Immersive Entertainment Awaits: Behind-the-Scenes Look at Penn State’s Hollywood Program For students at Penn State, the pursuit of higher education goes beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. The university’s Hollywood Program offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young creatives to hone their skills in the entertainment industry, gaining hands-on experience in film, television, and digital media production. As reported by The Daily Collegian, this innovative program provides a platform for students to collaborate with industry professionals, develop their craft, and bring their artistic vision to life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the exciting experiences and opportunities that await students within the Penn State Hollywood Program.
Penn State’s Hollywood Program Produces Stars
The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State has announced the selection of six student marshals for this spring’s commencement exercises, representing the college’s five majors and showcasing their commitment and talent as undergraduate students. The group of honorees includes Emma Shellhamer, Sabriana Pimentel, Danielle Wegman, Min Xian, and Lindsay Miller.
The Student Marshals: Honoring Excellence
Meet the Marshals: Emma Shellhamer, Sabriana Pimentel, Danielle Wegman, Min Xian, and Lindsay Miller
Emma Shellhamer, a native of Chester Springs, is a Schreyer Honors College student who earned bachelor’s degrees in public relations and English. During her time at Penn State, Shellhamer completed a variety of internships and experiences, including a copywriting internship at QVC, a technical editor internship with the College of Information Sciences and Technology, and an online editorial internship with Spoon University. In addition, Shellhamer held a secretary position with The Navigators campus ministry, a social media marketing position with Undressed Foods, and served as editor-in-chief at Spoon University. She will be escorted by faculty marshal Steve Manuel.
Sabriana Pimentel, who earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising/public relations, was selected to participate in the nationally competitive 2017 American Advertising Federation Most Promising Multicultural Student Program. She also completed a strategy internship at Initiative–IPG Mediabrands in New York City. Pimentel was highly involved on campus, working on student advertising campaigns for Adidas and Avon. In addition, she was an executive board secretary for the Advertising Club, an intern for Penn State Athletics Strategic Communications and an account associate for Happy Valley Communications. She will be escorted by faculty marshal Ken Yednock.
Danielle Wegman has earned her film-video degree and a degree in marketing. She also put together a strong list of professional experiences while at Penn State. She served as a brand ambassador for Seeso (an advertising-free streaming comedy channel operated by NBCUniversal), completed a technical operations internship at CNBC in New Jersey, and worked as a postproduction and marketing intern at Universal Pictures in Los Angeles. On campus, Wegman was a managing director for the Penn State Marketing Association, a rotating crew member for the PSN-TV news broadcast, worked as a crew member for 46 LIVE for three years, and was a member of CommRadio. She will be escorted by faculty marshal Rod Bingaman.
Min Xian will be the student marshal for journalism. During her time at Penn State, Xian traveled to Greece as part of the international reporting class to cover the refugee crisis and reported on gentrification in Baltimore during 2017 spring break. Xian has also put together several professional experiences, including serving as a reporter and photographer for the Centre Daily Times and completing internships with WPSU and the College of Engineering. She will be escorted by faculty marshal Curt Chandler.
Lindsay Miller, a member of the media studies major, has also been selected as a student marshal. While at Penn State, Miller was involved in various campus activities, including working as a reporter and anchor for CommRadio, a member of the Penn State Broadcasting Association, and an editor for The Daily Collegian.
Commencement Exercises: A Celebration of Student Talent
The college’s commencement exercises will be conducted on Saturday, May 6, at the Bryce Jordan Center. The group of honorees will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and commitment to their respective fields.
A Look at the Honorees: Representation and Diversity
The selection of these student marshals represents the diversity and excellence within the college’s five majors: advertising/public relations, film-video, journalism, media studies, and public relations. This group of honorees showcases the college’s commitment to fostering a talented and dedicated community of students who are prepared to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Behind the Scenes: Experiences and Internships
Reflections on Internships: QVC, CNBC, and Universal Pictures
The marshals’ professional experiences and internships have been instrumental in shaping their careers. For instance, Emma Shellhamer’s copywriting internship at QVC and Danielle Wegman’s technical operations internship at CNBC demonstrate their ability to adapt to new environments and take on challenging projects.
Social Media and Campus Involvement
The marshals’ social media presence and campus involvement have been a testament to their dedication to their field. Sabriana Pimentel’s work on student advertising campaigns for Adidas and Avon, as well as her executive board secretary position for the Advertising Club, highlight her commitment to the advertising/public relations major. Similarly, Min Xian’s reporting and photography work for the Centre Daily Times and her involvement in the Penn State Broadcasting Association demonstrate her passion for journalism.
Personal Growth and Development
Personal growth and development have been central to the experiences of Penn State’s student marshals, particularly those involved in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Emma Shellhamer, Sabriana Pimentel, and Danielle Wegman, among others, have not only advanced their academic credentials but have also gained invaluable hands-on experiences that have shaped their perspectives and prepared them for future career success.
Shellhamer, the overall marshal, exemplifies the kind of professional development that comes from diverse internships and extracurricular activities. Her roles at QVC and Spoon University, for instance, have honed her skills in copywriting and online editorial content, respectively. These experiences have not only broadened her understanding of the media landscape but have also provided her with practical skills that are essential in today’s fast-paced industry.
