Alexis Golin, a senior at Chapman University, is majoring in Creative Producing with a minor in the Business of Entertainment. Set to graduate in May 2025, Golin’s time at Chapman has been nothing short of transformative. Reflecting on her college journey, she shares, “The past three years at Chapman have been some of the best years of my life.” However, her experience didn’t start off as smoothly as she anticipated. During her freshman year, Golin faced challenges adjusting to college life, saying she felt “unsure” and “hesitant to step outside of my comfort zone.” Despite these struggles, she pushed through, recognizing that Chapman was where she belonged.

By her second semester, Golin began finding her footing. She competed in her first collegiate tennis season, immersed herself in Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and embraced the opportunities around her. “Each year has brought new challenges, new growth, and the chance to become a better version of myself academically, athletically, and personally,” Golin shares. Now, as a senior, Golin is studying abroad in Florence, Italy—an opportunity she describes as a unique highlight of her Chapman experience. “This journey has been amazing, and I’m ready for the future because of everything I’ve gained here,” she adds.

Diving Into Campus Involvement

Golin’s campus involvement has been vast and impactful, particularly through her work at Dodge College. She’s held several on-campus jobs that have enriched her learning experience. As a Peer Advisor at the Dodge College Career Center, she helps fellow students build resumes and apply for internships, calling it “fulfilling to guide others and play a small part in their professional journeys.”

In her sophomore year, Golin managed Dodge College’s social media accounts, gaining valuable hands-on experience in digital marketing. “It taught me so much about content creation, audience engagement, and the world of digital marketing,” she recalls. Additionally, she assists the Dodge College Events team, where she’s had the opportunity to coordinate workshops and masterclasses featuring Hollywood industry professionals. “Standing backstage with some of Hollywood’s biggest names has been an incredible learning experience,” Golin shares with enthusiasm.

Why Chapman Was the Perfect Fit

When it came to selecting a college, Golin knew Chapman was the right choice due to its unique programs, particularly her minor in the Business of Entertainment. “Most universities don’t offer specialized programs like Chapman’s Business of Entertainment minor,” she explains. This minor, housed within the Argyros School of Business and Economics, has allowed her to develop a strong foundation in marketing, entrepreneurship, and finance. Golin believes this combination of creative and business skills will equip her to navigate the complex entertainment industry. “The courses I’ve taken have given me a unique perspective, helping me bridge the gap between the creative and commercial sides of the film industry,” she adds.

One of the classes that had the most profound impact on Golin’s academic growth was New Era of Television with Professor Joe Rosenberg. “Joe is an amazing professor who creates insightful discussions about the rapidly evolving television industry,” Golin says. His class, which delves into the world of streaming and television production, helped her stay informed about industry trends. “Thanks to this class, I’ve become more diligent about reading industry trades and staying up to date with what’s happening in the field.”

Internships that Shaped a Career Path

Throughout her college career, Golin has had the chance to explore various sectors of the entertainment industry through internships. She started her journey in the industry by interning at Prettybird Pictures, a production company that specializes in music videos and commercials. “This gave me valuable insight into the fast-paced world of short-form content production,” Golin says. Her curiosity for the early stages of the creative process led her to an internship at Di Bonaventura Pictures, where she served as a script reader, providing development notes for films and TV shows.

Golin’s internships didn’t stop there. She gained network television experience while working at The Tannenbaum Company, known for producing shows like Two and a Half Men. Her exploration of the entertainment industry continued as she pursued an internship in the unscripted and documentary department at Kennedy Marshall Company. “This experience rounded out my knowledge of the creative process,” she explains. However, one of her most memorable internships was at Warner Bros. Discovery, where she worked on the Theatrical Distribution team for two consecutive summers. “Being there for the release of Barbie was unforgettable, and it gave me a real-world understanding of how the business side of film operates,” Golin notes.

Looking Toward the Future

With graduation on the horizon, Golin has set her sights on a long-term goal of becoming a movie studio executive, ideally working in creative development or marketing. “The process of making a movie, from concept to final cut, is exciting to me,” she says. Golin’s time at Chapman, coupled with her internships, has equipped her with a well-rounded skill set that combines both creative and business acumen. Her dream is to continue advocating for the theatrical experience and be a part of the future of filmmaking.

Golin’s journey at Chapman has been filled with growth, challenges, and unforgettable opportunities. She offers this advice to fellow students seeking internships: “Don’t limit yourself, and try a variety of internships in different departments or fields. You have to figure out what you don’t want to do, so you know what you want to do.” With her relentless work ethic and passion for entertainment, Golin is more than prepared for the next chapter of her career.

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