6 Questions | Digital Media Operations Specialist at NBC Universal

Welcome back to our “6 questions” series where we ask someone 6 career-centric questions about themselves.

This week we’re chatting with Madalyn Lorber, Digital Media Operations Specialist at NBC Universal.

What’s your job title and what does a typical day look like for you?

I am a digital sales operation specialist for NBC Universal over the Lifestyle and Live events vertical. On a day to day basis working within this vertical mean, I oversee the affiliate networks which consist of E!, Bravo, Syfy, Oxygen, and USA. For live events, this consists of Golden Globes, Emmys, Oscars, and the Grammys. Working within Advertising Operations, it is my responsibility to bring the gap between our planning and operations team together to ensure that a client’s advertisement campaign is delivered successfully and maintain the greatness of NBC.

Working in digital sales media, what is your process when making decisions at work?

Working in digital sales media is always exciting because of how many moving parts there are to something as small as the 15 or 30 second commercial you see on your TV every day. When making decisions, individually or collectively, everything is done in great detail. Attention to detail is everything when working for a network of this scale.

What’s something people wouldn’t know about working in the digital sales/entertainment industry?

It is a lot of work. I did not originally have a background in the entertainment industry so making that transition was a huge step for me personally and my career path. I knew it was a world I always wanted to get into and upon entering it I have realized time management is crucial in the ever-changing entertainment industry. I think the best part in my eyes is that people might not know is that you get exposed to so many other functions on the company. Everyone is willing to help teach and educate you on things that you don’t do in your day-to-day.

Working at events such as the Met Gala, Oscars, Grammys, etc. what is the most challenging part of such large-scale events? Most rewarding part?

The most challenging part of such large-scale events is the workflow that comes in with it. It is our job to make sure when an event is taking place that a campaign is executed on time and successfully during that event. I think the most rewarding part of this job is seeing a campaign that you worked so hard on go live while also seeing the client happy with how the campaign went live. If the client is happy, you know you nailed it!

How has your role/industry changed during this pandemic?

Working from home during this time has definitely been a transition. Obviously, the fun parts of the job are not the same, being able to walk on the NBC lot, take the golf carts for a spin, occasional celebrity spotting but, we are doing it and doing it very well. I have realized how possible it is to run an entire network from the comfort of my own home. Having a supportive team and company that cares about their employees’ health and safety is definitely making this weird time the world is going through much more seamless. I think it has even brought me closer with some of my team members which I would have not expected since we are missing that face to face connections.

Advice for someone wanting to work in events/entertainment industry?

Do not just take any job in the industry to “get your way in”. Do your research on what you envision your day to day being and make sure it is something you know will make you happy and bring you joy. Also, do NOT be afraid of rejections! I have been through my own fair share of rejections but looking back I have seen how much I have learned and grow from every single one of them. I have been able to reflect on those moments, become pickier on where I am looking for jobs and by doing so, I was able to land my dream job by the age of 23. Working for a company like NBC has completely changed me for the better and has shown me the true meaning of responsibility for your work. If you have dreamed of working in the entertainment industry like I did my whole life, do not be discouraged if it something that doesn’t happen right away. It is very competitive but do not let that stray you away from your end goal. I didn’t!