From College to Career: My Journey in NYC's Media Industry through Reel Works
By Akira Jordan
Like many aspiring filmmakers and media professionals in New York City, I was at a crossroads during my final year at Hunter College. Holding a Media Studies degree but facing an uncertain future in NYC's competitive entertainment industry, I discovered a game-changing opportunity: Reel Works' Media Career Pathways Program.
Reel Works's innovative workforce development initiative, MediaMKRS, drew me. Their mission statement captured exactly what I was looking for: "MediaMKRS is a consortium of industry and education leaders working to diversify the media landscape and create equitable solutions." As an emerging media professional in New York, I recognized this as more than just a training program – it was a gateway to the city's thriving film and media industry.
Breaking Into NYC's Media Industry
The Media Career Pathways Program, designed specifically for out-of-school and out-of-work or underemployed young adults in New York City, offers comprehensive training for film, television, and digital media production careers. After an engaging information session and interview at their Brooklyn office, I knew I had found my pathway into the industry.
Professional Development in Action
My experience in the program has been transformative, combining hands-on production training with essential career development. Through a hybrid learning model of virtual and in-person classes, I've:
Mastered industry-standard production tools and workflows
Created a strategic professional network map for the NYC media landscape
Developed a comprehensive career roadmap with clear milestones
Gained proficiency in production management tools including the complete Google Suite
Earned recognized MediaMKRS digital badges, essential credentials for media industry roles
Inside NYC's Premier Production Houses
One of the most valuable aspects of the program has been the exposure to New York City's leading media facilities.
We've toured:
Harbor Picture Company, exploring their state-of-the-art production and post-production facilities
Sound Lounge, where we learned about professional audio post-production workflows
Various other NYC media studios, gaining insight into real-world production environments
These visits included invaluable conversations with industry professionals, from Digital Project Managers to Supervising Sound Editors, who shared their experiences navigating New York's media landscape.
From Training to Professional Practice
The program's holistic approach extends beyond technical training. Through regular mentorship with Lenisha Sisnet, Licensed Master Social Worker at Reel Works, I've received personalized career guidance that helped me secure an internship as a Development and Communications Intern with Reel Works itself.
Working under Christiamilda Correa, Director of Development and Communications, I've gained practical experience in media event production and communication strategies. A highlight was coordinating the Reel Works' Holiday Screening & Reception at Brooklyn's Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where I managed event logistics, created promotional materials, and handled guest relations.
Impact and Future in NYC Media
The Media Career Pathways program has equipped me with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to pursue my goal of becoming a Public Relations Specialist in New York's entertainment industry. Through Reel Works' comprehensive approach to media education and professional development, they're not just training the next generation of media professionals – they're transforming lives and shaping the future of NYC's media landscape.
Akira Jordan is a current participant in the Reel Works Media Career Pathways program and serves as a Development and Communications Intern. Reel Works is a leading nonprofit organization in New York City dedicated to training young filmmakers and media professionals.