Alumni Spotlights
Graduated Spring 2019
Working at Lockt Editorial as a VFX Coordinator
On what DKA helped him with: “DKA was the first time I ever got professionally organized. Now, as a VFX coordinator moving into producing, that’s the name of the game. I was the first Rho Chapter recruitment chairperson way back in spring 2017. Setting up all the events was no joke! But we got it up on its feet and it’s so great to see the organization continue to grow.”
Graduated 2019
Working as a Coordinator for Film Development & Production at FIFTH SEASON & a Screenwriter
On what DKA has helped her with: “DKA taught me a huge range of professional skills such as networking, delegation, and organization – as well as how to be a leader. DKA helps me balance the creative and business worlds, and how the greater film industry operates day to day.”
Graduated Fall 2019
Working as Senior Digital Media Coordinator for Walt Disney Imagineering (Marvel, Epcot, and Cruise Line portfolios)
On what DKA helped her with: “Stepping out of my comfort zone and confidently trying new roles. I started my career and time at Emerson doing special effects makeup, but have stepped into a position I love even more with visual effects producing. I might not have had the confidence to make the jump when an opportunity presented itself had I not been surrounded by a community that encouraged exploring interests and had chances in the past to do so within the org.”
Graduated Fall 2019
Working as a Freelance 1st Assistant Director in LA
On what DKA helped her with: “I actually scored my very first 1st AD gig through a DKA alumni page on Facebook. It all snowballed from there with a lot of hard work, consistency, and networking.”
Graduated 2020
Working as a Development Coordinator for an unscripted production company
Studying at USC for MFA in Writing for Film and Television
On what DKA helped her with: “DKA led me to my people! Not only am I still good friends with the lovely people I met during my time in DKA, they are also my first points of contact for creative collaboration. I got my current job (which was also my first job post-grad) off the recommendation of a fellow DeKA, and I continue to collaborate with DeKAs in my writer's group, on shorts, etc. I gained a lot of professional and collaboration skills during my time in the org, but I value the personal relationships above anything else.”
Graduated 2020
Working at NBCUniversal
On what DKA helped her with: “To be more outgoing and willing to take positive risks! You never know how something will pan out if you don’t at least try a little bit”
Graduated 2020
Studying at NYU Tisch for PhD & teaching undergraduate classes
On what DKA has helped her with: “Building a wonderful network in the film industry and meeting a lot of life-long friends”
Graduated 2020
Working as a Community Manager at Unfold Agency in Los Angeles
On what DKA helped them with: “DKA kinda saved me, I was extremely lost when I started at Emerson, kind of directionless wanted to drop out. Then I got into DKA and I made so many new friends and so many opportunities became available to me! I started working on sets, prioritizing my art and got to make and do so many cool things with my DeKAs”
Graduated 2020
Working at Randolph Beer DUMBO as Assistant General Manager
On what DKA helped them with: “DKA helped me learn event planning, people management, and how to blend fun with professionalism. I never thought I would end up working in the world of bars, but with the skills I learned from DKA I was able to transition set planning, event planning, and party planning from serving as Philanthropy and Culture chairs throughout my time there to what I do now- managing a 16000 square foot bar with three different bars inside planning casual to private events from birthdays to corporate buyouts to wedding receptions! I am so thankful for my time at DKA, all the friends I made, and the professionalism I learned that helped me navigate through my career.”
Graduated in December 2020
Working as an Executive Assistant at a Beverly Hills-based talent agency
On what DKA helped her with: “As a comedy major, DKA helped me discover more about the film world – it gave me fun, collaborative and educational opportunities! And it doesn’t just stop there, because DKA has helped me connect with others in the film and TV industry post-college.”
Graduated 2020
Working at Avalon Entertainment as an Executive Assistant to the CEO and Head of Business Affairs
On what DKA helped him with: “DKA taught me the importance of proactivity, honest communication, and relying on others for support! I grew as a creative professional and as a person because of the support of my DKA family when I needed them most.”
Graduated December 2020
Working as a Digital Producer/Podcast Host at Hawaii News Now
On what DKA helped her with: “DKA opened my eyes to the huge expanse that film, entertainment and storytelling can cover. The people I met and are glad to call friends continue to inspire me to push creative boundaries — even through my career in journalism and beyond!”
Graduated 2021
Working as a Animation Production Coordinator at Partizan Entertainment
On what DKA helped him with: “Connecting with likeminded creative individuals! The sense of community in the industry is really helpful, and it feels like we have each others backs!”
Graduated Spring 2021
Working as a Theatrical Brand Marketing Administrative Assistant at NBCUniversal
On what DKA helped her with: “DKA really helped me prepare for a professional future in film. Since I was a Marketing Major at Emerson, I loved being surrounded by so many people who were passionate about the films they were making. I was also provided the chance to work on many DeKA BFAs/Shorts, not only as Marketing Director, but in on-set roles I would have never had the chance to try otherwise.”
Graduated 2022
Working as a Freelance PA. Have worked on shows such as Love Island, The Oscar’s, Masterchef, the Real Friends of Weho and some unreleased documentaries!
On what DKA helped him with: “DKA gave me the ability to feel well prepared joining the industry. Once I started working I realized my experience working with fellow dekas on set had put me far ahead of some of my colleagues. Also having a network of people in the industry with something in common is incredibly helpful. It’s been wonderful to meet and work with fellow dekas from different chapters”
Graduated 2022
Working as a Content Strategy & Programming Coordinator at Nickelodeon
On what DKA helped him with: “DKA helped develop my professional skills and expanded my network. It even helped me get an internship in college. I grew as a creative and as a friend, and I continue to build and maintain strong relationships with my fellow DeKAs. Definitely a highlight of my college experience!”