Helen Jin

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with the Film HQ FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) team at NBCUniversal, an experience made possible through the support of the Carsey-Wolf Center’s internship scholarship. My team was part of a newly developed Studios team within NBCUniversal that consolidated Universal Pictures (movies) and Universal Studio Group (shows). Working in this team gave me a firsthand view of how financial systems and creative processes intersect within one of the most influential studios in the world and allowed me to gain face time with high-level executives. The combination of professional training, industry exposure, and personal growth I gained this summer has been invaluable, and I am so grateful for the support that made it possible.

My work focused on high-impact projects that touched on both the technical and strategic aspects of studio finance. A major component of my internship was supporting Project Keystone, NBCUniversal’s company-wide financial transformation initiative. I helped redesign the SAP cost center tagging structure to improve financial reporting clarity and standardization. This project taught me the importance of accuracy and consistency in financial systems, particularly when decisions impact business units across a global corporation. In addition, I worked on budget standardization efforts by building Excel dashboards that streamlined the budget buildout process for Universal Studio Group, Film, and other business units that included focus features, Peacock, etc. These dashboards translated complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that senior leadership could rely on for decision-making. I also contributed to ad hoc projects, such as analyzing headcount and overhead for Universal Television Entertainment Group (UTEG), and helped prepare the quarterly all-finance presentation delivered to more than 300 employees worldwide. Each of these tasks challenged me to apply my analytical skills while also learning how to communicate numbers in a way that was accessible and impactful.

While the technical skills I gained were important, the true value of this internship was in how it shaped my understanding of the media and entertainment industry. Being on the Universal lot and witnessing the behind-the-scenes activity of productions gave me a tangible sense of how finance and creativity are intertwined. Finance plays such an important role in enabling stories to come to life, and I now have a much deeper appreciation for the systems that allow studios to balance artistic vision with financial responsibility.

Equally meaningful was the mentorship and collaboration I experienced on the Film HQ team. Despite a hybrid work environment, I always felt connected and supported. My managers and teammates were generous with their time and knowledge, offering guidance that not only helped me succeed in my projects but also encouraged me to think about my long-term career path. Their investment in my growth made me feel like a valued member of the team rather than just an intern. Outside of my close-knit, four-person team, the finance HQ team and the larger Studios team all took me under their wing and guided me throughout the process. The internship experience team also set me up with a mentor in business strategy, who was not only incredibly accomplished but also provided me with career advice and perspective on the broader entertainment landscape. Our conversations gave me insight into how strategic decisions shape both the creative and financial sides of the business, and she encouraged me to think more critically about the long-term skills I want to develop.

Another highlight of the summer was the chance to network with professionals across departments. I scheduled regular coffee chats and attended team-wide meetings that allowed me to connect with professionals from film operations, production finance, and corporate strategy. These conversations gave me valuable perspectives on the diverse career paths within entertainment, and they helped me build relationships that I hope to maintain as I continue in this field. I even had the opportunity to have a 30-minute one-on-one with NBCUniversal’s Chief Financial Officer, Adam Moysey. Networking also strengthened my confidence in professional settings and taught me how to initiate meaningful conversations that extend beyond surface-level introductions.

Reflecting on this summer, I can say with confidence that this internship solidified my interest in pursuing a career at the intersection of finance and entertainment. I learned that success in this field requires not just technical skills but also creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Most importantly, I left with a clearer sense of purpose and direction for my future.