Wardah Basil

Author: Wardah Basil

Where to Find Film Graduate Programs

If you’re thinking about going to grad school for film (like an MFA), it can feel really confusing at first. There are so many schools, and it’s hard to know which ones are actually good or right for you. Instead of just Googling randomly, there are a few websites that make this process much easier.

Here are three helpful resources you can use:

FilmSchool.org – Fully Funded MFA Film Programs

Why it’s helpful:

  • Lists fully funded MFA film programs in the U.S. and Canada
  • Explains which schools offer tuition coverage and stipends
  • Saves you time by putting all this info in one place

Who should use this:

  • Students who need financial support for grad school
  • Anyone trying to avoid taking on a lot of student debt 

Mastersportal – Masters Portal Film Studies Programs in the US

Why it’s helpful:

  • Shows a list of Film Studies programs in the U.S.
  • You can filter by price, location, and duration
  • Gives details like tuition, deadlines, and program structure

Who should use this:

  • Students who already know they want to do a master’s in film
  • International / domestic students comparing different options

Niche – Niche Best Colleges for Film

Why it’s helpful:

  • You can read real student experiences
  • Shows rankings, campus life, and professors
  • Easy to compare different schools

Who should use this:

  • Students who want both rankings and honest opinions
  • People just starting their search

My Experience as an Interviewer: Wardah Basil

Reviewing three Big Interview recordings as a Career Peer Educator gave me a different perspective on interviews. Watching the videos, I noticed that the strongest answers were the ones that followed a clear structure, especially the STAR method. The students who did well explained the situation quickly, talked about the task and the specific actions they took, and then ended with a clear result. Their answers felt easy to follow because they stayed focused on their own role and didn’t spend too much time on background details. One answer that stood out to me was when a student was asked what makes qualities make a good leader. Instead of just listing leadership traits, they said a good leader listens first and makes sure everyone on the team feels heard. They also talked about taking responsibility when things go wrong and giving credit to the team when things go right. It felt thoughtful and genuine, and it showed their perspective rather than just repeating common interview phrases.

Being a reviewer also helped me understand what makes an answer clear or confusing in recorded interviews. When someone jumps between ideas or forgets to explain the result, it becomes harder to follow, especially since there is no chance to ask follow-up questions in an asynchronous interview. The answers that worked best were the ones that clearly walked through what happened, what the student did, and what they learned from the experience. For students doing asynchronous interviews, I would suggest keeping answers structured, speaking a little slower, and looking at the camera so it feels more like a real conversation. It can also feel uncomfortable to watch yourself on video, but the goal isn’t to be perfect. Watching recordings and getting peer feedback is really just a way to notice what is working and what could be clearer next time. This experience reminded me that interviews are really about telling your story in a simple and honest way.

What Are Realistic Entry-Level Jobs in TV/Film

Getting started in the real world as a film major can feel very confusing. Many students dream of becoming directors or cinematographers but don’t know where to start. These entry-level roles help you learn how the film industry actually works while gaining real, hands-on experience. Here are some realistic starting points:

Production Assistant (PA) $15–$20/hr

Production Assistants help with anything the set needs. This can include carrying equipment, setting up spaces, getting coffee, helping actors and crew, and keeping things organized. The days can be long and tiring, but you learn how a film set really works.

Assistant Editor / Post-Production Assistant $18–$25/hr

These roles are perfect for students who enjoy editing and working on computers. You help organize footage, label files, sync audio, and sometimes edit short clips. Knowing Adobe Premiere Pro or similar software is a big plus.

Camera Assistant / Media Assistant $20–$30/hr

Camera Assistants help set up cameras, lenses, and equipment during shoots. Media Assistants may also manage footage and help with technical tasks. Having prior knowledge about camera equipment, basic setup, and how different lenses work can really help you stand out in this role.

Lighting Technician $20–$30/hr

Lighting makes a huge difference in how a scene looks and feels. As a Lighting Tech, you help set up lights, move stands, and support the cinematography team. It’s hands-on and technical, and you learn so much about creating mood through light.

Set Designer / Art Department Assistant $18–$25/hour

If you’re creative and enjoy design, this could be for you. Entry-level roles in the art department involve helping build sets, move props, paint, or prepare locations. You get to see how the visual world of a film is created.

 Tech Crew $15–$22/hr

Tech crew members help with equipment, sound, setup, and breakdown. This role is common in student productions, theater, and live events. It teaches teamwork and problem-solving.

Starting in film isn’t about jumping straight into your dream role. It’s about showing up, learning, helping, and building relationships. Almost everyone in the industry began somewhere small.

These entry-level jobs are not the final destination, they’re the first step. And honestly, that first step is what makes the rest possible.

What Does Chautauqua Institution Do?

Chautauqua operates primarily during a nine-week summer season. Each week centers around a theme, such as democracy, global conflict, ethics, religion, or cultural identity. The institution invites journalists, scholars, artists, policymakers, and religious leaders to speak and engage with audiences.