Pimental, through her involvement with the Advertising Club and internships at Initiative–IPG Mediabrands and Penn State Athletics Strategic Communications, has developed a robust skill set in advertising and strategic communications. These experiences have fostered her ability to think creatively and strategically, preparing her for the competitive nature of the advertising and public relations field.
Wegman’s journey as a film-video and marketing major at Penn State has been marked by her involvement in Seeso, CNBC, and Universal Pictures. These roles have equipped her with technical skills in postproduction and marketing, as well as the experience of working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Her work with CommRadio and PSN-TV has further honed her skills in broadcasting and media operations, setting a strong foundation for her future career.
Implications and Future Directions
The Importance of Student Experience: A Key to Success
Student experiences, such as internships and extracurricular activities, play a pivotal role in shaping the future success of students. At Penn State, the emphasis on providing meaningful experiences like those that Shellhamer, Pimentel, and Wegman have had, underscores the university’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to personal and professional growth. These experiences are not just about gaining practical skills; they also instill a sense of responsibility, leadership, and the ability to adapt to new situations—qualities highly sought after by employers.
The Value of Internships: Hands-On Learning
Internships represent a critical bridge between academic theory and real-world application. For instance, Pimentel’s experience with Initiative–IPG Mediabrands has allowed her to apply theories of advertising and marketing in a real-world environment, gaining insights into industry practices and client interactions. Similarly, Wegman’s internships at Universal Pictures and CNBC have provided her with a deep understanding of the film and television industry, including the nuances of postproduction, marketing, and broadcasting. These internships not only offer practical exposure but also forge industry connections, which are invaluable for future professional opportunities.
Preparing for the Future: A Look at Emerging Trends
The media and communications industry is in a constant state of flux, with new technologies and methodologies continually reshaping the field. Penn State’s programs, which prepare students for these changes, reflect a forward-thinking approach. For example, Shellhamer’s diverse internship experiences have exposed her to the evolving landscape of digital media, including the integration of social media into traditional public relations strategies. Pimentel’s involvement in student advertising campaigns for Adidas and Avon has honed her skills in digital marketing and brand strategy, essential competencies in today’s market. Wegman’s work in film-video and marketing has similarly prepared her for the rapidly changing digital media and streaming platforms.
Penn State’s Hollywood Program: A Model for Excellence
A Comprehensive Approach: Integrating Education and Experience
Penn State’s approach to education in the Bellisario College of Communications is marked by a holistic integration of academic programs with practical experiences. The Hollywood Program, for instance, provides students with opportunities to work in a real-world setting, gaining hands-on experience in their respective fields. For Shellhamer, this integration has been pivotal in her development as a public relations and English professional. Her roles at Spoon University and her leadership in The Navigators and Undressed Foods have provided her with a well-rounded view of the industry, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
A Commitment to Excellence: Student Success and Alumni Network
Penn State’s commitment to student success is evident in its robust support services and mentorship programs. The university’s alumni network is a testament to this commitment, providing current students with invaluable connections and guidance. Mentorship from faculty members like Steve Manuel, Ken Yednock, and Rod Bingaman has played a significant role in the growth of these students. For example, faculty mentorship has enabled Pimentel and Wegman to navigate their academic and professional journeys more effectively, fostering a culture of continuous learning and support.
A Platform for Innovation: Encouraging Creativity and Risk-Taking
Penn State’s culture of innovation is a key component of its educational philosophy. Encouraging students to take risks and pursue their passions has been instrumental in developing a generation of creative and innovative professionals. Shellhamer, Pimentel, and Wegman have been at the forefront of this innovation. Shellhamer’s work with The Navigators and Undressed Foods has allowed her to explore and develop new ideas, while Wegman’s involvement with PSN-TV and CommRadio has provided her with a platform to experiment with different aspects of media production. This innovative spirit is not only beneficial for individual growth but also for the advancement of the industry as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Penn State Hollywood Program offers a distinctive entertainment experience for students, providing a hands-on learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program’s ability to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation among participants is underscored by the numerous opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals, develop their portfolios, and build meaningful connections within the entertainment industry. Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on professional development and networking highlights the significance of experiential learning in preparing students for successful careers in the entertainment industry.
The success of the Penn State Hollywood Program carries broader implications, underscoring the importance of immersive and experiential learning experiences in higher education. By providing students with real-world opportunities to hone their skills and build professional networks, institutions can better equip them for the demands of the modern workforce. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and grow, programs like the Penn State Hollywood Program will remain essential in nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. As we look to the future, it is clear that experiential learning will play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the careers and futures of emerging talent.
The success of the Penn State Hollywood Program serves as a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning in fostering creativity, innovation, and professional growth. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in higher education, it is essential that we prioritize programs like this, which offer students a comprehensive and immersive experience that prepares them for success in the entertainment industry and beyond. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the next generation of creative professionals will be shaped by experiences like the Penn State Hollywood Program, and the impact will be felt for years to come.
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