Alumni Profile: Aleah Combs

Aleah Combs is a 2019 graduate of Columbia College Hollywood. She has worked as a Production Assistant at MLB on Fox Sports, a Production Assistant with Nerdist Industries, an intern on a true crime documentary with Scott Sternberg Productions, and she is an alumna of the Disney College Program at the Disneyland Resort.

What’s your proudest accomplishment since graduation?
My proudest accomplishment since graduation is getting multiple job interviews and working on multiple projects. I also moved into a new apartment and have worked on living the “adult” life outside of college. 

What has been the greatest challenge you have encountered throughout your career, and how have you overcome it?
The greatest challenge I have encountered is applying to jobs. I feel like it’s challenging because you have to apply to multiple jobs before you get hired. I overcame it by continuing to work hard, using my connections and getting help on my resume. 

What would you say is one of the most important assets to have in your industry?
One of the most important assets to have in the film industry is a positive attitude. People love to work with people who are willing to learn, willing to do the hard work and have a great time while getting things done. I find that even if you don’t know everything in your field, if you have a great attitude and are willing to work, people will enjoy working with you. 

In your opinion, what should candidates new to the industry avoid in order to succeed?
Something candidates new to the industry should avoid is pretending they know everything. I think it’s important to have a willing-to-learn attitude and understand that you have to work hard to get where you want. 

What piece of advice do you have for Columbia College Hollywood seniors who are preparing for the job search?
A piece of advice I have for Columbia College Hollywood students is to have multiple people look over your resume, network, and keep applying. It’s normal to get declined from places, it’s all part of the process.

How did your experience at Columbia College Hollywood help you join your industry
My experience at Columbia College Hollywood helped me join the industry because of the hands-on classes. I have always been a hands-on learner, and it was important to me to be able to get that experience. From day one, I was able to get on set, work with a camera and ask questions from industry professionals who work at Columbia College Hollywood. I think it’s important to ask questions and be willing to learn.

What was your favorite thing about attending Columbia College Hollywood?
My favorite thing about attending Columbia College Hollywood was being able to work on set and do what I wanted in the industry. Once you become a senior, you get the opportunity to make a thesis film, and the teachers were great and let me produce projects and helped me learn the skills I needed to prepare to work in the industry.

Name one thing that made you choose Columbia College Hollywood over other colleges.
One thing that made me choose Columbia College Hollywood over other colleges is the small classes and hands-on experience you get in class. 

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
If I had to do it all over again, I would have gone to more networking events and the free film premieres.