Student
Austin Rubin
Senior in The Media School
“My name is Austin Rubin, and I’m a senior majoring in Media Advertising from Carmel, Indiana. This past spring semester, I had the opportunity to study and gain professional experience through the Semester in LA program within The Media School.
What initially drew me to this program was the chance to immerse myself in the entertainment industry in the heart of LA, and I got to work as a marketing intern for FOX Entertainment. Through this internship, I was able to work on the iconic FOX studio lot. I had various responsibilities with the marketing team, which included creating sales sheets, providing feedback on trailers, designing creative briefs, and supporting the development of global marketing campaigns.
Entering my semester in LA, I found the media advertising program to be useful because it gave me a broad range of skills while still training me in the specific disciplines I needed to succeed. The transition from student to intern was smooth, as I could effectively apply the skills I gained from classes and extracurricular activities. Our program manager, Isabel, also helped me tremendously by reviewing my resume and cover letter, and she dedicated her time to helping me prepare for interviews. She was an amazing resource.
Additionally, a standout course within The Media School that prepared me for my time in LA was my Marketing Campaign Planning class with professor Joe Glennon. He helped me grow as a creative problem-solver and encouraged me to embrace unconventional ways of thinking. This blend of support and hands-on experience set me up for success in my internship.
Alongside my internship experience, one of the highlights of my semester in LA was the sense of community. Living in the same apartment complex made it easy to connect with like-minded individuals who shared similar goals. We bonded over our classes, internships, and even shot short films together. It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by people with shared interests and ambitions.
Looking back on my time throughout LA, I strongly encourage prospective students to consider this opportunity, as it has been one of my favorite experiences of college so far. Furthermore, my advice for students applying to internships in the media industry is to shoot for the moon and cast as wide of a net as possible; you never know where you might end up. I also believe that connecting with the people within the program is essential, given the talent, support, and friendship they offer.”
Written By Nicole Hemmens
Photos By Olivia Smith