Students Go Behind the Scenes at BET Networks
We’re going on set, on-screen, and behind the scenes! Students from The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Brooklyn recently delved into careers at media giant Black Entertainment Television (BET), an American cable television network and multimedia leader in elevating Black voices.
Women in Creative Industries
TYWLS students were excited to hear about the skills necessary for a successful career, especially in an industry where women hold only 32% of behind-the-scenes roles in original streaming and broadcast network programs. Hosted at BET’s office in the heart of Times Square, the event started with a panel discussion led by employees from various roles, including marketing, finance, and human resources. The panelists shared the career choices that led to their roles and emphasized the importance of gaining internship experience while in college. The discussion sparked curiosity among the 10th grade students about potential internship paths and ways for them to build their networks in the entertainment industry.
Smaller breakout groups later allowed for personal connections. Students asked questions including “Who’s a female role model you look up to?” and “What are some challenges you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome them?”
Day-to-Day Life at a TV Network
Students also had the opportunity to tour the office, including the rooftop garden with a beautiful view of the bustling city. They even walked down a red carpet that BET uses for show launches and promotional events! The day ended with a networking lunch, where students practiced interpersonal skills with BET volunteers one-on-one and received tailored advice about their education and career goals.
In their post-event surveys, 100% of students rated the event as “excellent or good.” One student exclaimed, “I really enjoyed the tour of the office and it would be really cool to work here!” As the students return to their school with newfound insights, we’re excited to continue supporting them on their leadership journeys.
About TYWLS at the Workplace
In our TYWLS at the Workplace series, companies invite our students to their offices to gain insights into different roles and career paths within an organization. Onsite visits help broaden our students’ early career awareness and plant the seeds for future college and career goals. Thank you to the BET team for their enthusiastic support of our programs and our mission of advancing educational equity.
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