Before engaging with these career exploration questions, I explored potential paths in my field of interest on ChatGPT – I used it to refine my resume and even brainstormed “silly” future career queries. While engaging with similar prompts before, I didn’t fully embrace the offered advice. Today, I’m excited to experiment with both ChatGPT and Bard, hopefully, I’ll find some new information this time and will implement them in my future career decisions.

The prompt I used:

“I am about to graduate from college with a degree in Media Entrepreneurship. I want to find an entry-level position in PR (preferably fashion/beauty/film industry) or Entertainment Law in the Media/Entertainment industry in Atlanta, Georgia. What skills do I need to demonstrate? What kinds of artifacts should I have to show I have those skills? What are some resources that I should pursue to help me learn about what I need to do to find my first industry job?”

The response:
Skills to Demonstrate
Communication Skills:

• Develop strong written and verbal communication skills. Practice drafting press releases, legal documents, and pitches with clarity and professionalism.
  Industry-Specific Knowledge:
• Stay informed about the fashion, beauty, and film industry trends. Understand the legal aspects and regulations relevant to the Entertainment Law field.

Networking:

• Attend industry events in Atlanta to build connections. Join relevant professional organizations, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in PR and Entertainment Law.

Digital Media Literacy:

• Stay updated on social media trends and digital marketing strategies. Understand the role of online presence in the media industry.
  Research Skills:
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct thorough research, whether for PR campaigns, legal cases, or industry trends.

Adaptability:

• Showcase your ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and changing industry landscapes. Provide examples of successful navigation through challenges or adaptation to new technologies.

Artifacts to Showcase:
Portfolio:

• Create a portfolio featuring samples of your work, such as press releases, media pitches, or legal briefs. Highlight any relevant projects or campaigns you’ve worked on during your studies.

Internship Experience:

• Highlight responsibilities and achievements from internships. Showcase tangible results or contributions made during your experiences.
  Online Presence:
• Develop a professional online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile, consider starting a blog, or contribute articles showcasing your expertise in the media industry.

Projects and Case Studies:

• Include relevant projects or case studies from your degree in your portfolio. Discuss the challenges faced and the solutions you implemented.

Resources to Help You:
Networking Events and Conferences:

• Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events in Atlanta. Connect with professionals to gain insights into current trends and challenges.

Online Courses and Certifications:

• Consider taking online courses or certifications related to PR, Entertainment Law, or specific skills you want to enhance. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or industry-specific associations often offer relevant courses.

Professional Associations:

• Join professional associations related to PR and Entertainment Law. These organizations often provide valuable resources, job listings, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
• Join PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) or the Georgia Entertainment & Music Business Law Section (GEMBLS) to network and learn from experienced professionals.

Mentorship:

• Seek mentorship from professionals in the field. Mentors can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer valuable advice as you navigate your career path.

Job Boards and Internship Listings:

• Regularly check industry-specific job boards and internship listings on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or industry-specific websites for entry-level positions and internships such as Film Connection or Entertainment Jobsite.

And then, I asked a few more questions:

1. What’s some advice you can give to me that’s specific to someone who is in Atlanta?
2. Can you provide examples of successful PR campaigns within the entertainment industry and the key strategies that made them effective?
3. What are some notable industry events or conferences that specifically cater to individuals interested in both media entrepreneurship and entertainment law?

The response:

Localize your network: Atlanta boasts a vibrant media and entertainment scene, so focus on building connections with local professionals. Attend industry events like the Atlanta Film Festival, Dragon Con, or the Atlanta Media & Marketing Awards. Utilize local networking groups like Atlanta Women in Media, Atlanta Film & TV, or the Georgia Entertainment & Music Business Law Section (GEMBLS).

Leverage Atlanta’s strengths: Research and highlight your knowledge of Atlanta’s unique media landscape. Atlanta is a hub for film and television production, animation, music, and digital media. Mention your understanding of these specific industries and how your skills can contribute to their growth.

Utilize local resources: Take advantage of Atlanta’s educational and professional resources. Consider pursuing a Master’s degree in Media Entrepreneurship or Entertainment Law at Emory University, Georgia State University, or Mercer University. Attend workshops and seminars offered by the Atlanta Film & TV Commission or the Atlanta Film Festival.

Target local companies: Research and tailor your applications to media and entertainment companies based in Atlanta. Studios like Tyler Perry Studios, Cartoon Network Studios, or Turner Broadcasting System offer entry-level opportunities. Look for PR agencies specializing in fashion, beauty, or film, like The Pollack Group or Jackson Spalding.

Successful PR Campaigns in Entertainment:
“Summer of Barbie” (2023): This campaign capitalized on nostalgia while aligning with modern trends. They painted mansions pink, set up life-sized Barbie boxes, and partnered with influencers. The result? A global buzz and record-breaking box office for the “Barbie” movie. (Key strategies: Nostalgia marketing, influencer partnerships, interactive experiences)

“Keep America Beautiful” (ongoing): This long-running campaign uses compelling storytelling and celebrity endorsements to inspire people to take care of their environment. Its success lies in its clear message, positive tone, and consistent engagement with the public. (Key strategies: Public service messaging, celebrity advocacy, community engagement)

“Hims & Hers – Mental Health Ambassador” (2023): Partnering with actress Kristen Bell, Hims & Hers destigmatized mental health by promoting their telehealth services. This relatable campaign resonated with audiences and led to increased brand trust. (Key strategies: Celebrity partnerships, tackling social issues, building brand trust)

Industry Events for Media Entrepreneurship & Entertainment Law:
SXSW Conference: This Austin-based festival features panels, workshops, and networking opportunities for media, tech, and music professionals. Look for sessions on entrepreneurship, entertainment law, and content creation.

NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives): This annual conference brings together TV executives, producers, and distributors. Attend sessions on new media trends, content development, and legal issues in the television industry.

Atlanta Film & TV Conference: This local event connects filmmakers, producers, and distributors within the Atlanta region. Attend sessions on production, financing, and legal considerations for film and television projects.

I used the first prompt with both ChatGPT and Bard, and they both gave me very similar outputs, the only difference I’d point out would be that Bard’s response was a lot more concise and non-repetitive like ChatGPT. I used both of them again for the other three questions and saw a much more significant difference. It seems that Bard is up-to-date to include information and events up to September 30, 2023, whereas ChatGPT is far behind in 2021. Bard was able to give me the names of real organizations in Atlanta, multiple of them, and from the two different industries that I am interested in as well. It seemed to just “know” more about Atlanta and give me specific advice.

I already knew most of the information that the first response gave me, it was more of a reminder to follow through and do those things even though I am already doing most of them anyway. I did learn about GEMBLS for the first time and also enjoyed learning about some of the popular PR campaigns from 2023. What I need to do next is to start attending these events and network with people in the industry and find out about all the different roles that exist within those businesses along with gaining more experience through internships before I graduate. I think that it is definitely helpful to have such a tool at our fingertips to give us the advice we need without having to feel overwhelmed to search for it, though it can be a bit generic/repetitive at times, that’s where prompt engineering comes in, the way I see it is that you have to ask the AI tool questions as if you are talking to a child, so you have to explain yourself a lot and be very clear about what you are asking of them. I like to make sure I include the factors that I want the AI tool to consider before answering my question. 

Research:

For this week’s assignment, I utilized job search platforms Indeed and Glassdoor. I personalized my results by uploading my resume and adjusting my job preferences, including public relations, marketing, technical writing, and communications interests. Considering a corporate environment like EY or Deloitte, I expanded my search to include roles in Communications in media and non-media-related companies. I explored opportunities locally in Atlanta, looking for remote, part-time, and internships. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (media/communications, business, film).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Independent collection and transformation of information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic media planning and execution.
• Coordination with clients and internal teams.
• Digital content creation for various platforms.
• Leadership and management roles in senior marketing.

Software Expectations:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Specific expertise in tools like Visio, AutoCAD, Crystal Reports, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Excel, Salesforce, Marketing Cloud Account
• Engagement, and Looker Studio.

Specific Abilities Employers Seek:

• Effective communication for diverse audiences.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Leadership skills with team management experience.
• Data-driven mindset for analyzing performance metrics.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and trends.

Documents I’ll need to create/have by graduation:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Portfolio
• Cover Letter
• Certifications
  • Microsoft Word Programs Certificate
  • Professional Technical Writing Certification
  • Business Writing Certification
  • Engineering Technical Writing Certification

Reflection:

The research process highlighted the vast array of opportunities available, albeit a bit overwhelming. Stability in the corporate realm often requires navigating through various roles to build experience which was difficult to see since I am still in college with barely any experience. Emphasis on specific skills, certifications, and software proficiency reinforced the need for continuous learning. Moving forward, I plan to refine my search strategy for a more targeted job pursuit, focusing on stable positions within the corporate landscape. Despite feeling a bit stressed, I am motivated to tailor my exploration and enhance my skills for a fulfilling career path.

Hey! I’m Lamisha Rahman, a junior at Georgia State University, majoring in Media Entrepreneurship with a focus in Film, Journalism, and Business, and currently minoring in Computer Information Systems—though I’m contemplating a switch to either Entertainment Media Management or Film and Media. I have a myriad of interests, evidenced by my major changes and multiple minors. Admittedly, I’m the type who chose a minor just to extend my college experience by a semester so I wouldn’t have to graduate early. I’ve dabbled in various disciplines, spreading myself a bit thin, and it’s about time I channel my diverse skills into a more focused career path. While I love being a “jack of all trades”, I realize it’s time to hone in on a specific career trajectory, and that’s where this portfolio comes into play.

Navigating my academic journey feels like having all the ingredients for a dish but struggling to choose the right recipe. I’m inherently creative, finding joy in expressing myself through art, film, photography, and writing. I’ve been involved with student organizations such as Album88 and the Bangladesh Student Association at GSU and have also gained work experience as a Student Assistant and Art Teacher. Currently, I’m honing my skills as a PR Intern at BECK Media & Marketing, working with notable clients like BET+, PlutoTV, and TenderfootTV. In this role, I’ve cultivated people, writing, and organizational skills, playing a crucial role in guiding PR initiatives, crafting media pitches, managing interviews, and maintaining client relations.

Yet, despite the valuable experiences gained, I find myself at a crossroads. While I adore the entertainment and fashion industry, I’m grappling with the question of where I fit best—whether it’s in writing, management, content creation, or something else altogether. In the end, I would like to see myself in a creative space hopefully in a creative and stable role with a managing aspect

As for goals I need to set to move things in the direction of my future career, I know that I need to work on my networking skills, stay up to date with digital trends, and gain more hands-on experience through internships and freelance projects. My portfolio will serve as a reflection of this journey, a space to explore and present the digital artifacts that showcase my evolving skills and interests.