Alumni Success - Entertainment Management Graduate, Rita Brezovay
Rita Brezovay
Entertainment Management, 2009
Current Job/Position Title: Talent Coordinator
Company: The Doctors TV Show/ The Test TV Show at Paramount Pictures
What inspired you to study what you did while at Bay State College?
I have always been very social and excellent at planning. I’ve also always had a passion for the Entertainment Industry, so one day (without knowing if this major existed) I googled “Entertainment Management” and found Bay State.
What did you enjoy most about your education at Bay State College?
I enjoyed the location, my classmates, and the excellent teachers; Julie Viscardi and Patrick Preston especially.
Did you have a favorite class/instructor?
Julie Viscardi and Music Management. Best teacher and class I’ve ever had.
Do you have plans to continue your education after Bay State?
Only to learn languages, but nothing for my career.
What do you currently do now/how did you get there?
I run the Talent Department for two TV shows, “The Doctors” and “The Test”. I started as an intern for Dr. Phil, and was hired after a few months. I worked at Dr. Phil for two and a half years as a Talent PA before being promoted to Talent Coordinator on “The Doctors”. Over this recent summer we started a new show with the same production (Stage 29 Productions, owned by Dr. Phil’s son Jay McGraw) called “The Test” airing in September 2013.
How did Bay State College prepare you for your career?
The day we learned about Talent Management in my class with Julie, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Basically, Bay State helped me choose exactly what career I wanted. I did learn a great amount, but nothing can teach you as well as hands on experience.
What is a piece of advice you can give current students?
Pay attention in class, these teachers know what they’re talking about. I know it sounds cliché but the real world is something you cannot be prepared for, and it’s better to be educated to the best of your ability than going into it not knowing what you want.
What role (if any) did networking play in your success?
Working hard, getting to know producers, and impressing my supervisor helped me get to the position I am. Networking is easily the smartest thing you can do in Entertainment Business to become successful.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us/add that we haven’t asked already?
Hopping on a plane from California to Boston was one of the greatest experiences of my life. If I never went to BSC, I don’t know if I would be where I am now. Take a risk, work hard, study and intern at as many places as you can.