Media Industry Conversations: Launching Your Career

Launching Your Career Panel

When: Monday, September 9, 2024 - 5-6:15pm CT
Note: Speaker sessions are subject to change based on evolving guest schedules.

Please join us for a Q&A session where we discuss panelists' career trajectory, their roles and responsibilities, and their views on the current state of the media industries.

To RSVP, please fill out this form. This MIC will be in-person only. 

Speaker Biographies

Katie Hoovestol

Katie Hoovestol is an entertainment research analyst on the franchise team at National Research Group (NRG). She earned her M.A. in Media Studies at UT Austin in 2023 and completed her B.A.s in Entertainment & Media Studies and German from the University of Georgia in 2021. She’s currently based out of Austin, TX.

Alberto Medina

Alberto Medina is a manager and producer at BASH Entertainment, he represents a diverse roster of directors, writers, actors, music artists, and digital talent. He’s a producer on the upcoming feature film, Hierarchy, slated to be released in theaters this winter. His career began as an assistant at WME, where he developed a keen eye for talent and honed his skills in the entertainment industry.

Zachary Smith

Zachary Smith (He/Him), is a black, southern writer and producer. After completing degrees in filmmaking and economics from the University of Texas, he staked that what was his passion could be his livelihood, and moved to Los Angeles, California where he resides. Balancing his independent endeavors with a career in the industry proper, he most recently served as the Producer/Director's Assistant for Station 19, a procedural drama produced by Shondaland and ABC Signature.

Rachel Wang

Rachel graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2021 with a major in Radio-TV-Film. Shortly after graduation, she got her first job working in Austin as an Office Production Assistant on Max’s, Love and Death. Afterwards, she moved to Atlanta to pursue more opportunities and worked again as an Office Production Assistant on Apple Studios’, Fly Me to the Moon. When the writer’s and actor’s strike began in the summer of 2023, Rachel found a new job working for UP Entertainment as their Associate Producer. As an Associate Producer at UP, Rachel has responsibilities in both the logistical and creative side of producing. Rachel enjoys the current work/life flexibility that the corporate film side offers but misses the thrill of working on movies and TV shows. She is thankful to have experiences in both worlds and hopes to offer her perspective to the next generation of film and media professionals.