The Best Graduate Business Programs for a Career in the Media and Entertainment Industry
Some people have a lifelong dream working in the entertainment industry. It is common knowledge that finding employment in this heavily fortified sector of the economy is not only difficult, but perhaps possibly the hardest industry in the whole world to break into. How do you get inside? By creating connections at the right business school.
USC
The top MBA program for careers in the media and entertainment sector is without a doubt USC Marshall. They are so excellent that we wrote a full blog entry on them.
3 Reasons Why USC Marshall is the Best MBA Program for Media and Entertainment
UCLA
The second-best MBA program for opportunities in the media and entertainment industry is UCLA Anderson. UCLA Anderson could be the right school for you if you want to have networking meals in West Hollywood and be only an Uber ride from Hollywood studios. This institution is a Media and Entertainment force to be reckoned with, presenting A-list speakers like Ice Cube and working with sports clubs like Real Madrid.
Their curriculum places a strong emphasis on having renowned experts in the area teach engaging courses, such as their Entertainment Marketing program, which is co-taught by a former Paramount Pictures executive. Anderson has a fantastic alumni network that includes people like Mike Hopkins, Erika Green Swafford, Susan Wojcicki, who is the CEO of YouTube, and Erika Green (SVP of Amazon Studios).
Although the MBA program does have many connections in the entertainment and media industry, the school places more of an emphasis on, and strength in, technology, entrepreneurship, and finance.
NYU Stern
Since our most recent rating of entertainment & media careers, NYU Stern has maintained its third-place status, which is acceptable. There are no surprises either.
NYU Stern offers it all and is located in one of Manhattan's busiest, most vibrant neighborhoods. Because Stern is a school that is deeply ingrained in the community, you get the chance to study under seasoned experts and are given opportunities to put your newfound knowledge into practice through real-world projects.
The MBA program at NYU offers several concentration options, including one in entertainment and media, which offers courses in independent film, sports marketing, and Las Vegas operations. The institution has ties to the Tisch Film School (from the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts). The opportunities for development are limitless at NYU.
Harvard
Harvard’s business program is fourth on our list. HBS is more focused on general business skills, but the school's brand and network of alumni are unbeatable. Even though Boston isn't a big media and entertainment hub, Harvard is still a great choice because it is close to New York City.
Anita Elberse is probably the most well-known teacher at the school. She teaches a course called "The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports," which is known all over the world. Dwayne Wade, Channing Tatum, and LL Cool J are among the people who will be in the class. Here, students look at business cases about topics like Beyonce and Jay-Z, the impact of e-gambling on sports, and the corporate strategy of music labels.
As with most industries, you could get the best media and entertainment jobs on the market by using the connections of successful Harvard alumni and professors.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO FURTHER YOUR CAREER IN ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA THROUGH AN MBA, LET'S TALK.
Since 2006, we have worked with applicants from the entertainment media industry – from Hollywood studios to media technology firms, from stalwarts like Disney and Pixar to innovative startup entertainment companies.
WANT TO UNDERSTAND ALL OPTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE FOR AN MBA IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY? IF YOU ARE JUST STARTING OUT ON YOUR ADMISSIONS JOURNEY, CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION.