By Alessandra Brown
This summer I was lucky enough to have two wonderful internships at K&L Productions and Madison Wells Media Universe.
K&L Productions is Kay Cannon (Pitch Perfect, Blockers) and Laverne McKinnon’s (Girl Boss) production company. I loved every moment of Professor McKinnon’s MSLCE class, The Power of Pitch and Persuasion, and knew that I had to work with them when I came to LA. Thankfully, the stars aligned, and I’ve been learning so much! (more…)
By ALYSSA HOLCOMB
The second half of my summer internship utilized a particular skill to drive home everything I have learned so far, both at The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) and in the MSLCE program: public speaking.
Since my last article, I’ve done a lot of deck-building, speech crafting, and rehearsal-organizing. The majority of this was done during a creative assignment that the MSG team developed specifically for the Student Associate program. The group of 50+ interns were divided into teams and given three varying topics. My team, composed of three interns from varying backgrounds, chose corporate hospitality as our theme and got to work.
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“To love our city is to love every community and neighborhood that belongs to her.
We know that there is no right or perfect way to confront inequity… but we are willing
to take risks and become the accomplice Chicago’s many communities deserve.
Injustice impacts all of us… and there is too much at stake not to take action.”
—Kristin Larsen, Executive Director
My approach to finding a summer fellowship came from a lot of discernment about where my MSLCE learnings could be best amplified. As a Chicago native committed to the mentality that “Midwest is Best”, finding a fellowship in Chicago was important to me. Knowing that I was looking for something more tailored than a general internship, I sought out organizations that could provide specific experiences in Development and Nonprofit Leadership, my two focus areas. After an email to the Arts & Business Council, it appeared to be a perfect match. What I would learn about A&BC’s work would defy all expectations and provide an experience that felt meant-to-be. (more…)
By Matt Meade
As the first half of the summer has flashed by in the blink of an eye, I find myself suddenly at the last portion of the MSLCE program with graduation right around the corner. Luckily, as part of MSLCE’s experiential learning requirement, I sought out and secured a position with 2112 Chicago, a business incubator focused on the music, film, and tech industries in the city. This has put me into a vast network of creative industry professionals and has given me hands-on professional experience. (more…)
By Alyssa Holcomb
As the poet Lin-Manuel Miranda once wrote, “There’s nothing like summer in the city…”
The day after spring quarter finals, I packed up and moved out of my apartment. The next day, I was on a one-way trip to New York City. Needless to say, it’s been non-stop since then. But based on my experience so far, I’ll keep it that way.
This summer, I am working as a Student Associate at The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) – and it’s been a consistent “pinch me” moment these first few weeks. Since I was seven years old, I’ve dreamed of seeing a show at the World’s Most Famous Arena (thanks, NSYNC’s HBO special). Now, I get to WORK there. (more…)
by Thomas Wall
This past winter, Emmy-winning film producer and CEO/Founder of MWM (Madison Wells Media), Gigi Pritzker visited Northwestern’s campus, and left a big impression on many students over the course of her visit. In January, she shared stories from her life and her career with MSLCE students at a Speaker Series event, and followed that session up with a more intimate Fireside Chat in early February. The candid advice, colorful stories, and behind-the-scenes tidbits from the life of a Hollywood producer and self-made entrepreneur captivated all in attendance. But, for a few students, the experience helped to lead to a meaningful and productive summer quarter in Los Angeles. (more…)
BY ALYSSA HOLCOMB
Professor Gail Berger’s Leading Creative Teams course reinforced more than just class themes and curriculum. Through two group-based projects, as well as an individual leadership presentation, hard work was elevated through teamwork, resulting in a busy but rewarding course that made us all reflect on what truly makes a good leader. (more…)
By ALYSSA HOLCOMB
Emmy-winning sound designer Paula Fairfield has a lot to say about a lot of things. With each example she gave from her storied career, she hit point after point about what it means to be human, finding solace and healing through your work, and letting your “freak flag fly” in your chosen industry. It was inspiring beyond a professional sense – she showed that emotion is okay in your work, and in fact, it can make it even better. (more…)
By Brenna C. Cronin
With NBC executives present, the 2019 MSLCE cohort presented their marketing plans for the future of NBC Universal, our class case study and learning sponsor this quarter. Charged with designing a rebranding strategy for NBCU, the cohort underwent nine weeks of research, design, and implementation of our brand concepts. “The project for our final was a really great opportunity. It’s very relatable to me and my background. It was truly helpful to navigate my current company’s problems. We are really struggling, and a lot of the insights from the course were helpful,” shared MSLCE student Jayoung Yang. (more…)
By Brenna C. Cronin
With a stack of impact reports in hand, Michelle Boone—Chief Engagement Officer of Navy Pier, started our site visit with the power of information. Programming and community engagement are the drumbeats of her department and deserve incredible recognition for the revitalization of Navy Pier as it stands today. (more…)
