At the 68th Annual New York Emmy Awards, amid the glimmering gowns, camera flashes, and statuettes, a group of Rutgers Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) students got a rare look at what happens behind the scenes when television professionals working in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area receive prestigious regional Emmy awards.

Held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square in Manhattan, the event was a whirlwind of excitement — and for the Rutgers students volunteering that evening, it became a crash course in precision, production, professionalism, and passion.

Armed with clipboards and curiosity, their assignments included taking photos on the red carpet, escorting winners off stage, preparing Emmy statues, assisting in the makeup department, and more. After a long but exhilarating day, the volunteers joined the after-party at the Hard Rock Café — celebrating not just the winners, but their own behind-the-scenes victories.

Among the crowd, the students had an unexpected Scarlet Knight encounter: Emmy Award–winning reporter and Rutgers alumna Shannon Sohn, now with Channel 7 News, stopped to talk with them — a reminder that the path from Rutgers to the Emmy stage isn’t as distant as it may seem.

A Peek Behind the Curtain

For Anran Li, a Journalism and Cinema Studies double-major who is also minoring in Creative Writing and Sociology, the evening offered an entirely new perspective on the media industry.

“I never thought that one day I would be holding Emmy trophies so many times in a day that it was not even exciting anymore,” Li said with a laugh. “The flashlights, gowns, and cameras did seem intimidating initially, but a peek from behind the scenes somehow makes the industry seem more approachable. For example, I loved realizing that the giant machines with multiple screens are just a fancier version of classroom gadgets."

Her takeaway? “Try it out. The beginning grace period is the best chance to ask dumb questions and feel absolutely fantastic being wowed by everything.”

Demonstrating the Adaptability Skills She Learned at SC&I

For Emily Steele, a senior majoring in Journalism and Media Studies with a minor in Digital Communication, Information, and Media (DCIM), the Emmy Awards were more than just a volunteer gig, but rather, a test of adaptability and composure in a fast-paced professional setting.

Stationed at “Statue Redemption,” Steele helped congratulate winners and distribute their Emmys, while she also took photos on the red carpet. “It was amazing to see all of the small moving parts come together to create a great awards ceremony,” she said. “The environment was incredibly fast-paced, so being adaptable was crucial to keep the event running smoothly.”

She credited her coursework and professors for helping her feel ready to navigate such a dynamic environment. “SC&I has given me so many opportunities to not only network and get my name out there, but to see the real-world applications of what we learn in the classroom,” she said, “SC&I is extremely beneficial when it comes to internships, learning opportunities, hands-on experience, and resume building.”

Steele, who aspires to become a news anchor and investigative correspondent, said the Emmy experience reaffirmed her passion. “This event definitely cemented my interest in this field,” she said.

Rekindling Passion for Media and Communication From the Red Carpet to the Hard Rock - Subtitle about Leading/Passion

Joshua Jacob, a Master of Communication and Media student specializing in Public Relations, never expected his path to the Emmys to start with a chance meeting. After connecting with Rutgers alumnus Thomas Benjamin — who had volunteered at past Emmy galas — at a Media Career Summit hosted by the Center for Communication in Brooklyn, NY, Jacob networked with a former student of Neal Bennett’s who suggested Jacob to volunteer. “Thanks to that random conversation back in June, I was able to secure this incredible opportunity,” Jacob said, underscoring the importance of keeping in touch with connections.

At the Emmys, Jacob guided guests on the red carpet, assisted photographers, and kept things moving smoothly amid the excitement. “As someone who once dreamed of walking the red carpet, I never imagined I’d be helping manage it,” Jacob said. “Seeing people I’ve only watched on NBC and CBS up close made it all worth it.”

The experience wasn’t without challenges. “It got a bit overwhelming at times,” he admitted, recalling moments where he had to manage long lines of guests on his own. But it also pushed him to grow. One of the event directors, Mike Kostel, advised the MCM student, "You have to be more assertive. You can’t just let people do whatever they want,” reminded Jacob that leadership sometimes means taking charge even when you’re nervous.

SC&I’s Role in Opening Doors

Behind each student’s journey to the Emmys was a network of professors, alumni, and opportunities rooted in SC&I’s mission to bridge classroom learning with professional experience.

Jacob, Steele, Li, and Peña all credited Neal Bennett, for sharing the Emmy volunteer opportunity with them. Many also mentioned how SC&I’s emphasis on networking, communication, and adaptability prepared them to handle the unpredictable pace of live media events.

Jacob reflected on the broader impact of Rutgers’ alumni network. “To paraphrase something my professor Mark Beal always says, ‘There are thousands of Rutgers alumni working in the industries you want to be in — so leverage Rutgers Nation.’”

The Lasting Impression

By the time the lights dimmed at the Hard Rock Café after-party, the Rutgers volunteers had seen both the glitz and the grind that make up a big event in the media world. But more than the photos or celebrity sightings, the lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and initiative left the deepest mark on them.

As the students returned to campus, one thing was clear: volunteering at the New York Emmy Awards wasn’t just a night to remember — it was a glimpse into their futures.

Learn more about the Journalism and Media Studies major on the Rutgers School of Communication and Information website. 

Photos: Courtesy of Neal Bennett and Joshua Jacob