By Abbie Bernet
3-23-2025

Over spring break, eight School of Communication students traded beaches for boardrooms as they headed to New York City for the New York Shanken Experience, a weeklong career immersion program that offered behind-the-scenes access to some of the most prominent names in media, entertainment, and advertising.

The experience included visits to leading companies such as William Morris Endeavor, Dolphin Entertainment, 42West, InStyle at Dotdash Meredith, Horizon Media, NBC Studios, and Google. From talent agencies and PR powerhouses to major digital publishers and iconic brands, students were exposed to a wide range of careers within the communication field.

A special highlight of the trip was the visit to M. Shanken Communications, the company behind Wine Spectator, Cigar Aficionado, Whiskey Advocate, and Market Watch. Founded by Marvin Shanken, B.B.A. ’65, the company reflects his longstanding passion for journalism, storytelling, and the lifestyle industries. Students gained insight into the publishing world and learned how Shanken’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit built a legacy of influential media brands which made the experience especially meaningful.

On the final day of the trip, students woke up at 5 a.m. to brave the 30-degree New York weather for a visit to the set of the Today Show, where they brought their ’Canes spirit to Rockefeller Plaza. They even had the chance to speak with NBC News meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, who shared encouraging career advice. Later that morning, the group toured NBC Studios, including a behind-the-scenes look at the set of Saturday Night Live, gaining insight into the fast-paced world of broadcast production

The group also had the opportunity to connect with New York-based University of Miami alumni over meals and informal gatherings, gaining valuable career advice and making meaningful connections with graduates working across the industry.

“New York is the perfect platform for the ads and movies we talk about in classrooms,” said Bill Ledoux Dushimimana Hirwa, a junior majoring in creative advertising. “Getting to meet the people who make it happen opened my eyes to the fascinating aspects of the media industry.”

For Lauren Lucy, a junior studying advertising management, the experience offered a new level of inspiration. “Hearing their stories about how UM shaped their careers and the lessons they’ve learned along the way was truly inspiring. Their guidance, encouragement, and generosity made this experience so much more meaningful,” she said. “I left New York feeling inspired, motivated, and even more excited about my future in this industry.