“Five Questions With…” is a series of profiles of CJC graduates and the career paths they chose.

Phillip Wells, B.S. Telecommunication 2016

1. Tell us about your career path after leaving CJC.

Currently, I’m about two months out from graduating with my MBA from Howard University. But before returning to school, I worked in entertainment as a crossover talent coordinator at one of the top talent agencies in Hollywood – ICM Partners. While at ICM, I represented singers, rappers, comedians, and dancers by finding opportunities and negotiating deals to “crossover” into scripted & unscripted television, film, voiceover, and digital media. On the brink of a promotion to full-time talent agent, I decided to reassess my career goals, return to school and broaden my scope in Marketing and Brand Strategy (which I’ll still apply to entertainment media.)

2. Why did you choose to come to the UF College of Journalism and Communications?

CJC’s reputation is strong so I’m always proud that I made the decision to attend. Actually, I came to UF with a tunnel vision focus on being a sports agent (after watching “Jerry Maguire”), so my first major was Sports Management. After getting involved on campus and emceeing a handful of events, a mentor of mine told me to consider Telecommunication as a major. It was a spot-on recommendation for me and I’m always grateful for it. It led me right into a path that has value in all industries: communications.

3. Was there a defining moment, personally or professionally, at CJC that set you on your current path?

I was lucky enough to work as a student assistant in the College’s PATH office so I was always right in the crux of the action. Whether I was critiquing resumes for other students or assisting with planning the College’s career fairs, I picked up a pretty robust skillset working at CJC. It also gave me direct (and daily) access to my bosses [Knight Division Director] Katrice Graham  and [former Knight Division Program Assistant] Alex Wilkerson, and my advisers Meisha Wade and Tom Krynski who all played very instrumental roles in my success as a student.

4. If you had to do your academic experience or career over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?

I love that I majored in Telecommunication and wouldn’t change it, but I’ll say that my current path in entertainment marketing and talent representation makes me wish that I had considered the Advertising or Public Relations majors. It wasn’t a thought at the time, but I do wish I looked more intently into the respective programs and courses offered. Also, I would get involved in more immersion opportunities like The Agency and student organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists and the Public Relations Student Society of America. Those are great resources for students right under their nose.

5. What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?

For any student looking to have a career in entertainment, I encourage you to take the leap of faith and move to a city with a large media presence like Los Angeles or New York. For me, moving to L.A. immediately after graduation was very intimidating at the time, but it opened me up to the entertainment industry in a major way. Also, as you navigate your career, my main advice is don’t think you are too good to start at the bottom and don’t be afraid to start over!

Posted: February 22, 2023
Category: Alumni Profiles, Careers, College News, Five Questions With..., Profiles
Tagged as: Danny Pimentel, Five Questions, METL, Sri Kalyanaraman