Tell us what you're currently doing and what's involved with the position.
Currently I'm working as a Production Coordinator at DreamWorks Animation. I work on the feature side in Rigging and Animation, so my day-to-day involves checking up on schedules, checking whether assets and deliverables will finish in time, communicating between departments to facilitate smooth transfers of assets, and running meetings.
Can you share your path since graduation that lead you to your current gig?
When I first graduated, I started as a live-action production coordinator in New York, but I knew I wanted to work in animation. Then I did some freelance PA and PC work for a 2D animation company before I got hired as a Production Coordinator at LAIKA, the stop-motion studio. I was there for a year, and now I'm here!
What are the key skills required to handle your job?
Communication and organization. And a willingness to speak up and be proactive! Even if you don't know an answer, being willing to try and ask questions helps you learn and earn the respect of your colleagues. Showing that you're trying is always good! Also, I've found that being empathetic and caring about your team really helps. Be patient, try to be understanding, and listen to your teammates. It makes your job more meaningful and allows you to do better work because you care about the people you're impacting.
Are you working with other Drexel alumni? How has that network paid off for you?.
I'm not currently working with other Drexel alumni, although a Drexel alum did recommend me for my first live-action PC job in New York. I haven't had Drexel alumni put me up for a job since, but if you think about it, it all started because of that one recommendation!
As an alumni yourself, have you had an opportunity to work with or hire any current Drexel students? What was that experience like?
Not yet! Maybe in the future!
How did Drexel prepare you for getting to this point in your career?
The Drexel in LA program and co-op program really helped me get to where I am now. Without them, I wouldn't have had the clarity of mind to know that I wanted to work in animation or had experience in the professional film world. I credit both of those experiences as being a huge part of my career.
What advice would like to go back and give your undergraduate self?
Don't be afraid to reach out to more people via cold intros! LinkedIn messages and cold emails often do actually work. I would also say keep doing what you're doing, be a little less afraid of what other people think, and remember to take time to take care of yourself!