Last month, a College of Media & Communication alumnus stepped foot on the infamous red carpet, among celebrities most of us glimpse only on television.
Picture provided by J.B. Felipe.
“It was my first time attending the Emmys, so it was pretty surreal being on the red carpet—seeing people from my favorite TV shows right in front of me,” said J.B. Felipe, who graduated in 2014. “It was pretty intense.”
He said celebrities surrounded him at the after party he attended. His table was right next to Jimmy Kimmel and his creative staff. Felipe said he talked to music composer David Foster, singer Andrea Bocelli and many other well-known people in the television industry.
“I got to talk to them without being ushered away by security,” Felipe said.
He was invited to the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles because he became a member of The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the group that runs the Emmy Awards, while he was studying electronic media and communications at Tech.
Felipe was also invited to the Grammys while still in college.
“And I didn’t go because I had too many things going on,” he said. “But I hope to go next year in February!”
Picture provided by J.B. Felipe.
Robert Peaslee, chair of the Department of Journalism and Electronic Media, said he taught Felipe in three relatively large classes and described him as one who always asked good questions and often spoke with him after class.
“He stood out in those crowds if that tells you anything,” Peaslee said.
Added Peaslee: “It doesn’t surprise me that J.B. found himself with that kind of opportunity,” Peaslee said. “He’s a really energetic, affable, proactive guy. He’s very mature and really projects this kind of accessibility and friendliness. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s made the kind of connections that would get you an invitation like that.”
Felipe, who is working as a creative producer and media designer, has already had multiple contract jobs. His past gigs include working with social media for companies like AT&T, General Motors and Chevrolet. He is currently trying to finalize a contract with Disney to work with the company’s theme parks and production department.
He felt confident going in to the job industry, he said, but networking has helped him more than his degree.
“Knowing people held more weight than what I learned,” Felipe said. “My degree helped me and provided a base for me, but I needed to build on top of that to really push me to get into the job market.”
Picture provided by J.B. Felipe.
He said he is also working on a food-related iPhone app and freelancing in the production of commercials, something he has done since college.
Felipe has advice for those graduating soon.
“If you don’t have a LinkedIn already, make one,” Felipe said. “Establish your online presence, so people can find you. It’s a place where you can showcase your work. You’ve got to show off a little bit to get into the job market. Everyone’s graduating with the same degree, it’s what makes you stand out.”
To read more about Felipe’s college years, check out our previous post about him.
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