Aaaand Cut!: Young Women Take a Look at Media Career Opportunities
September 05, 2023
How can high schoolers who dream of working in Hollywood plan out their careers? With this question in mind, Comcast NBCUnites hosted the 3rd annual Girls Experienceship program to help equip young women with the skills required for professional success. In coordination with Step Up’s “Build Career Skills” program, young women from Step Up, Girls with Impact, and Girls Write Now spent two weeks learning about careers in media and entertainment. These nonprofit organizations provide resources for young women facing systemic barriers to achieve their career-driven goals and aspirations. Prior to the experienceship, Deeksha from Step Up shared her excitement about “having the opportunity to network with professionals from various careers."
Nearly 20 young women participated in the virtual Girls Experienceship in July. After being nominated by their partner organization and selected to participate, students spent time during the program conversing with NBCU employee mentors to learn about their career paths. Each day explored a theme related to career development, such as practicing for informational interviews and learning how to navigate imposter syndrome. Navya Vasireddy, a student from Girls Write Now, shared that she ironically had her first-ever interview on the day the Experienceship was dedicated to answering tough interview questions. She shared that “gaining pointers and practicing commonly asked questions with my mentors boosted my confidence and helped me ace my interview!” A total of 36 NBCU employees volunteered from a variety of businesses including Entertainment Content, NBC Sports, NBCUniversal Local, Universal Studio Group, and more.
“Being that the Experienceship was tailored to young women interested in media, I felt a very strong connection to the mentees,” said Katherine Guirales, Director of Marketing, CNBC. “I related to their curiosity, drive, and eagerness for more, and I knew I could provide valuable advice, insights and support in these sessions. Everyone was candid and authentic, and although sometimes the mentees were shy in the beginning, by the end of each breakout room session they seemed comfortable, confident, seen and supported.”
Students also had the opportunity to connect with students from other organizations to broaden their peer networks. Breakout room sessions gave students the opportunity to network, bond, and strengthen their communication skills.
At the end of the Experienceship, students presented fun, stylized vision boards they created that highlighted what they learned, their ideal career paths and goals for the future. Creating vision boards provided an opportunity to visualize careers in media as well as practice public speaking by presenting their vision board to the group. The presentations showcased the wide-ranging goals these students hold for the future, including college experiences they will seek out, roles they hope to land in the future like being an NBCU Page, and advice from NBCU mentors that will continue to inspire them.
To learn more about the nonprofit partner organizations and Comcast NBCUnites, see below:
Girls Write Now
Girls Write Now breaks down barriers of gender, race, age and poverty to mentor and train the next generation of writers and leaders for life.
Girls with Impact
Girls With Impact is the nation’s only live, online mini-MBA for young women and girls, offered year-round. The live, online Business and Leadership Academy moves young women from ideation to a business plan and venture pitch, driving improvements in confidence, leadership, college readiness and professional skills for success.
Step Up
Through structured programs, focused support, and inspiring connections, Step Up helps girls define and achieve their unique visions of success.
Comcast NBCUnites
NBCUniversal is committed to giving our employees meaningful opportunities to create positive change in their communities, building a more diverse future for our industry, and providing young people the opportunity to gain experience in the creative space.
