By Abbie Bernet
12-9-2024

Two first-year Media Management, M.S. students, Madison Hurtado and Oscar Gutierrez, had the opportunity to attend the prestigious 2024 IRTS Multicultural Career Workshop in New York City. The event, a premier gathering for media and entertainment professionals, brought together leaders from top companies like NBCUniversal, Comcast Advertising, Google, and Omnicom Media Group.

The workshop, now in its 40th year, is a two-day event offering industry insights through dynamic panels, speakers, and Q&A sessions, many of whom are former IRTS participants. It also features a career fair and networking events, providing attendees the opportunity to connect with recruiters from top media companies. Keynote speaker Lindsey Granger, a contributor to NewsNation also shared valuable perspectives on the evolving media landscape.

Gutierrez, reflecting on the experience, said, “The workshop offered industry insights, perspectives, and connections that I’m extremely eager to apply moving forward. I’m grateful for the friendships I made and the talented professionals whose shared passion made this experience unforgettable.”

Hurtado echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge she gained. I’m looking forward to applying all the insights and connections I made.”

The workshop is designed to introduce students and young professionals to the media and entertainment industry. Over the years, the event has become an essential platform for building the next generation of media professionals, offering attendees the chance to engage with experts from all sectors of the media world.

Christina Lane, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the School of Communication, highlighted the importance of such opportunities for graduate students. “At the School of Communication, we are committed to providing our graduate students with powerful ways to connect practical and real-world experiences to their academic studies,” Lane said. “National conferences like the IRTS Media Workshop help students build essential industry connections, setting them up for success as they navigate their careers.”

In the Media Management, M.S. program, students receive a comprehensive education that blends theory with practical experience. Designed to develop the next generation of media leaders, the program focuses on providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and lead in the rapidly changing media landscape.