Belmont USA's Coast-to-Coast Mentorship Network Opens Doors

How a semester in NYC or LA launches lasting entertainment industry careers through alumni connections 

At New York's PowerStation recording studio, where Broadway cast albums come to life, Belmont University students recently gathered for a behind-the-scenes look at professional recording. Beth Scott, an assistant engineer and Belmont East alumna, shared insights about breaking into the city's competitive music industry, demonstrating the program's success in transforming students into industry professionals who then mentor the next generation. 

This experience exemplifies Belmont USA's approach to entertainment industry education through its semester-away experiences in New York and Los Angeles. 

A Proven Path to Professional Success  

The numbers tell a compelling story. According to Allison Sprouse, Belmont East on-site program manager, 42% of program participants from fall 2021 to spring 2024 have successfully launched careers in New York City after graduation. They join a thriving community of more than 300 alumni who actively engage with and mentor current students. 

The alumni community recognizes the challenges of relocating to a major city and aims to support students through both their initial transition and post-graduation career development, Sprouse said. 

The cornerstone of both programs is the Entertainment and Culture class, carefully designed to facilitate natural mentoring relationships. Students research guest speakers before class and prepare thoughtful questions, creating engaging dialogue that often extends beyond the classroom. 

According to Sprouse, guest speakers are briefed on the program's goals and actively encourage ongoing connections with students through various networking channels. 

Recent success stories demonstrate the power of these connections: 

• Rob Redel, a Belmont East alumnus now working as social media producer at “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” provided current students VIP tickets to a live taping before speaking to their class about career pathways in television production.
   
• Dylan Arndt, day-to-day manager at Foundations Artist Management and Belmont East alumnus, regularly employs program graduates and interns, creating a direct pathway from classroom to career. 

• Hayes Stewart and Claire Striet, both 2022 graduates working at York + Wilder and the Obama Foundation respectively, maintain active mentoring relationships with students before, during and after their semester in New York. 

Breaking Into Hollywood with Built-in Support  

On the West Coast, Belmont West offers similar opportunities with a Hollywood focus. "Transitioning from school to working as a professional in entertainment –– especially in a market as competitive as LA –– can feel daunting for students," said Caleb Pierce, Belmont West on-site program manager. "In an industry that relies heavily on who you know, our Entertainment and Culture class gives students valuable industry contacts through weekly guest speakers, while also providing a candid look at what this transition entails and how to build a successful post-grad career." 

According to Pierce, program alumni are passionate about mentoring because they understand the student experience firsthand. Their support ranges from informal gatherings to providing professional opportunities. The program's impact is evident in recent successes, including a current Paramount feature film project where a guest speaker hired a recent graduate. 

For students and parents concerned about navigating highly competitive entertainment markets, Belmont USA offers a refreshing perspective on professional relationship-building. 

Pierce emphasized that the program teaches students to focus on building authentic industry relationships rather than superficial networking. The goal is to connect with professionals who will support their career aspirations. 

This philosophy manifests in practical ways. Current Belmont East student Maddie Lucy connected with multiple alumni at NBC and ABC News, receiving guidance throughout her internship application process. Another Belmont East student, Keegan McCarthy, found a mentor in Neal Buckley, a casting associate at Roundabout Theatre Company, who's helping guide his post-graduation career plans. 

The program's structure ensures students receive support at every stage: 

1. Pre-Arrival Preparation: Alumni panels featuring recent graduates share practical advice about housing, job searching and building community in a new city.
2. Professional Development: The Office of Career and Development provides tools specifically tailored to each city's market, helping students navigate professional etiquette and relationship-building.
3. Ongoing Mentorship: Alumni make themselves available via text and phone, offering real-time advice about company cultures, job opportunities and industry-specific challenges.
4. Peer Support: Current students who complete the program often become mentors themselves.

For parents concerned about sending their children to major metropolitan areas, Belmont USA offers peace of mind through its structured support system. The programs combine the excitement of entertainment industry immersion with the safety net of experienced program managers and a vast alumni network. 

"We have over 300 alumni who live and work in NYC who actively engage within this community and give back to our students," Sprouse said. "This number is growing daily." 

To strengthen the mentoring pathway further, Belmont USA recently launched its ambassador program, allowing program alumni to mentor prospective students when they return to campus.  

"Every single aspect of the Belmont USA experience encourages mentoring relationships," Sprouse said. "Not only do our alumni mentor students, but our current students, who are Belmont USA alumni, actively seek ways to give back." 

As one recent success story demonstrated, that support continues well beyond graduation. When Lauren Larue, a successful Belmont alumna, recognized current Belmont West student Aliya Hedgecock working at the SESAC awards, what could have been a brief encounter turned into a weekly mentoring relationship. This kind of organic connection, multiplied across hundreds of alumni and students, creates a powerful network that transforms entertainment industry aspirations into achievable career paths.