Media and Entertainment

line drawing of a picture, video and music symbol

While media and entertainment are creative fields, they are also big business.

You can find roles that work directly on the creation of content, like performers, directors, writers and producers, and also those that focus on the management of the business, including positions in marketing, finance, law and development. There are also behind-the-scenes, technical positions that are instrumental including lighting, video, sound and other production roles. Princeton alumni work in all areas of this field.

You can learn more about this field in the Firsthand Career Guide to Media and Entertainment. 

Gaining experience

Media and entertainment are competitive industries, so seek out opportunities where you can get hands-on experience in order to differentiate yourself. Students can also develop skills by taking related courses through the Lewis Center for the Arts and participating in productions and creative projects at Princeton. 

Students and recent graduates seeking experience often apply to studios, production companies, networks, teams, agencies and rotational programs. These competitive entry-level roles offer those starting out with exposure to aspects of the industry and the opportunity to build key professional relationships.

Hiring process and timeline

Generally, hiring is on an as-needed basis in this field. Seasonal internships typically begin hiring a few months in advance of start dates, so it is common to see these opportunities arise early during the spring semester. 

Hiring is driven in large part by networking. Developing relationships with contacts working in the industry is important both as you're breaking into it and throughout your career. Students can start now by contacting Princeton alumni who work in areas that interest them, and by attending University events featuring industry professionals.  

Princeton resources

Centers and campus offices

Undergraduate student groups

Internship, fellowship, funding and related opportunities

More resources and information specific to fields within media and entertainment can be found in the subcategory pages listed below. 

Princeton-specific information

Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts serves as a hub of activity, opportunity, and education in the arts and creative fields. 

Related undergraduate certificates:

Related graduate certificates: 

Common post-graduate degrees
  • Master in Entertainment Management
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Fine Arts or Master of Arts in a related subject area (MFA. or M.A.)
Professional organizations and associations

Professional organizations and associations are membership-based groups comprised of people working in a similar field. They can be helpful resources for students to learn more about a field, develop connections and discover related opportunities. You can search for related organizations and associations using a database provided by the Princeton University Library.

Princeton Alumni

Students watching a film