EPICS Events
EPICS and our SoC partners offer in-person and virtual events throughout the academic year. Attend a workshop, masterclass, alumni/industry speaker or networking event, or alumni panel to refine your professional skills, acquire new knowledge and expertise, and explore career paths of interest. These events are tailored to boost your career development, help you learn about industries, and broaden your professional network.
Upcoming Events
You will find EPICS upcoming events for School of Communication in the calendar feed. Employers and friends of Northwestern can view all events open to the public on the University’s main calendar, PlanIt Purple.
Workshops
A workshop is an organized event or series of sessions designed to help students with their career development. These workshops typically focus on various aspects of career planning and advancement including networking, internship/job search strategies, interviewing, career planning, and resume and cover letter writing.
Masterclasses
A masterclass is a session led by someone who has an expert knowledge or skill in a particular area. Every masterclass has an aim or goal that students will learn or complete by the end of the session.
Industry Connect
The Northwestern community stretches far and wide. With EPICS’ Industry Connect evenings, students can see the direction their Northwestern degree can take them. Experienced alumni and professionals discuss their industry, career path, and offer advice to students in a speed networking format. Each Industry Connect event is focused on a specific industry area that aligns with our Career Communities.
Life After NU
This panel series is for students to learn from young alumni about the transition from school to industry. The goal is for our current students to hear from young professionals about their immediate steps after Northwestern and recent steps in their career. Each Life After NU event is focused on a specific industry area that aligns with our Career Communities.
Alumni/Industry Speaker Events
Speaker events are an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced and accomplished alum and/or industry professional and often include a Q&A. They provide an opportunity for students to hear from industry leaders who share about their insight and experience and offer valuable advice.
Program-Specific Events
EPICS partners with our graduate level programs in MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage, MS in Communication, and MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises to host events specifically for graduate students. For more information on these events, visit the pages below.
Upcoming Events
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Sep242024
SoC | EPICS: Mix and Mingle with Professional & MFA Programs
6:00 PM
Join us for a happy hour on the first day of classes!
Meet the EPICS team and your fellow SoC graduate students in MA Sound, MFA in Writing, MFA in Doc Media, MSC, and MSLCE as we welcome you to a new year!
Get connected to other graduate students in the School of Communication and try out your networking skills! Networking is making connections with other people and sharing information – in other words, it’s building relationships!
Appetizers and drinks will be served. Drink tickets for beer/wine will be provided.
Only open to students enrolled in the MA Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Writing, MFA in Documentary Media, MS in Communication, and MS in Leadership for Creative Industries programs.
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Oct012024
SoC | EPICS: Pop Up Career Advising
10:00 AM
1949 Campus Drive; 10-30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208School of Communication Students - Have questions about your career, your summer or post grad plans? Don't know how to start your internship search? Need help developing or updating your resume or a cover letter? Drop by one of the EPICS Pop Up Advising tables on October 1st or October 3rd to speak with an EPICS Career Advisor. Don't have any specific questions, stop by grab a bite and say hello! We look forward to working with you this year. No appointment is needed nor is registration on Handshake required.
Open to all SoC students.
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Oct012024
SoC | EPICS: Industry Connect: Entertainment + Media
6:00 PM
601 University Place, Evanston, IL 60208Join alumni & professionals from the entertainment and media industry for a night of networking and industry insights. During the event, you will have the opportunity to connect with each of the guests in small groups to learn about their experience and hear advice on getting started in entertainment + media industry.
Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.
Industry Professionals in attendance will be:
Chynna Ladage | Writer on "All American"
Dawn Gray | President of Gray Talent Group
Jonah Zeiger | Deputy Commissioner at Chicago Film Office
Lauren Vernea | Producer at Lionsgate
Sofya Levitsky-Weitz | Playwright and TV/Film Writer | Recent credits include: Hulu's AMANDA, FX's THE BEAR, Hulu's THE DROPOUT
More guests to be announced!The event is open to all SoC students! Hosted by EPICS.
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Oct032024
SoC | EPICS: Pop Up Career Advising
10:00 AM
2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208School of Communication Students - Have questions about your career, your summer or post grad plans? Don't know how to start your internship search? Need help developing or updating your resume or a cover letter? Drop by one of the EPICS Pop Up Advising tables on October 1st or October 3rd to speak with an EPICS Career Advisor. Don't have any specific questions, stop by grab a bite and say hello! We look forward to working with you this year. No appointment is needed nor is registration on Handshake required.
Open to all SoC students.
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Oct072024
SoC | EPICS: Design Your Career
2:00 PM
1877 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208This workshop will support you to create a career strategy and leave with a clear next steps to take for success in your career and professional life.
A career design or strategy is a conscious series of choices an individual makes based on priorities, values, and individual goals coupled with industry research and sourcing opportunities. Once you are clear on what you want, you can then create steps to move forward in achieving your goals for your professional life. This workshop will challenge students to think creatively and gain clarity about what they want for their future both professionally and in life!
This workshop is based off of the work of the Stanford Life Design Lab that helps individuals design their lives and careers.
Open to all SoC graduate students enrolled in the following programs: MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
MS in Communication, MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises. -
Oct082024
SoC | EPICS: Design Your Career
12:30 PM
2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208This workshop will support you to create a career strategy and leave with a clear next steps to take for success in your career and professional life.
