Katharina Lu
B.A., Psychology, Media & Film Minor, Dance Minor, Skidmore College
Area(s) of Interest
Music, TV/Film, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Theatre, Dance, Photography, Video/Digital Media, Arts/Music Festivals, PR/Marketing
What are 1-2 of your most significant academic/extracurricular/work experiences?
I have good experience with theatrical, musical, and commercial productions, and I’ve also had some marketing experience. Further, as an intern with marketing and PR giant Ogilvy, I performed more of the background work, by researching and writing strategic analyses for marketing clients like Nestle and Infinitus. And more recently with (Royal) DSM, I conducted marketing communication research related to eye product ingredients.
What is your ideal job/role in about 10 years?
My dream is to work in the creative department of an advertising agency that provides services to clients in the theater and musical productions space. Those are the creative organizations that I’m most passionate about. To me, if I am able to merge my personal passions for creative pursuits with my actual occupation, that would be a dream come true.
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern?
My ultimate dream is to work in the creative department of an advertising agency that focuses on serving clients in the theater and musical productions space—the very organizations that ignite my passion. Being able to merge my personal interests with my professional pursuits would truly be a dream come true. When I came across the phrase “Where creative meets business,” it felt like a calling—a perfect encapsulation of my desires and career direction.
Favorite (song/movie/podcast/show/festival/exhibition…)
“Youth With You” (青春有你) and “Idol Producer” (偶像练习生) are both talent competition series that serve as spin-offs of the popular Korean show “Produce 101.” These shows aim to create a new idol group by selecting trainees through a rigorous training and performance process. The programs provide viewers with a unique glimpse into the intense world of idol training, where aspiring stars face challenges, hone their skills, and showcase their talents. Through various stages and evaluations, the trainees compete for a chance to debut as part of the final idol group.
What aspect of the MSLCE program are you most excited to experience? (i.e. specific class, site visit, IDEA fund, internship, etc.)
Understanding the Creative Industries, Marketing Strategies in Creative Industries, Brand Management in the Digital Age, and Digital Television. And yet, it is perhaps the rich assortment of practical learning opportunities which are the most attractive features of the MSLCE program. Through the Summer Experiential Learning, I could potentially intern within Chicago, “home to Tony Award-winning theaters, world-class arts and cultural institutions, a vibrant music scene and a thriving entertainment industry.” Perfect! Further, in the Applied Project, I could flex my entrepreneurial inclinations and build a business plan for a startup boutique advertising agency serving local entertainment companies.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, they would be…
Energetic, Courageous, Compassionate
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Suzhou, China, my hometown, is my ideal place to live. With its clear four seasons and the nickname “heaven in reality,” it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a high quality of life. With a written history of 4,000 years and an official history of over 2,500 years, Suzhou is a city deeply rooted in tradition and historical significance. Its stunning Chinese traditional gardens, proximity to Shanghai, and rich culinary traditions make it an enticing choice for an enriching and fulfilling lifestyle. In Suzhou, I would experience the magic of changing seasons, immerse myself in a city that is both historically significant and visually captivating, and enjoy the convenience of being close to a bustling metropolis. The city’s rich cultural heritage, natural charm, and culinary delights make Suzhou the perfect place to call home.