Author: Arica Clauson

Name: Karina Camargo

Class Year: 2016

Title: Marketing Coordinator

Organization Name: Network Partnerships, NBCUniversal Hispanic Group

In one sentence, what does your job entail?

My job entails supporting and contributing to the development and implementation of integrated ad sales marketing strategies for clients across the Hispanic Group’s (Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes, and Universo) multi-channel and multi-platform initiatives – including on-air, online, and new media.

What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?

I was informed about the NBCUniversal Page Program by an alum to whom I had reached out when I finally figured out that I wanted to pursue a career in the media/entertainment industry. I had found this person on one of  the Women In Business Conference alumni attendance sheets I had collected from past conferences. I then cold emailed her along with every other alum listed as being in the field of media/entertainment and in true Holy Cross fashion, most of them quickly got back to me and took time out of their busy lives to call me and share their stories. I subsequently applied to the Page Program and after an arduous yet pleasant interview process, was accepted into the program. It was during that incredible year of once in a lifetime experiences over the course of four rotations in different departments within NBC (the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon/Late Night with Seth Meyers/Saturday Night Live, Telemundo, Corporate Diversity, and the Today Show) that I learned it was a perfect fit for me.

What were you involved in when you were on campus?

I was involved in LASO (Latin American Student Organization), The Crusader, Holy Cross Dance Marathon, Gateways Summer Orientation, Odyssey, The Agency, Spanish and German Clubs, and the Peer Mentor Program.

What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?

I was a Spanish and German double major. It greatly affected my career decisions as I always knew that I wanted to ultimately work for a global company that would allow me to travel and use both languages. Being of Hispanic descent, I was raised bilingual and have always had a passion for Hispanic media and pop culture, therefore I had always dreamed of working for either one of the big US Spanish language television networks, Univision and/or Telemundo. My senior year I interned with Univision Boston as part of an AIP (Academic Internship Program) class. I really enjoyed my experience at the local station, but always wanted to pursue endeavors in national markets especially with a focus on entertainment. The NBCUniversal Page Program would be my ticket into this world of Telemundo, where I was able to spend my first rotation in Miami at the headquarters working in production and development and where many of my lifelong dreams came true. I worked my first red carpet music show (the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina [pictured below]), met some amazing industry professionals who I have always admired such as Angelica Vale and Don Francisco, set foot on the sets of shows I’ve watched all my life, and even worked the iconic New Year’s Eve special in Times Square. Now, my current role allows me to travel for shoots with clients. In a couple of weeks I will be traveling for the first time on shoot for a segment in Telemundo’s morning show, Un Nuevo Día. My dream is to be able to attend the Latin Billboards one day!

What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?

At Holy Cross I developed the skills of clear communication and organization. Consistent and timely communication is an essential skill for my work as I need to use it both with internal and external parties as it relates to client campaigns, and I must be organized as I manage my accounts in the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) Food category as well as the categories of my manager (Automobile, Pharmaceutical, Insurance). I am responsible for sharing assets gathered, communicating any changes to deliverables and troubleshooting any issues that arise.

What advice do you have for students on campus today?

The advice that I have for students on campus is to dream big and follow your passions. When you enjoy your job it doesn’t feel like work because it’s fun! Try to think outside the box and see how you can take courses that are of interest to you, while also completing the credits you need to graduate. Remember to network and take advantage of the amazing resources Holy Cross and Career Services offer. Participate in mentor programs, conferences, job shadowing days, and never be afraid to cold email alumni. Purple pride is real and most alumni are very interested in giving back and paying it forward.