeup artist, hair stylist, etc.
Tips for Landing a Fashion Internship
Guide to Careers in Fashion
*A note about Dior: the page may populate in French, but there is an option at the bottom of the page to view the page in English
1.
Social Media
2.
GlamObserver (on Instagram) posts fashion internship opportunities and helpful insights that can assist you in identifying and possibly landing a fashion-oriented internship. Many fashion interns/professionals use TikTok to promote upcoming opportunities with their company, provide helpful insights about the industry, etc.
Job Boards
FreeFashionInternships, FashionUnited, BoF, Fashionista, and Fashion Career Blog can help you identify internships of interest.
3.
Companies of Interest
Chances are, a brand/company you are interested in offers internships. Be sure to check out company job boards early and often. Ideas: Estee Lauder, L’Oreal, Prada, Tiffany & Co, Valentino, Dior, Urbn, H&M, Nike, Adidas
4.
Expand Your Network table of contents
Attend fashion-focused events (e.g., the Pretty in Pink Fashion Show on October 6th, 2024) and interact/mingle with other attendees. Follow and connect with fashion professionals via social media. Join and be present in fashion-oriented groups on LinkedIn, etc. Who you know can make a big difference in this industry!
FASHION DESIGN-BUILDYOURBRAND
Your brand is what you want people to know and remember about you. It can encompass your skills, involvement/experiences, personality, knowledge of a field/industry, etc.
“The best way to deepen your understanding of the field is to try and make something yourself. Interested in TV? Write a pilot. Interested in marketing? Make a fake advertisement. Interested in video games? Write a short Game Design Document. This will then give you the skills to speak in any interview or in any meeting from a place of real authority. You’ve been there, it's hard work, and you know the sticking points of the creative process.”
- Ben Root, Peabody ‘19, NFL, Video Gaming
1.
Consider subscribing to these newsletters and/or listening to these podcasts in order to learn more about the fashion industry. Stay Informed
2.
Network and Learn from Fashion Professionals
Follow/connect with them on social media, reach out, and see if they’d be willing to have a career conversation, engage with professionals online via fashion groups, etc.
3.
Fashion Portfolio
A portfolio allows employers to witness your skills and creativity. Here is some guidance on how to go about creating your fashion portfolio.
Examples: Jack, Canva, Fashion Design, Advertising
FASHION DESIGN-KEYRESOURCES
Subscribe to Newsletters! Recruiter Insights Glam Observer
Click above to subscribe to reputable fashion-focused newsletters.
This article provides helpful insights on what Fashion Recruiters are seeking in candidates.
Glam Observer provides many resources that help familiarize you with the fashion industry, job/internship insights, etc.
FASHION DELIVER-HIRINGTIMELINE
There is ongoing recruitment throughout the year for fashion-adjacent positions, so regularly checking fashion-oriented job boards may not be a bad idea. Additionally, check in with your connections/network to see if they are aware of any opportunities. Be sure to search social media for hashtags and keywords as another way to learn about opportunities of interest.
ADVICEFROMPROFESSIONALS
“You have to do anything that you can to stand out. Don’t do the bare minimum at all because these days, everyone is going the extra mile.”
“Go to networking events, reach out to people on LinkedIn and in person. Networking can help you better understand who the key decision makers are, who you will address your application to, and who can help you progress in your career.”
American High
Associated Press
Bloomingdale’s
Creative Arts Agency
Express, Inc.
iHeartMedia
L’Oreal
Los Angeles Times
NBCUniversal
Ogilvy
Red Ventures
Self-employed
Sony Music Entertainment
Tennessean
Tennessee Titans
The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.
The Walt Disney Company
United Talent Agency
Warner Bros. Discovery
Wix.com
Check out Commodore Compass to get connected!