The sound industry is constantly evolving, and so are the careers within it. Many professionals build portfolio careers, drawing on a blend of creative, technical, and collaborative skills across different roles and industries throughout their professional lives.
The MA in Sound Arts and Industries explores the intersections of sound, media, technology, and the arts. Whether you’re interested in music, podcasting, film, gaming, immersive experiences, research or, emerging audio technologies, you’ll have opportunities to explore career pathways and develop your professional identity alongside your creative practice.
Career Support Through EPICS
Career development for MA in Sound Arts and Industries students is supported by the Office of External Programs, Internships, and Career Services (EPICS), the School of Communication’s dedicated career services office.
EPICS supports MA in Sound Arts and Industries students throughout their graduate experience by providing personalized career coaching, a dedicated career development course, industry-focused programming, and opportunities to connect with alumni and industry professionals. Students are encouraged to explore career possibilities, build meaningful professional relationships, and develop the skills and confidence to navigate an evolving industry.
How EPICS Supports SAI Students
Individual Career Coaching
Meet one-on-one with a career coach to receive personalized guidance tailored to your goals and interests. Coaching topics include:
- Resume, CV, and cover letter reviews
- Portfolio and website development
- Internship and job search strategy
- Networking and informational interviewing
- Interview preparation
- Professional storytelling and personal branding
- Salary and offer negotiation
- Career exploration and long-term planning
- Navigating career transitions and building resilience
Learn From Industry Professionals
Learn from alumni and industry professionals through events that offer career insights, industry perspectives, and opportunities to explore career pathways.
Alumni & Industry Speaker Events
Hear directly from accomplished alumni and industry professionals as they share their work, experiences, and perspectives from across the sound, media, and communication landscape. Interactive Q&A sessions give students the opportunity to ask questions, gain industry insight, and learn from professionals working across a variety of roles.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses offer focused, hands-on learning experiences led by industry professionals. Sessions are designed around a specific topic or skill, giving students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge while learning directly from experts. Past masterclasses have explored topics including sonic branding, circuit bending, music production, and voiceover.
Site Visits
Explore organizations through guided site visits that provide an inside look at professional environments, creative workflows, and the people behind the work. Site visits give students the opportunity to see careers in action while learning about organizations across the sound, media, and communication landscape. Past visits have included Noisefloor Sound Solutions, Classick Studios, Second City Sound, Experimental Sound Studio, and more.
Industry Connect
The Northwestern community stretches far and wide. With EPICS’ Industry Connect evenings, students can see the direction their Northwestern degree can take them. Experienced alumni and professionals discuss their industry, career path, and offer advice to students in a speed networking format. Each Industry Connect event focuses on a specific industry area relevant to the interests and career goals of School of Communication students.
Life After NU
This panel series is for students to learn from young alumni about the transition from school to industry. The goal is for our current students to hear from young professionals about their immediate steps after Northwestern and recent steps in their career.
Resources
Handshake
Handshake is Northwestern’s career platform, providing students with access to internships, full-time jobs, and on-campus opportunities from employers across a wide range of industries. Students can also use Handshake to schedule career coaching appointments, connect with employers, and register for career fairs, networking events, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
Northwestern Career Advancement
In addition to EPICS, students have access to university-wide career resources, employer recruiting events, career fairs, and career advising through Northwestern Career Advancement.
PlanIt Purple
You will find upcoming EPICS events for School of Communication in the calendar feed. Employers and friends of Northwestern can view all events open to the public on the University’s main calendar, PlanIt Purple.
Contact Us
For any questions regarding career development, please reach out! Email: sound@northwestern.edu.
If you are a company or organization interested in working with the MA in Sound Arts and industries students, faculty, or staff please email sound@northwestern.edu.