Industry Engagement
Effective leaders of creative enterprises don’t only have superb management skills, they also have a vast network of connections with people across organizations that can help them source ideas, acquire resources, sell concepts, and promote their work. The MSLCE program is designed to help you develop these connections. We don’t just think it’s something you should do, we know it is something you must do. We help you accomplish this goal through access to resources for professional development in creative industries and multiple forms of experiential learning:
Industry Immersion with the IDEA Fund
The Immersion, Development, and Experience Advancement (IDEA) Fund provides practical, flexible, and customizable resources for students to implement their career strategy and work toward their personal career goals. Students can access up to $1,500 towards supporting or supplementing professional or career development activities undertaken in relation to the program. Possibilities include (but are not limited to) travel for a job shadowing or interview opportunity or attending a networking event or conference.
Speaker Events + Workshops
Throughout the year, MSLCE, the External Programs, Internships, and Career Services (EPICS) office, and Northwestern provide exciting opportunities to engage with professionals and organizations across creative industries. Workshops and masterclasses that aid the development of students’ professional materials and networking skills are also offered. These resources help you best take advantage of your experiences and to help you create and implement your career strategy.
Creative Industry Internships and Applied Projects
The summer quarter is a culminating experience where students apply what they have learned in the classroom to a real-world setting. Students have the option of securing an internship for themselves, or completing an applied project or thesis. These experiences provide valuable industry exposure that will give students a competitive edge when applying for full-time opportunities or starting their own enterprise.
Professional Development in Creative Industries and Career Coaching Resources
External Programs, Internships, and Career Services (EPICS)
The MSLCE program has dedicated staff from the School of Communications’ EPICS Office to assist in the development of students’ professional documents and to provide guidance during their internship and job searches. Students have access not only to professional development programs designed specifically for the MSLCE program, but also to those that EPICS organizes for the SoC, such as career workshops, company information sessions, and leadership journeys. Students also have access to the SoC’s career management system, a database that allows students to search for and apply to SoC-specific internships, practicum opportunities, full-time jobs, and freelance jobs. Visit the EPICS website>>
Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA)
Northwestern Career Advancement offers free career counseling catered specifically to graduate students. Career counseling is a confidential and supportive process through which you and your counselor work together to explore career options and make career decisions and can include discussing your strengths, areas of growth, and challenges. You will work at your own pace, on the parts of the career planning process appropriate to your needs. Students also have access to CareerCat, Northwestern’s central job/internship database, as well as the many job and internship fairs held throughout the year. Visit the NCA website>>