#NES

Tag: #NES

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.

Non Profit, Education, and Social Impact: Entry Level Jobs

Getting into your desired field can be intimidating. However, for NES (non profit, education, and social impact), it’s easier to get started than you might think. Let’s start with the first part: N.

The nonprofit world offers many opportunities for those new to the field. People with almost any major or background can start working in the nonprofit realm. Program or Event Coordinator positions are always available, where you assist an organization with running their events or programs. It takes a team to get things off the ground, so these positions tend to hire frequently. Additionally, nonprofits always need help with raising money, so working in the fundraising department or grant writing are good options as well. Finally, internal operations always need support. Working in operations helps ensure the organization runs smoothly, keeping every moving part on track.

Now, the E. Education is a field that always needs more hands. For education majors, you will complete student teaching before your time at Lawrence ends, which allows you to earn the proper licensing to teach at any school (depending on the grade levels you’ve worked with). For those who have not student taught, substitute teaching doesn’t require as many qualifications. These roles are often last-minute when a teacher is sick or away for an extended period, and long-term substitute positions are also available. Almost every school offers various after-school programs. Helping run these programs, whether to keep kids engaged until parents arrive or to provide homework help, lets you gain experience in education with minimal qualifications. For those wanting to work with young children, local preschools or daycare programs frequently need more staff. Basic training is usually provided by the company. Finally, tutoring at places like Mathnasium is another option.

Lastly, the S! Social impact is a field dedicated to creating equity and fairness in society, and there are many ways to get involved. Working in Community Outreach lets you engage directly with local populations to support marginalized groups. Roles in Nonprofit Advocacy allow you to influence policy, raise awareness, and organize campaigns for social causes. If you enjoy research, becoming a Policy Analyst or Research Assistant can help organizations gather and analyze data to drive social change. Legal Aid and Public Interest Law careers focus on providing justice to underserved communities, while Social Work or Case Management positions allow you to directly support individuals and families facing systemic challenges. These roles provide meaningful work while contributing to a fairer, more equitable society.

There are always options when it comes to finding a job. Getting started is not as scary as it might seem!

Interviewing 101: Advice from Amelia Anderson ’14

I had the pleasure of interviewing Amelia Anderson ‘14 about her experience in interviewing intern candidates. While she is the current Director of the Bennett Prize and Curator of Women’s Art, this was during her time at EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). 

The first piece of advice Amelia gave was to dress nice and don’t worry about overdressing. This is seemingly simple, but it really means a lot. In an interview, first impressions matter. You get about 20 minutes at the most to impress your interviewers, and they start analyzing you from the moment you walk in. By dressing up, even if it seems to be “too much”, you make a good first impression that you’re professional and you care about the position. Simple things such as making sure your shirt has no wrinkles, making sure it’s tucked in, and swapping your flannel for a clean button up can truly make a difference.

With first impressions, handshakes also matter. Some may think of handshaking as a bit old fashioned or even not as common since Covid-19, but making sure you have a strong handshake shows confidence. Walk into the room with your head held high and radiate confidence! Going to the interview, make sure to print out a copy of your resume, or a few in case you have multiple interviewers. In theory, they should already have read your resume and/or they should have it with them during. But by you handing it to them, it shows you’re prepared. 

Anderson also added that interviewing is kind of like dating. And when you really think about it, it’s very true. First impressions are crucial and the smallest things can make you wish it was over. It’s also about finding the perfect fit, for both parties. You want to make sure as an interviewee, you ask questions. What is a typical day in this role like? What is the work culture amongst the workers? What specific attributes would make someone successful in this role? These are some of my personal favorites, as they go deeper than “how much would I be paid?” (though that is important) and you can learn a lot from the interviewers’ answers. 

Now, what questions would they want to ask you? When I asked Amelia, she had a couple really strong ones that came to mind. How do you handle stressful situations? What was a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how did you fix it? Describe a time when you feel like you failed. These questions are all about your personal responses to situations you would likely encounter at some point in your employment. They want to know if you have conflict resolution skills as well as the ability to learn and grow from mistakes. In your answer, try and focus on the result and what you learned, and how you would apply that to the specific position you’re interviewing for.

Lastly, interviewing is all about you. In my conversation with Amelia, we talked a lot about truly being yourself. You need to come off as more than just another body in the workforce. Humanize yourself. Amelia brought up talking about your interests outside of work. Think about your hobbies and the things you enjoy. Find a way to connect with the interviewer on a professional and personal level. For me, I love to get my nails done, so I always go out of my way to comment on the nails of the person talking with me. Usually then they notice mine and then we have a good two minutes of conversation. Obviously this doesn’t work for every interviewer, but something like that is good to have under your sleeve. 

Overall, interviewing can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Hopefully, Amelia Anderson’s advice eases that, even if just a little. Always remember to just be yourself and give it your all.

Insights from Malcolm Davis ’23 : HR Perspective on Interviewees

I spoke with Malcolm Davis, who graduated from Lawrence University in 2023 with majors in Government and Music. He currently works as an HR Generalist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he provides HR support across his unit. He shared how his liberal arts background at Lawrence helped him build strong communication and critical thinking skills that are useful in HR work.

Malcolm entered UW–Madison through a two-year HR rotational program. The program included four rotations, each lasting about six months, where he worked with different HR teams across the university. This allowed him to see how HR functions in different units and build a broad skill set. After completing his final rotation, he was transitioned directly into his current HR Generalist role.

When discussing communication skills in interviews, Malcolm emphasized that conversation matters a lot, especially for nervous or less experienced candidates. Communication is evaluated from the very beginning, including how confidently someone answers the phone, greets the interviewer, asks questions, and structures their responses. He strongly recommended using structured frameworks like the STAR method or PAR (Problem, Action, Result) to tell clear and compelling stories.

Malcolm also explained that interview behavior can strongly influence hiring decisions, especially in later rounds. Paying attention to instructions is critical. For example, not reading an email carefully about camera preferences can be a negative signal. He advised candidates to ask questions if they are confused and to always ask at least three thoughtful questions about the role, the organization, or next steps.

Finally, he shared an example of a candidate whose resume did not seem very strong at first because she lacked direct HR experience. However, during the interview, she gave a compelling story about her work as a Resident Assistant, connecting it to HR skills like policy enforcement, documentation, and follow-up. By clearly explaining her experience using the STAR method, she stood out as a strong candidate. This highlights that you don’t need to be nervous if you don’t have direct experience with the roles you are applying to. If you can explain your skills in a compelling way, you can still be eligible for the position.