The cinema & television arts and strategic communications double major participated in the prestigious IRTS Foundation Multicultural Career Workshop, an initiative designed to support students and recent graduates from underrepresented backgrounds pursue careers in the media industry.
Major media companies like A&E Networks, NBC Universal, Disney and Google are household names. Following her attendance at the International Radio & Television Society Foundation (IRTS) Multicultural Career Workshop in New York, Cristy Mariné, a senior at Elon University, is now well-acquainted with these media giants – and many others.
During the two-day event held Nov. 7-8 in Manhattan, Mariné attended discussions led by high-ranking industry professionals and met recruiters from nearly 20 prominent companies across the television, radio and entertainment industries.
The IRTS Foundation Multicultural Media Workshop, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, is a highly competitive event. It offers students from underrepresented backgrounds a chance to gain valuable industry insights, develop professional skills, and network with influential media professionals. This year’s workshop featured approximately 120 participants selected through a rigorous application process.
“I decided to apply for this program because I love New York, and I am very interested in the entertainment industry,” said Mariné, who traveled to the workshop sponsored by the School of Communications and by its student organization, Unity in Communications.
Her application stood out, backed by her extensive resume, which includes internships with NBC6/Telemundo51, E! News, Great Health Works, and Proskauer Rose. And once Mariné was selected, her preparation for the workshop was meticulous.
“I made sure to research all the companies attending, the speakers, and their LinkedIn profiles,” she said. “I brought 50 copies of my resume, business cards, and tried to authentically connect with every professional I met.” Her hard work paid off, as she described the experience as both satisfying and enriching.
At Elon, Mariné is actively involved as a student communications coordinator at El Centro and has been a two-time recipient of the LAGRANT Foundation scholarship. Her international studies in Sorrento, Italy, further enrich her academic profile.
The IRTS Foundation, dedicated to fostering future leaders in electronic media, hosts the Multicultural Career Workshop annually. This initiative equips college students with industry insights, professional development tools, and essential networking opportunities.