A career design or strategy is a conscious series of choices an individual makes based on priorities, values, and individual goals coupled with industry research and sourcing opportunities. Once you are clear on what you want, you can then create steps to move forward in achieving your goals for your professional life. This workshop will challenge students to think creatively and gain clarity about what they want for their future both professionally and in life!
This workshop is based off of the work of the Stanford Life Design Lab that helps individuals design their lives and careers.
Open to all SoC graduate students enrolled in the following programs: MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
MS in Communication, MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises. -
Oct152024
SoC | EPICS: Industry Connect: Marketing, Advertising, & PR
6:00 PM
601 University Place, Evanston, IL 60208Join alumni & professionals from the marketing, advertising, and public relations industry for a night of networking and industry insights. During the event, you will have the opportunity to connect with each of the guests in small groups to learn about their experience and hear advice on getting started in the marketing, advertising, and public relations industry.
Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.
Industry Professionals in attendance will be:
Ashley Falcon | Program Manager at Meta
Margauz Pepper | SVP, Strategic Planning at Weber Shandwick
Scotty Stieber | Account Supervisor, Corporate Reputation at Praytell
More guests to be announced!The event is open to all SoC students! Hosted by EPICS.
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Oct172024
SoC | EPICS: Industry Days @ Chicago International Film Festival
5:00 PM
EPICS is pleased to partner once again with the Chicago International Film Festival by offering a limited number of complimentary passes to all aspects of the 2024 edition of INDUSTRY DAYS at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival. Industry Days runs from October 17-20 in downtown Chicago. The primary day for Northwestern student attendance is Friday, October 18.
Industry Days is the Chicago International Film Festival’s hub for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and be inspired. Meet with executives, agents, and producers in the Decision-Maker Roundtables, informative panel conversations, master classes, networking events, and more.
Please note that the Industry Days Passes DO NOT include access to any Festival Screenings, only to Industry Days programming. If schedules allow, Northwestern students who attend Industry Days may have the opportunity to connect with the festival organizers and staff between panels and presentations.
More information and schedule can be found at: https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/industry-days/
Since its inception, Industry Days has hosted an impressive lineup of film executives, entertainment professionals, and major talents, including Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen, Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan; Oscar-nominated composer Terence Blanchard; producers Dede Gardner, Ted Hope, Gigi Pritzker, James D. Stern, and MACRO CEO Charles D. King; and veteran distribution executives Michael Barker, Richard Lorber, and Tom Quinn. Representatives from the following companies have attended panels and talks: Cinetic Media, CAA, Gravitas Ventures, IFC Films, Kartemquin Films, Kickstarter, Icarus Films, Magnolia Pictures, MPI Media, Music Box Films, Netflix, Neon, The Orchard, Oscilloscope Laboratories, Preferred Content, the United Talent Agency, and William Morris Endeavor.
Open to all SoC students
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Oct212024
SoC | EPICS: Your Career Materials
2:00 PM
1877 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208Do you already have a great creative resume, but are wondering how to tailor your experience to a new role? Are you wondering what the difference is between a resume and CV? Wondering what other materials you need for your career?
Bring your current resume or start fresh with a blank page. EPICS will walk you through best practices for standing out in a hiring pool and editing your resume to your desired industry.
In this workshop, we will breakout into groups where you’ll polish or create your resume. At the end of the working session, you'll be armed with the tools and knowledge to continue tailoring your career materials for success in your job search.
Open to all SoC graduate students enrolled in the following programs: MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
MS in Communication, MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises. -
Oct222024
SoC | EPICS: Your Career Materials
12:30 PM
2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208Do you already have a great creative resume, but are wondering how to tailor your experience to a new role? Are you wondering what the difference is between a resume and CV? Wondering what other materials you need for your career?
Bring your current resume or start fresh with a blank page. EPICS will walk you through best practices for standing out in a hiring pool and editing your resume to your desired industry.
In this workshop, we will breakout into groups where you’ll polish or create your resume. At the end of the working session, you'll be armed with the tools and knowledge to continue tailoring your career materials for success in your job search.
Open to all SoC graduate students enrolled in the following programs: MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
MS in Communication, MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises. -
Nov042024
SoC | EPICS: Your Connections + Story
2:00 PM
1877 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208This session will help you learn key strategies to building your connections (network) and tell your story (create a pitch/professional value proposition) to market yourself.
We will explore online professional networks such as LinkedIn and engage in dialogue focused on live networking events and opportunities. Tools, techniques, and recommended best practices for both settings will be shared and utilized in hands-on exercises as part of this session. Through these best practices and tools, you'll learn how to hear about not-yet-posted opportunities and position yourself to be front of mind for hiring managers and decision-makers.
Open to all SoC graduate students enrolled in the following programs: MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
MS in Communication, MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises. -
Nov052024
SoC | EPICS: Your Connections + Story [copy]
12:30 PM
2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208This session will help you learn key strategies to building your connections (network) and tell your story (create a pitch/professional value proposition) to market yourself.
We will explore online professional networks such as LinkedIn and engage in dialogue focused on live networking events and opportunities. Tools, techniques, and recommended best practices for both settings will be shared and utilized in hands-on exercises as part of this session. Through these best practices and tools, you'll learn how to hear about not-yet-posted opportunities and position yourself to be front of mind for hiring managers and decision-makers.
Open to all SoC graduate students enrolled in the following programs: MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage
MS in Communication, MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises.