Alex Shipplett ’16
Class Year
2016
Area(s) of Study
Communication and international relations
Hometown
Galesburg, IL
Internships
The MacLean Collection, Lyon Communications, Chicago Scene, Room Seven
Achievements
Actress in two feature films, Production Assistant on two feature films, Production Assistant for the People’s Choice Awards 2016 and the Game Awards 2016.
Current Job
Production Assistant at NZK Productions (The Bachelor)
Previous Employers
Dirty Water Pictures, Blanc-Beihn Productions, Gotham CastingHow did you explore your interests and decide on a major?
When deciding upon a major, I knew I wanted to work in entertainment but I wasn’t sure which branch so I chose communication as a broad and all-encompassing major.
Describe a moment or experience you had in college that helped define your career path.
A moment that I had in college that helped define my career path happened at one of my internships. It was extremely slow-paced office job and I was constantly looking for things to do to. After a couple months of working there, I realized that kind of job definitely wasn’t for me! Becoming a production assistant on set of movies was a totally different feel than working in an office, a fast-paced environment where I’m constantly on my feet.
What steps did you take in college to prepare for your career?
Connections, connections, connections. I was constantly networking with people who were in media, music, film, or anything entertainment based. Surprisingly, I got a job working for the Bachelor through someone I met while bartending.
What role did your internship play in shaping your career path?
It played a huge role. My internships helped me narrow down what I was interested in and also what I wasn’t interested in. Even at jobs that I didn’t love, I still left with knowledge that I didn’t have before.
What would you recommend Lake Forest College students considering a career in your field do to prepare?
My advice would be to look for connections and network as much as possible. Even if you work as a server, bartender, or whatever, talk to the people around you, get to know them. Make lasting connections. You never know where it will take you down the line. Also, believe in yourself!
What have you found the most rewarding in your career and life after graduation?
The most rewarding thing about my life after graduation is knowing that I conquered my fears and insecurities to move across the country and pursue my career. I still miss my friends and family everyday, but it feels good to know that I did something completely on my own.