Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Assistant Operations Coordinators
Kylie's experience suggests that entry-level roles like "admin assistant," "production assistant," or "studio assistant" at smaller production companies offer invaluable hands-on learning opportunities, allowing individuals to "learn a whole lot more that's possibly even outside your role." Networking through alumni events, like those at LMU, also plays a significant role in career advancement, as many alumni are eager to "connect you with great people who will set you up for success."
Entry-Level Jobs, Networking, Career Development, Production Industry, Small Company Experience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kylie Olsen
Assistant Operations Coordinator
Ventana Productions
Loyola Marymount University
NA
Entertainment, Music & Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Consider entry-level positions like admin assistant, production assistant, or studio assistant at smaller production companies to gain broad experience and learn from hands-on involvement.
2. Working for companies that contract with studios offers more hands-on experience than working directly for large studios.
3. Networking through alumni events can connect you with mentors and opportunities for career advancement.
Transcript
Q10: Entry-level positions
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
My own position, in some ways, can be considered entry-level. Getting behind a production desk, even for a smaller production company, is a great way to learn a ton. At a small production company, you won't just be working for one person.
If you're behind the desk as an admin assistant, production assistant, or studio assistant, something that gets you involved is key. Even at a smaller production company or a casting company, if that's your interest, it offers a great view of everything.
I've been fortunate to work for companies that contract for studios, rather than directly for studios themselves, though that is a long-term goal. This allows me to be more involved and hands-on than I might be as an assistant at a larger agency.
Starting with a smaller company offers the opportunity to do more work and learn a great deal, potentially even outside your defined role. Those bosses want to teach you because they want people who are eager to learn.
Connecting through LMU alumni events is also huge. Many LMU alums want to pay it forward and connect you with great people who will set you up for success.