The New York Shanken Experience

Through the support of Marvin Shanken, B.B.A. ’65, students are able to experience New York’s media landscape, build connections, and envision their future careers.
Each year over Spring Break, the School of Communication selects 8–10 standout students for an unforgettable, career-shaping experience in New York City. Students explore the communication industry by visiting top companies, learning about different career paths, and connecting with successful UM alumni based in the city. Each year’s itinerary is unique, but past trips have included visits to:

Timeline
Applications Open – Mid-January
Applications Close – Late January
Interviews Held – Early February
Students must be available during Spring Break to travel to New York City.

Requirements
- Must be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student of the School of Communication
- Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher

Application Steps
- Submit an application
- Upload Resume
- Personal Statement – Answer the following questions in 250 words or less: Why are you interested in participating in the New York Shanken Experience? How do you hope this trip will contribute to your personal and professional development?
Reflections from New York
“I consider myself a reserved person, so this experience made me step out of my comfort zone in the best ways possible. I had the opportunity to get firsthand knowledge from industry professionals, so I had to make the most of the opportunity.”
“The Shanken Experience is a one-time opportunity to remind you the significance of having an alumni network, the key essence of not only forming but maintaining connections within your network and keeping your career options open! I would do it over a thousand times over!”
“New York is the perfect platform for the ads and movies we talk about in classrooms.Getting to meet the people who make it happen opened my eyes to the fascinating aspects of the media industry.”
“Hearing [alumni] 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. I left New York feeling inspired, motivated, and even more excited about my future in this industry.”
“The mix of company visits, alumni conversations, and exploring NYC made this experience incredibly eye-opening. I learned more in one week than I ever could from a website or class, and it shaped how I’m thinking about my future career and city.”
For more information contact comcareers@miami.edu











