Aidan Hartwich ’25 recently did something unexpected. He returned to high school. Not literally, of course, but figuratively. A dual major in English and communications, Hartwich completed a monthlong internship at American High Productions, a film company based in Liverpool, N.Y., that specializes in telling stories set in high school. (Think of the John Hughes movies of the 1980s, but for Gen Z.) Just as he did when he was a student at Shaker High School, Albany, N.Y., Hartwich met interesting people, forged his own path and learned something new every day. The internship proved to be one of the most formative experiences during his time at Le Moyne so far.
“It was a phenomenal opportunity to gain experience in an industry that has always fascinated me,” he says. “I realized that old adage, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,’ is true.”
Hartwich was assigned to American High’s wardrobe department, and divided his time between the office and set. On days when he was in the office, he would often be busy organizing the space, which became a maze of people and clothing; ordering and returning outfits; and, when possible, working on mood boards and look books of his own. In many ways, those days felt very structured, and reminded Hartwich of his work on campus at the Noreen Reale Falcone Library. Days on set were quite different. They would stretch from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Hartwich was typically charged with helping to wrangle background actors, greeting them and checking them in before the start of the shoot and guiding them to where they needed to be. As soon as filming began, he and a group of colleagues would huddle in a room off set, watching on a monitor and making sure that nothing was off, such as a missing button or a stain on a piece of clothing.
“I filled every minute on those days,” he says. “I kept moving to stay afloat.”
Following his graduation, Hartwich hopes to build a career in the film industry, perhaps as a director or costume designer. He is eager to continue doing work that energizes him, fuels his creativity, and allows him to work as part of a team. For now, though, he has the following advice for other students looking for internships of their own. First, don’t fear rejection. Sometimes finding the opportunity that is right for you requires a bit of trial and error. One “yes” is all it takes. Second, do your research. Make sure that you learn as much about the company’s mission, leadership, history and culture as possible before crossing its threshold. Third, and finally, pay close attention to your supervisors and peers. Soak up the knowledge they have to share. In other words, Hartwich says, “Have an open ear and be willing to learn.”
This internship was supported through the College's Iginite Fellowship, which provides financial support to students interested in undertaking internship and research experiences that may have costs associated with them. The fellowship student to pursue thier personal professional goals without undue financial burden. .
This story is part of a series focused on Le Moyne students who have recently completed dynamic internships. It reflects the College's commitment to providing our students with as many opportunities as possible to put the skills they've learned in the classroom to work, to explore possible career paths, and to build strong professional networks. For more information about internship opportunities, contact the Office of Career Advising and Development.