By MCS PAF Christian Serrano ’28
MCS recently hosted a panel featuring alumni who have built exciting careers in humanities, media, marketing, and other creative fields. Panelists included:
- Caroline Ashford ’18, Senior Brand Manager at Live Nation Entertainment
- Brie Martin ’18, HBS Candidate ’26, Former Operations Manager at Poetry in America
- Carrie Hsu ’24, Writer & Content Manager at Stagwell Global
- Alexis Del Toro ’17, Worldwide Advertising Producer at Apple
- Simone Polanen ’14, Creative Producer, Storyteller, and Podcast Host (ZSP Media, Spotify, Gimlet Media)
Panelists shared insights about navigating creative careers, centering their advice on cultivating relationships, staying adaptable, and caring for yourself along the way. Here are a few key takeaways from the discussion:
There’s No One Right Path
Your career path may look different from those around you, and that’s okay! Creative careers often require grit, flexibility, and openness to change. Panelists shared stories of exploring different industries–from banking to law to education–before landing in their current roles. Many noted that being willing to pivot and take risks helped them grow and find fulfilling work. Each step, even the unexpected ones, became a key puzzle piece in their journey–opening doors and clarifying their interests. Be flexible with what your career can look like and trust that your path will unfold in meaningful ways.
Take Initiative and Reach Out
A common theme among panelists was that relationships are essential in any creative industry. They highlighted the important role of networking, word of mouth, and initiative in finding opportunities and mentors. One connection can quickly lead to another–opportunities and relationships often compound. Approach networking with curiosity, proactivity, and an open mind; you never know where a conversation might lead. Taking initiative and exploring the many resources at MCS is a great first step!
Translate Your Skillset
Even without direct experience, most students already possess transferable skills that apply across industries. Panelists emphasized the importance of learning to communicate those skills – especially as a creative. They shared examples of connecting seemingly unrelated backgrounds, like art history or government, to careers in advertising, producing, and content management. Craft your personal narrative and seek out ways to confidently fill in knowledge gaps along the way.
Take Care of Yourself
When asked how to navigate burnout in creative careers, panelists encouraged students to set personal boundaries and avoid comparison. Investing in parts of your life outside of work–whether through hobbies, side projects, or classes that excite you–can help you stay grounded and inspired, while giving you a unique edge. Know your limits, listen to yourself, and recognize the signs of burnout early. Setting personal boundaries and learning to self-advocate may feel uncomfortable at first, but they’re essential to recharging and doing your best creative work.
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