You may be wondering, what jobs can you get with a music production degree?
College is about more than simply sitting in a classroom to take notes and endless tests. Networking is one of the most beneficial opportunities you have available to you while in school and attending speaker events is something you should absolutely take advantage of before it’s too late! This week, F.I.R.S.T. Institute students were visited by Disney employees and were able to gain valuable insight into what it’s like working for one of the largest entertainment companies in the world!
Q&A WITH ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
David Segal, Technician Manager Casting Liaison for Walt Disney World, and Kyle Johnston, Entertainment Manager at Epcot, stopped by the F.I.R.S.T. Institute soundstage to give students an invaluable look at what it’s like to work for Disney. There’s no better way to learn exactly what Disney looks for in an employee than by hearing it from the mouths of influential current employees!
“It’s important for students to have a clear plan with regards to where they want to take their career. Many times, the best way is to hear from people who have gone through these experiences before them,” said Alfonso Alvarez, Director of Career Development.
The day started out with the Disney employees taking a tour of the Orlando campus and studio facilities and sitting down with Audio Program Directer Rich Ott and Film Program Director Michelle Hill to discuss the programs offered through the school. Then it was time for Segal and Johnston to interact directly with the students!
Film & Video Production and Audio Engineering & Music Production students sat down for a question and answer session that allowed them to pick the brains of the Disney employees and get insight into exactly what it takes to succeed at a large company like Walt Disney World. They gave students an opportunity to ask questions and provided feedback on what they might need to do to if they hoped to attain a career with Disney in the future.
Segal had valuable advice to impart to the students: “I feel it’s important for students to attend informational sessions or seminars that have a direct bearing on their career path. It’s an investment in your career. Being well-informed about a company is a strategy that should not be overlooked. Students should be concerned about more than a high-paying salary. They need to ask themselves, ‘Why do I want to work for them? What do they offer in terms of training, growth and creativity? Who are they hiring? What type of equipment are they using?'”
The Disney speakers enforced the idea that students must take every step possible to be on top when entering the workforce.
“Being prepared is essential. I can always tell which candidates have done their homework because they interview well. They understand the position they have applied for and can relate their experience with confidence. Own your career,” Segal said.
Having a plan for the future is important, especially with a world-renowned company like Disney. For our students, getting a foot in the door with these Disney professionals is a great step to a rewarding future entertainment career with this competitive company and the experience was worthwhile.
“It was an outstanding opportunity to meet representatives from Disney and learn of the countless openings and opportunities from just this company alone. It makes me very confident in finding a job after school is over,” said Tristan Symonette, a student who attended the event.
This special event would not have been possible without our Career Development Department! Career Development plans to have speakers from many large companies in the coming months to ensure that F.I.R.S.T. Institute students have every advantage when entering the workforce.
START YOUR DIGITAL MEDIA CAREER WITH US
Whether you’re interested in Audio Engineering and Music Production or going to Film School in Orlando, F.I.R.S.T. Institute can get you started on the path to your dream career. You’ll get hands on experience, in real studio settings, with small class sizes. Our faculty are working audio engineering and film industry professionals who have a passion for mentoring the next generation of sound engineers and film producers.
While in school, you’ll have the opportunity to attend talks with industry leaders and to network. When you graduate, you’ll have full access to our Career Development Department to give you the best chance of finding the perfect film or audio engineering career for you. Check out the programs available at the F.I.R.S.T. Institute today!
