Serena is an executive assistant at DreamWorks Animation Studios, working in Feature production.
Roadmap.
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I hosted a Fireside Chat with the CCO of DreamWorks Television, Peter Gal, during Pride month to discuss his career and how DWTV has been so successful at incorporating LGBTQ+ stories into their IP.
MILESTONES
My career roadmap has been all over the place.
Never be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn or similar networking sites for a coffee chat. The worst that can happen is they say no. I know so many people here who are always open to talking to anyone looking to pursue a career in animation.
KNOW HOW TO WRITE A GOOD EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So beyond important to know how to send a professional email - especially when dealing with high-profile studio employees.
Don't be do-or-die about going to an Ivy League college, or about your educational career. I know too many people at DreamWorks who never went to college and still have amazing careers.
EXPERIENCE
Here are my extracurriculars relevant to this pathway
DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
DURING MY COLLEGE CAREER
CAREER
What I'm currently doing/hope to do
I currently work at DreamWorks Animation as an assistant to seven Producers and Directors in Feature production. I am the only person who assists seven people at DW - so I am very involved across all departments. I manage calendars and scheduling across seven shows in production (Including the recently announced Kung Fu Panda 4). I sit in on meetings and take notes, I work closely with Production Managers, Production Staff and Heads of Departments. I coordinate with Studio Executives and other Producer/Directors assistants across the company. I don't know what my plan is for my career, but for now I am enjoying what I do and have all the time in the world to decide. I am in a very privileged position to be working alongside some of the most brilliant filmmakers in the industry. I have a first glance look at everything that happens on our show(s), and have a well defined understanding of the Animation pipeline. I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I love DreamWorks.
ADVICE
How to maximize my time in high school?
Advice #1: Never be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn or similar networking sites for a coffee chat. The worst that can happen is they say no. I know so many people here who are always open to talking to anyone looking to pursue a career in animation.
Advice #2: KNOW HOW TO WRITE A GOOD EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So beyond important to know how to send a professional email - especially when dealing with high-profile studio employees.
Advice #3: Don't worry about going to an Ivy League college, or about your educational career at all. I know too many people at DreamWorks who never went to college and still have amazing careers. School means nothing if you know the industry and are willing to learn as you go. Most people here start with not a lick of relevant experience or schooling. It's all about how you connect with people and let yourself shine through.
Advice #4: Perfect your resume. I have worked with countless people (both students and career people) to perfect their resume. I would be more than happy to provide assistance to AOC Students who need help building a resume that looks attractive to employers.
Advice #5: Have patience. This is a really competitive industry to get into. It's not what you know, it's who you know. Allow yourself grace and know that opportunities will come when you least expect them. Be kind to yourself, don't put too much pressure on yourself, and enjoy the ride. Life never works out the way we plan. As long as you stay focused and know that good things come in time, life will be so much easier.
