Good Advice

We had a very early start to the day, beginning with breakfast before heading to our first visit at Sony Pictures Entertainment. It was exciting to start the morning knowing we were about to see behind the scenes of such an iconic entertainment company. 

 

When we arrived, we had the opportunity to meet with a Quinlan alum along with his colleague who both took the time to speak with our group. They shared insights about their career journeys and offered advice that was both practical and inspiring. One theme that really stood out from the conversation was the importance of building genuine relationships with people. They emphasized that taking the time to grab coffee, breakfast, or simply connect with others can go a long way in building trust and creating meaningful professional relationships. 

 

Another key piece of advice was to stay open to new experiences and not be afraid to take chances. They talked about the value of international experiences, continuing to learn, and being willing to “fail forward.” Hearing this was a great reminder that careers are rarely a straight path, and sometimes the best opportunities come from being open to new possibilities. 

 

After our conversation, we were able to tour the Sony Pictures studio lot. One of the coolest parts of the tour was seeing how sound effects are created for TV shows and movies. We even got to stand inside an actual foley stage, where sound artists recreate everyday sounds like footsteps, doors closing, or objects moving to make scenes feel more realistic. It was fascinating to see how much work goes into the details that audiences often don’t even realize. 

We also watched a short film about the history of Sony Pictures, which showed how the studio has evolved over the years and produced some of the most recognizable entertainment in the industry. As an added bonus, we even got to watch the trailer for their upcoming movie “GOAT”, which was a fun surprise. 

 

For lunch, we ate in the Sony Pictures commissary where many employees and people working on productions eat. The food was great, and it was interesting to experience a small part of what daily life on the studio lot might feel like. Toward the end of the visit, we stopped by the Sony gift shop and passed through a small museum on the way out, which showcased some of the studio’s history and memorable productions. 

 

After our visit, we headed back to the hotel for some time to relax before getting ready for dinner with another Quinlan alum. During dinner, he shared a very honest and realistic perspective on career decisions. One idea that really stuck with me was the importance of understanding a company’s business model before committing to work there. He explained that while organizations are investing in you, you are also investing in them, so it’s important to think carefully about whether the company aligns with your values and goals. 

 

Personally, this advice resonated with me because like many students nearing graduation, I’ve spent time thinking about the big question of what comes next and whether certain career decisions are the right ones. One point he made that really stood out was that if you spend too much time overthinking opportunities, you may end up regretting the chances you didn’t take. Sometimes you have to bet on yourself and trust that things will work out. 

After a great dinner and thoughtful conversation, we headed back to the hotel to wrap up another memorable day of learning, exploration, and meaningful connections.