'A life-changing experience': OHIO students thrive at SXSW

OHIO students immersed themselves in the annual media festival and conference, where they connected with industry leaders, attended panels and workshops, and discovered new career paths.

Bella Moyers-Chavez, '26 | August 27, 2024

Share:

The Ohio University SXSW industry immersion course gives students access to the year’s largest creative media gathering. SXSW offers a unique convergence of the music, interactive media and film industries, creating an engaging atmosphere for both professional and educational growth. “It provides an unparalleled opportunity for education and engagement across creative and tech industries,” said Josh Antonuccio, School of Media Arts & Studies director.

Over 300,000 attendees gather in Austin, Texas, for an international convergence of innovation and ideas. “For many students, it shapes the trajectory of their career,” Antonuccio said. This experience not only broadens their perspectives, but also equips them with practical skills and invaluable industry connections to enhance their career readiness.

Austin's Impact

SXSW turns Austin into a city that feels both "welcoming" and "special," according to journalism student Griffin Shaivitz. The festival’s energy spreads across the city, offering new music and unique experiences.

For students, SXSW is more than performances and events. It creates a dynamic environment for networking and personal growth.

Students reflect on their SXSW experience in Austin, sharing how the city's culture enriched their time at the festival.

Networking Opportunities

During SXSW, students expand their professional networks through mentor sessions with technology, film and music professionals. These sessions offered insights and guidance tailored to each student's aspirations and career path. 

Students could attend panels featuring industry professionals offering insights into various entertainment industry aspects. They also had the opportunity to watch films followed by discussions with the actors and directors.

It’s an amazing time to learn from people who are coming in from across the country to teach. Being able to talk to these professionals has helped me find my way in the industry.

Madison Baisden, Music Production and Recording Industry student

Media arts production student Jenna Skidmore was pleasantly surprised by the SXSW atmosphere.

"This trip pushed me outside my comfort zone, requiring me to have the courage to initiate conversations with people, which always led to positive connections. I believe the people in this industry are what make it unique."

Skidmore's experience highlights the welcoming and supportive atmosphere cultivated by professionals who attend and organize the event. Participants agreed that this environment significantly enhanced their confidence and understanding of the industry.

Sharing insights from their time at SXSW, students discuss how the experience helped them create connections in a welcoming environment.

Career Validation

Students attending this year's SXSW were fully immersed in a transformative experience, absorbing invaluable career insights and building confidence through interactions with seasoned professionals across diverse industries. Hearing directly from these professionals not only provided practical knowledge but also reaffirmed students' passion and commitment to their chosen fields, leaving them with a renewed sense of confidence in their career paths. 

In addition to gaining these invaluable perspectives, they explored numerous potential job and internship opportunities that promise to shape their professional trajectories moving forward.

When reflecting on their time at SXSW, students explain how the trip reaffirmed their career choices and inspired them to continue pursuing their goals.

SXSW proved to be transformative for its attendees, providing not only valuable knowledge and motivation but also a platform for exploring new career paths and affirming existing ones. The event left students inspired, informed and equipped with renewed energy and focus to pursue their professional goals with confidence and determination.

This immersive experience fostered a deeper understanding of industry trends and connections with like-minded professionals, further enhancing their career prospects.

View Site in Mobile | Classic
Share by: