#VPA

Tag: #VPA

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.

My Experience as an Interviewer: Nadika Sharma

Reviewing three recorded interviews helped me notice some clear patterns in the strongest answers. The best responses were structured and easy to follow, usually using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Students briefly explained the situation they were in, described what they did, and clearly shared the outcome. These answers were both concise and detailed, which made them easier to understand. As a reviewer, I also learned that interview answers are most convincing when they follow a clear flow. When someone explains what happened, what actions they took, and what the result was, the story becomes much clearer for the listener. If the order is mixed up, it can make the answer confusing. I also noticed that body language, eye contact, and enthusiasm in the voice make a big difference, especially in recorded interviews where the interviewer cannot interact in real time.

Thinking about asynchronous interviews from the interviewer’s perspective, it is important for students to stay engaged and energetic so the listener does not lose interest. Speaking clearly, keeping answers organized, and showing genuine interest in the question can make a big difference. Practicing beforehand, timing responses, and avoiding overly long answers can also help keep the interview engaging. For students who feel nervous watching their own recordings, I would encourage them to treat the video as a learning tool rather than something to judge themselves harshly for. Watching the recording can help identify small improvements in clarity, pacing, or body language. Peer feedback can also be very helpful because others may notice strengths you didn’t realize you had. Instead of focusing only on mistakes, students should look at what they did well and use feedback to gradually improve their interview skills.

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.

Inside the Mind of a Hiring Manager: A Q&A with Jake Cline (M3 Insurance) 

Landing a job in today’s market requires more than just a degree – it requires strategy, consistency, and hard work. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jake Cline, a Talent Acquisition Manager at M3 Insurance, and discuss how students can navigate the application and interview process. 

Jake hires for competitive roles in Sales, Data, and Business. Here is a brief breakdown of our conversation and his unfiltered advice for student applicants. 

Q: What are the specific things you look for in an applicant’s resume? 

Jake suggests that the resume should be no more than a page for easier readability. He also added that he looks for clean formatting that highlights on-campus jobs, office, or work experience, and said that he highly values a student’s campus involvement, including involvement in clubs or organizations, and various related events. 

An applicant’s technical skills and specific projects mentioned in the resume also grab his attention, and he loves to see the applicant’s professional and personal experience where they have used and implemented their skills. 

Q: What do you expect to hear from a student during the actual interview? 

Jake mentioned that he looks for detail-oriented ambiverts. An applicant should have done their homework – get a summary of the company’s background and understand the job description inside and out. 

He also said that preparation is the key, and that an applicant should have at least 6 to 7 questions ready about the role and the company, so that they can ask at least one by the end of the interview and not say you’ve already answered all my questions. Not asking a question is taken as a red flag by the hiring managers. Always try to connect with the interviewer; research about them on LinkedIn beforehand to find possible common interests. Also, if it’s an in-person interview, look proper and come prepared with notebooks and ideas. Look ready! 

Q: What is something that makes an applicant truly stand out to you? 

Jake mentioned that an applicant following up after they submit the application and interviews is valuable to him and reflects the responsive and responsible personality of the applicant. He also said, “You are not being annoying when you check in or follow up; we actually appreciate it”. Sending a thank you note and checking in regularly shows you’re serious. Also, a professional pro-tip is to try to connect with the interviewee and always ask for their contact information or ask for their business before you leave the interview. 

Q: How would you describe the current job market for “Early Talent”? 

Jake has observed that it is high traffic right now for entry-level positions and sees a real lack of networking from candidates. The market is difficult, especially for business majors, and suggests that one should find a niche in the career they want to be in. 

The biggest piece of advice that he had was to secure a position before you graduate. Not having one could look like a red flag to interviewers in the future. He also suggests having real salary expectations for the region in which the company is based. A Wisconsin-based company cannot match the salary level of a company based in New York or Chicago. He also believes it is totally fine to start low, work your way up, and make sure you actually fit the parameters for the job you’re applying for. 

Q: How important is networking, and how should students get started? 

Jake believes that networking is very important, and you can always start from the campus level by attending career fairs, joining fraternities, and getting active in clubs and organizations. 

He believes that you need to present yourself and get in front of the employees, and also work on gaining real experiences at the same time to demonstrate your fit for the role. He also said, “Pave your own path – no one is going to show up at your door, and network as much as you can, start small, and build from there.” 

Key Takeaways: 

Talking with Jake made one thing very clear: experience and effort will always be valued when you submit an application. Whether it’s having 7 questions ready for an interview or showing up to every Career Fair on campus, the students who do the work will be the ones getting the offers in this current job market. 

Computer Science major and Data Science & Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn