Mary Grace Higbie ’18
Mary Grace Higbie ’18 is currently a Business Coordinator with CNN’s new streaming service and tells us in her own words about her Purchase experience.
“I worked on the student-run variety show Purchase Late Night my junior and senior year of college, which was probably my favorite part of being at Purchase.
“My senior year I interned at Live with Kelly and Ryan and shortly after graduation I went on to work as a Production Assistant at NBC. During my time at NBC, I supported two Executive Producers and ran the internship program. I am currently based in New York City working as a Business Coordinator at CNN. I spend my off time writing and taking on freelance writing projects.
“I began my career as a Production Intern at Live with Kelly and Ryan as a Senior in the program. I was able to secure this internship because of the degree I was pursuing.”
“Post grad I worked for NBC at the Maury Show where I started as a Production Assistant. Because I was a screenwriting major I was utilized by the EPs to edit and proofread scripts for our live shows as well as informational packets for Maury Povich. I would then become the show’s Production Coordinator and EA to both Executive Producers.
“Leaving Maury I moved to CNN where I am currently a Business Coordinator with their new streaming service. Working with the Content Design and Programming team I have access to the scripts they are animating and creating graphics for as well as helping all other aspects of their production teams.
“Advice: I highly suggest students try to obtain an internship before graduating. EP’s often looked over any resume that did not include internships in college.“I know firsthand how hard it is to secure an internship in such a competitive industry, but it is the first step to getting into the industry and will help you secure a job out of college faster.”
“Studying playwriting and screenwriting is still the best decision I have made, because of the education I received I was able to have a larger role in the productions I’ve worked on.
“Out of college I would work with producer’s on their show scripts that would make it to air and that’s because of the training I did.
“Thank you to all the professors I was lucky to have!”