Newhouse Graduate Advertising Students Network, Research at SXSW Festival

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Pitch Co-op Internship Program, exclusive to the Newhouse School’s Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship, offers an opportunity for students enrolled in Newhouse entrepreneurship classes to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of startups and innovation at the SXSW Festival every March in Austin, Texas. The interns work as researchers from September till March, culminating in their participation as fully-badged attendees at the festival.

Below, two graduate advertising students reflect on their time researching and experiencing this year’s electrifying festival.

Taylore Palmer

As a Newhouse graduate student and research intern for the SXSW Pitch competition, I had the privilege of attending this year’s SXSW conference. In this role, I compiled and organized research into detailed documents for event producers and identified 50-plus startups weekly, focusing on companies in extended reality and innovative world tech. In recognition of our work, the SXSW Pitch division granted me and nine other interns full access to the conference for an entire week, providing us with platinum badges and the freedom to explore areas that interested us most.

SXSW, held annually in Austin, Texas, is a premier conference showcasing innovations in film, interactive media, tech and music. Being at SXSW was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The event’s energy was unmatched, with creatives, executives and startups converging to share insights and innovations from all over the world. Each day was packed with keynotes and discussions that provided insight into industry exposure.

During my week in Austin, I witnessed cutting-edge campaigns and activations that also deepened my appreciation for experiential marketing and audience engagement strategies. As an advertising major, this is invaluable information that prepares me for entering the industry headfirst with a fresh perspective and interesting ideas that can be shared and discussed.

Newhouse prepared me well for this trip. Courses in media advertising and working closely with the Career Development Center have helped me immensely with understanding the concepts discussed at SXSW and engaging with professionals. Sean Branagan, an adjunct professor and the director of the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship who led the trip, played an instrumental role in connecting us with alumni, presenting ourselves in the best light and making connections at the convention center with people from all over the world. The insights gained will help refine my career path, and the connections made could lead to future opportunities allowed.

Overall, SXSW was an unforgettable opportunity that broadened my perspective and reinforced my passion for media and advertising, allowing my personality to shine in full force. For any student looking to break into the industry, it’s an experience that offers invaluable learning, networking and career-building opportunities.

Abby Doin

SXSW is a whirlwind of business, fun and groundbreaking ideas, where creativity collides with innovation in the most exciting way. It’s a place where visionaries, trendsetters and industry disruptors come together to exchange ideas, challenge norms and push boundaries. From startups to keynote speakers, every moment is packed with energy, inspiration and the potential to spark something big. Whether you’re looking to make connections, showcase your expertise or simply soak in the atmosphere, SXSW is the ultimate playground for those who are ready to leave their mark. 

I had the incredible opportunity to attend SXSW through my research internship, where I worked on the pitch side of the festival. Each week, I analyzed at least 50 startups, evaluating their potential and discussing with my team which had the strongest ideas and why. This experience not only sharpened my ability to spot emerging trends but also immersed me in the exhilarating unpredictability of the startup world. Every pitch was a glimpse into the future—bold ideas, uncharted possibilities and the thrill of discovering what’s next. 

Landing in Austin, I was ready to take on as much as possible—because that’s exactly what you have to do. SXSW is busy and beautiful, an overwhelming rush of knowledge and opportunity. As a master’s student in advertising at Newhouse, I focused on everything related to the future of my field, particularly augmented reality and artificial intelligence. The discussions and insights I gained didn’t just help me stay ahead—they broadened my thinking, introduced me to new perspectives and connected me with professionals from all over the world. 

Newhouse prepared me for this experience by teaching me how to think critically, analyze trends and communicate effectively. As I begin my job search, I’ll carry these lessons with me, along with the confidence to navigate constantly evolving industries. SXSW reinforced that advertising isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about being ready to shape what comes next.