EPICS Events
EPICS and our SoC partners offer in-person and virtual events throughout the academic year. Attend a workshop, masterclass, alumni/industry speaker or networking event, or alumni panel to refine your professional skills, acquire new knowledge and expertise, and explore career paths of interest. These events are tailored to boost your career development, help you learn about industries, and broaden your professional network.
Upcoming Events
You will find EPICS upcoming events for the School of Communication in the calendar feed. Employers and friends of Northwestern can view all events open to the public on the University’s main calendar, PlanIt Purple.
Workshops
A workshop is an organized event or series of sessions designed to help students with their career development. These workshops typically focus on various aspects of career planning and advancement including networking, internship/job search strategies, interviewing, career planning, and resume and cover letter writing.
Master Classes
A master class is a session led by someone who has expert knowledge or skill in a particular area. Every masterclass has an aim or goal that students will learn or complete by the end of the session.
Industry Connect
The Northwestern community stretches far and wide. With EPICS’ Industry Connect evenings, students can see the direction their Northwestern degree can take them. Experienced alumni and professionals discuss their industry, career path, and offer advice to students in a speed networking format. Each Industry Connect event is focused on a specific industry area that aligns with our Career Communities.
Life After NU
This panel series is for students to learn from young alumni about the transition from school to industry. The goal is for our current students to hear from young professionals about their immediate steps after Northwestern and recent steps in their career. Each Life After NU event is focused on a specific industry area that aligns with our Career Communities.
Alumni/Industry Speaker Events
Speaker events are an opportunity to hear directly from an experienced and accomplished alum and/or industry professional and often include a Q&A. They provide an opportunity for students to hear from industry leaders who share about their insight and experience and offer valuable advice.
Program-Specific Events
EPICS partners with our graduate level programs in MA in Sound Arts and Industries, MFA in Documentary Media, MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage, MS in Communication, and MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises to host events specifically for graduate students.
Upcoming Events
- Oct062025
SoC I EPICS: Industry Connect - Entertainment & Media
5:30 PM
601 University Place, Evanston, IL 60208Connect with experienced alumni and professionals from the entertainment and media industry for an evening of networking. Meet in small groups, hear their experiences, and get career advice.
- Oct142025
SoC I EPICS: Life After NU - Made You Look! Shape Your Marketing Career
5:00 PM
Hear from recent SoC grads about what life has been like after graduating and navigating the transition from college to career. Get an edge with career tips from young professionals building a career in Marketing.
- Oct202025
SoC I EPICS: Casting Unfiltered - Q&A with Chicago Casting Directors
5:00 PM
1949 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from casting directors and producers from three of Chicago’s leading theatre companies. This interactive Q&A is designed for School of Communication students, with a special focus on actors seeking insight into the casting process, industry trends, and professional advice.
Whether you’re preparing for your next audition or exploring careers in theatre, this is your chance to ask questions, gain practical advice, and learn from leaders shaping Chicago theatre today.Katie Galetti, Artistic Producer & Casting Director at Writers Theatre
JC Clementz, Director of Casting and Artistic Operations at Steppenwolf
Lauren Port, Casting Director at Goodman - Oct202025
Dean E. Patrick Johnson Dialogue with Fan-Gang Zeng
6:30 PM
1949 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208Dialogue with the Dean is a series of conversations with emerging and established communicators who are advancing the futures of their fields, challenging paradigms, and creating new knowledge.
Fan-Gang Zeng, Ph.D., is Chancellor’s Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Sciences, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and Director of the Center for Hearing Research at University of California, Irvine. He is a leader in hearing science and technology, with 323 publications, 20,381 citations, and an h-index of 68 (Google Scholar, August 19, 2025). He serves as the Editorial Board Chairman for The Hearing Journal and has provided advisory service to the NIH, NSF, American Tinnitus Association, Hyperacusis Research, Beijing Audiology Association, Paris Hearing Institute, Providence Center, Syntiant, and over a dozen AI and medical device companies. He led the development of the Nurotron 26-electrode cochlear implant and SoundCure tinnitus suppressor.
- Oct282025
SoC I EPICS: Internship Search Strategies
12:00 PM
2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208Internship and job searching can feel overwhelming, but starting early gives you a real advantage. This session will focus on preparing for summer opportunities and navigating early internship deadlines. You’ll leave with personalized next steps to set yourself up for success in the months ahead.
- Oct292025
SoC I EPICS: Life After NU - Reel Careers: Explore the Entertainment Industry
5:00 PM
Join alumni working across film, television, and media for an inside look at building a career in entertainment. Hear their stories, gain industry insights, and discover the many paths your Northwestern experience can lead to. A great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and connect with professionals who were once in your shoes.
- Nov052025
SoC I EPICS: Connecting to the Northwestern Network & How to Create a Career Strategy
12:00 PM
1877 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208Discover how to leverage Northwestern’s alumni and professional network, explore a variety of potential career paths, and identify opportunities that align with your goals. You’ll leave with a personalized action plan to guide your next steps and help you connect meaningfully with the people and resources that can move your career forward.