JumpStart New Media Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why JumpStart New Media?
2. What does the program cost?
3. What will I learn?
4. Can I apply, even if I am not from the media sector?
5. Tell me about the project.
6. Do I get to choose my project?
7. What companies are participating in JumpStart New Media?
8. Will I get paid for what I do?
9. Can I continue to collect unemployment insurance?
10. After completing this program, will I have a new job?
11. What should I do if I get a full time job during the program?
12. Who are NYCEDC and The Levin Institute?

1. Why JumpStart New Media?

Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Economic Development Corporation want to maintain New York’s talent leadership in media, as the sector transitions from traditional to digital and global. They also want to help individuals quickly move into new opportunities.

2. What does the program cost?

The costs of this pilot program are subsidized by the NYC Economic Development Corporation and the Levin Institute - a branch of the State University of New York – so there is no charge to the participants.

3. What will I learn?

The overriding goal is to help you learn the skills to get a new job in digital media. You’ll learn about your own strengths and skills, and develop a sense of what new skills you might need and want to make this transition. You’ll learn about the entrepreneurial digital media world in New York: how venture capital (VC) works, the different mindset of the start-up, revenue and business models, and the ways to take your media experience into this new culture. You’ll learn from leading thinkers and practitioners in lectures, panel discussions, simulations and other learning exercises. You’ll learn networking tips, and have the chance to connect with NYC media groups. You’ll learn a lot about your own skills, to think about how to define your own value.

4. Can I apply, even if I am not from the media sector?

JumpStart New Media is targeted at individuals with experience in the media sector. We welcome applicants with various backgrounds in that sector, including creative, IT, marketing and sales, management, and administrative. A companion program JumpStart NYC, targets people from the financial sector.

5. Tell me about the project.

A big part of the JumpStart New Media experience is a ten-week project in a digital media firm. Our experience with JumpStart NYC suggests that good projects will be quite diverse, allowing you to develop and practice your skills in a new environment or to learn new skills. For the company, the project is an opportunity to tap your experience, network, and wisdom. It might be creative, market-oriented, operational, technical, financial. Digital media companies are typically lean, and have many unfilled needs. Our job is to find a mutually beneficial fit.

6. Do I get to choose my project?

Before the program starts, you’ll have the chance to look over an array of available companies and projects, and signify your preferences. Please specify your interests in your application essays. We’ll do our best to match you with an opportunity that suits your interest and qualifications.

7. What companies are participating in JumpStart New Media?

We already have a group of digital media companies which participated in JumpStart NYC (for finance professionals), and are eager to host projects from JumpStart New Media. They will mostly small, entrepreneurial start-ups, funded by venture capital firms, angel groups, and other sources. Some are pure start-ups, and others have been around for some years. These companies include MediaMorph, Media Merx, Partnership 2050, Babble Media, FanDome, and many others.

8. Will I get paid for what I do?

We consider the project an experiential learning element of JumpStart New Media. While one of the goals of the program is to create opportunities for you to be hired or retained after the program in your host company or another new media firm, you will not be paid during the program.

9. Can I continue to collect unemployment insurance?

JumpStart New Media is an unpaid educational retraining program, and will not interfere with your ability to collect unemployment insurance.

10. After completing this program, will I have a new job?

We hope that you will be able to demonstrate that you can deliver value in the long run, and will be offered a longer term opportunity, but it is not guaranteed. For the participating companies, this is a chance to “try before you buy”.

11. What should I do if I get a full time job during the program?

The point of JumpStart NYC is to help you find a job. If you do, it’s a success for all.

12. Who are NYCEDC and The Levin Institute?

New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities.

The Levin Institute is a branch of the State University of New York (SUNY), which delivers graduate and professional education programs that address critical global business issues and leadership challenges. It was founded in 2004 and is located in midtown Manhattan.