Its main program areas include:

  • Lecture Series: Public talks on national and global issues
  • Performing Arts: Concerts, theater productions, dance, and opera
  • Visual Arts: Exhibitions and workshops
  • Interfaith Programs: Religious discussions and services
  • Youth and Education Programs: Learning experiences for children and students

What makes it special is the combination. You might attend a morning lecture on international politics, spend the afternoon at an art exhibit, and end the evening with a symphony performance. It creates a full intellectual and cultural experience.

Why Would Students Be Interested in Working There?

For students, Chautauqua offers something different from a typical internship or summer job. It is not just about completing tasks, it is about being part of a living, thinking community.

Students interested in:

  • Media and film
  • Arts administration
  • Event planning
  • Public relations
  • Nonprofit leadership

would find the environment especially valuable.

Unique Work Environment

What makes Chautauqua different as a workplace is the feeling of it. It only runs fully during the summer, so it’s seasonal, but while it’s running, it’s very active and busy. There’s structure and organization, but there’s also a lot of creativity. People who work there aren’t just helping with events, they’re helping support conversations about culture, ideas, and learning.

Today, many organizations focus mostly on making money, moving fast, or being online. Chautauqua focuses on real, in-person experiences and thoughtful discussions. For students who want work that mixes art, big ideas, and community, it’s a unique opportunity.

Chautauqua isn’t just a job. It’s a place where ideas are shared and explored, and where the people working behind the scenes feel like they’re part of something meaningful.

Bryan Haddad Zamorano: Fieldwork, Growth, and Environmental Purpose

Bryan Haddad Zamorano ’26, Majors: Environmental Studies & Music
 Seasonal Conservation Technician (Summer 2025)
 Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin / Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Bryan spent his summer on a conservation mission that most people will never experience, helping protect one of the world’s rarest butterflies, the Poweshiek Skipperling. What started with uncertainty and self-doubt turned into a field-season full of discovery, confidence, and purpose.

Working with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee through NRF’s DICI program, Bryan surveyed fragile prairie habitats, learned professional wildlife monitoring techniques, and helped process real conservation data used by researchers fighting to save an endangered species. His days ranged from carefully navigating tall grass in search of tiny pollinators to long, focused hours identifying and organizing species photos, a real balance of field adventure and scientific precision.

Just as meaningful were the connections he built. Weekly NRF programming connected Bryan with conservation professionals and interns of colour who helped him see a place for himself in the field. That support, and seeing people like him leading conservation efforts, shifted his sense of what’s possible.

This experience didn’t just grow Bryan’s skills; it reshaped his direction. Inspired by the blend of ecology and community impact he witnessed, he shifted his path to Environmental Studies and Music, determined to use creativity and storytelling to bring more voices into environmental conversations.

Bryan leaves this internship not only with field experience, but with clarity, confidence, and a renewed belief in where he belongs.

This internship was made possible through generous donor funding, which supports students in gaining real-world experience without the stress of balancing summer expenses. Hoping to intern next summer? Schedule an appointment at the Career Centre and we can help you! The summer internship funding application will open in early January, after we get back from break. Learn more about funding for internships.

Discover Loralei’s Experience as a Water Quality Intern at Milwaukee Riverkeeper

Loralei Paddock ’27, Major: Environmental Science
Water Quality Intern (Summer 2025)
The environmental nonprofit organization, Milwaukee Riverkeeper (MRK)

Lorelei spent her summer working as a Water Quality intern at the environmental non-profit Milwaukee Riverkeeper (MRK). She was indulged in a lot of activities like conducting fieldwork monitoring stream water quality, operating plastic clean-up robots, and also contributed to multiple data bases used in the organization. She gained a lot of useful skills and knowledge which are helping her not only in selecting a career but also succeeding in it.

Her most valuable experience from her role at MRK was her exposure to mentorship. The internship was a part of the Social & Environmental Justice Cohort, hosted by Professor Jason Brozek. In the term before the internship, she and other students met with Professor Jason to discuss justice-related issues they might encounter in Milwaukee and Appleton. During the internship, she received support and guidance from her direct supervisor and the staff at Milwaukee Riverkeeper, who provided relevant information throughout the summer. This support not only boosted her confidence in her tasks but also helped her feel more comfortable as she transitioned to future classes and jobs.

The internship reinforced the importance of asking questions and seeking support, which boosted her confidence as a student, scientist, and employee. Through mentor/mentee relationships and observing others, she developed realistic expectations for future employment. She is grateful to the donors for making this experience possible, as it opened new doors, introduced her to new passions, and inspired her to consider working for Milwaukee Riverkeeper or a similar organization in the future.

This internship was made possible through generous donor funding, which supports students in gaining real-world experience without the stress of balancing summer expenses. Hoping to intern next summer? Schedule an appointment at the Career Centre and we can help you! The summer internship funding application will open in early January, after we get back from break. Learn more about funding for internships.