Film & Television Trek
****Due to current university travel restrictions, the Summer 2020 career treks have been cancelled. We hope to resume the NCA trek program in 2021.****
Northwestern Career Advancement is pleased to announce the 2020 Film & Television Trek to the Los Angeles area!
This trip will provide a valuable learning experience in terms of both career exploration and professional development for students interested in film, television, and the entertainment industry. Students will visit several organizations during the trip and have an opportunity to network with Northwestern alumni, top professionals, and recent graduates to learn more about each organization and develop contacts, while conveying their own interest in these areas.
The schedule for this year’s trek is not finalized, but will likely include many premiere employers in the entertainment industry. Previously, students had an opportunity to visit United Talent Agency (UTA), Hulu, Amblin Partners, Sony Pictures, and Warner Brothers, as well as go on a studio tour! Students also had an opportunity to meet with a successful movie producer, and network with Northwestern University Entertainment Alliance (NUEA) members! More employer details will be updated on the website as visits are confirmed.
This trek is intended for full-time degree seeking Northwestern undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) in one of the following schools/colleges: Bienen, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, SESP or Weinberg with a demonstrated interest in advertising & marketing. Applicants must be on-campus during Spring quarter (2020).
Don’t miss this opportunity to network with key professionals and position yourself well for a future in the film, television, and entertainment industry!
important dates
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Important Dates
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| TBD |
Application Deadline |
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TBD
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Students are notified of selection via email |
| TBD |
Trek Orientation and Non-Refundable deposit due |
| TBD |
Arrive in LA |
| TBD |
Career Trek |
Application
Applications are not being accepted at this time.
Expenses/Costs
Financial assistance may be available to students who currently receive financial aid from Northwestern or have financial need. NCA encourages all students to apply, and participants will have an opportunity to request available funding once selected. If you have questions about financial assistance, please contact Laura Myers at Northwestern Career Advancement.
Each selected student will be expected to pay a non-refundable $300.00 deposit. This deposit will be used to cover the cost of hotel rooms for the duration of the trek, transportation around the Los Angeles area, and some additional costs (printing of materials, etc.).
Each selected attendee is expected to cover travel to and from Los Angeles. In addition, each attendee should expect to cover all meals during the trek.
Travel costs will vary by student depending on originating location and whether students plan to drive or fly to the Los Angeles area. Students can expect to pay between $20 and $40 each day for food/meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Full-time degree seeking Northwestern undergraduate students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) in one of the following schools/colleges: Bienen, McCormick, Medill, School of Communication, SESP or Weinberg.
In the application, students must show a demonstrated interest in and an understanding of careers in the film, television, and entertainment industry. In order to be considered for the trek, students must be on campus during Spring Quarter 2020 and available to travel to Los Angeles, California and participate in the entire trek in August 2020.
How many students will be selected for the trek?
We are looking for any qualified student to attend, with a maximum number of 22 attendees.
How will the applicants be evaluated?
Applicants will be evaluated based on completeness of application materials, thoughtfulness of application essays and resume, and relevance of applicant background and career goals.
What are the requirements to participate?
Students who are selected to participate in the trek will be required to complete the following:
- Pay a $300.00 non-refundable deposit; these funds will be used to cover hotel accommodations for all participants, transportation around the Los Angeles area, and some additional costs. The deposit is due by the date of the Career Trek Orientation in late May (exact date TBD).
- Attend the required Trek Orientation in late May.
- Arrange transportation to and from Los Angeles, California and submit travel plans to Laura Myers.
- Submit bio (includes academic discipline, career interest, why attending the trek) that will be distributed to all participating employers for inclusion in a Student Profiles Packet.
- Complete feedback survey following the trek.
Where will I stay during the trek?
- Northwestern Career Advancement will arrange hotel accommodations for all participants for the nights of TBD.
- More information on the specific hotel and location will be made available this summer.
- All trek participants are required to stay in the hotel arranged by NCA.
Can I request a roommate?
Yes. If you know someone else attending the trek, you may request to room with him/her/them in the hotel. All requests will be accepted once students are selected for the trek. If you do not request a roommate, one will be assigned.
How will I get around the city?
We will be chartering a bus but logistics are still being determined. There will be two University staff members leading students with an agenda and travel plan.
If you require special accommodations, please contact Laura Myers from Northwestern Career Advancement.
What should I wear?
Students should be prepared to present themselves in a professional manner at all times during the trek. More information about dress and professional behavior will be covered during the Career Trek Orientation, but expect to dress in business casual attire. Students can also utilize ‘CatsCloset for support in getting business casual attire.
What will be the itinerary in the city?
This information will be made available to selected participants as employers confirm their participation. The final itinerary will be shared with participants in August.
Still have questions?
Please contact Laura Myers from Northwestern Career Advancement.