A Week of Career Insights with Camille Eden
As the animation industry rapidly evolves, SVA remains committed to preparing students for the shifting creative workforce. The BFA Animation and BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects departments teamed up to welcome Camille Eden, an independent executive consultant and former VP of Talent Acquisition at Nickelodeon Animation, for a week of career-focused events. These sessions gave students direct access to industry leaders, offering essential guidance on breaking into the field and thriving in today’s competitive landscape.
Camille Eden along with students from both BFA Animation and BFA Animation and Visual Effects departments who attended the Career Preparedness Workshop
The week kicked off with Camille Eden’s Career Preparedness Workshop, a two-hour session packed with practical tools for launching a career. She covered everything from researching opportunities and preparing applications to crafting resumes, writing cover letters, acing interviews, and—most importantly—understanding professional etiquette and how to show up. This interactive session gave students clear strategies to make a strong impression in the job market.
Camille Eden leading the Open Group Portfolio Critique
A couple of days later, students from both departments came together for an Open Group Portfolio Critique, where they presented their work and exchanged constructive feedback with peers. Camille facilitated the session, creating a supportive environment where students could learn from each other while gaining valuable insight from her experience as a hiring manager. The session helped students refine their portfolios and stand out in an increasingly competitive field. Sana Kakumanu is a 2nd year 3D Animation and Visual Effects student and she specializes in look development. She said of her experience, “I really appreciated Camille's honesty during the critique. Though I may be a sophomore she was able to give me critical suggestions to push my website by encapsulating my range as an artist. In each review, she made a point on how to present yourself as multi talented and professional, in order to prepare us for industry ready applications”. Another student, Anjali Pulim, in her 4th year at BFA Animation shared “Organizing my website is always so overwhelming to me, and although it was a bit nerve-wracking to have my website up in front of everyone, I got really good feedback and fixing up my site doesn’t feel as daunting.”
A drawing of the panelists by Erim “Xolo” Cetinel (BFA Animation student)
The week wrapped with The Changing Creative Industry Panel, an open discussion for both current students and recent alumni. The panel featured top industry professionals, including Olivia Burke (Talent Acquisition & Operations Director, Harbor Picture Company), Ryan Howe (Manager of Campus Relations and Program Management, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.), and Deb Stone (Sr. Director of Talent Recruitment, Illumination). Moderated by Camille Eden, the conversation explored the evolving demands of animation, VFX, gaming, and experiential industries, touching on hiring trends, workforce shifts, and practical strategies for adapting to industry changes. Panelists offered candid insights and career advice, giving students a clearer vision of what lies ahead. BFA Animation’s 4th-year student, Erim ‘Xolo’ Cetinel, attended all three events and shared his thoughts along with a lovely doodle of the panel, “It was a very fruitful event series. During the industry panel, it was valuable to hear from the different recruiters about how they got their starts from different places yet all have similar methods of talent development. With the notes I got from the open group critique, I've already started fixing my portfolio and am more confident in what to include in my resume and cover letter which I used to see as a weak point of mine.”
Left to right: Jimmy Calhoun (Chair of BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects), Ryan Howe, Olivia Burke, Deb Stone, Camille Eden and Hsiang Chin Moe (Chair of BFA Animation)
By bringing industry leaders to campus, SVA’s BFA Animation and BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects programs are ensuring students stay ahead of emerging trends and develop the skills needed for long-term success. “Each session with Camille was a reminder that technology and industries change, but artistic skills will always be in demand,” noted Jimmy Calhoun, chair of BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects. “All of the guests had a clear message that creative talent and a professional presence are keys to success. Opportunities to meet industry leaders while networking with each other at events outside of the classroom are one way we can help students learn and practice those skills.” These events not only provided expert guidance but also left students feeling more confident and prepared to take their next career steps.