In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development interviewed two Latinx alumni Marisol Marcin ’16 and Edna Cowan ’91.
Marisol currently works as a professor of Spanish and Global Studies at Binghamton University, and Edna currently works as a talent manager in the entertainment industry. Read below to learn more regarding their advice and insight on navigating campus and their careers as women of color.
What do you particularly enjoy regarding your current role/career?
Marisol Marcin ’16:
I have two aspects that can be addressed. On one side, I am a professor of Spanish and Global Studies, and I love what I do. Helping students learn about things that matter to them, and getting them to think bigger ideas is a thrilling experience. I really enjoy teaching.
On the other hand, I am also an entrepreneur. Lenguas Club, my company, helps students learn Spanish and English through conversation. We use virtual classrooms to connect students with native speakers in other countries.
Edna Cowan ’91:
I am a talent manager for actors, writers and producers in television, film and theater. As
a manager I serve a broadly defined purpose: to keep clients focused on their
big-picture goals. I focus on making sure the client is set up to succeed and make sure
to carry that mindset with me when I interface with agents, lawyers, publicists, and
studio and network execs.
As a talent manager I serve as the client’s sounding board — giving notes on their
ideas, advising on how to prepare for auditions, and making introductions. Once a client
is more established, I help build a development slate, and help them explore other skills
like directing or producing. I absolutely love helping clients attain their goals and
strategize new ones.
Were you involved in any extracurriculars during your time at Binghamton? If so, what were they and how did they shape your university experience?
Marisol Marcin ’16:
My university experience was intense; I was working full time as a teacher as I was taking classes, so my participation in university events was limited the few activities I could catch between work, family and school.
Edna Cowan ’91:
I had a passion for music at Binghamton and hoped to work in the music industry after
college. My freshman year I worked at a record store in the basement of the student
union called Slipped Disc. I was an apprentice DJ at WHRW. In my senior year, I was
co-chair of the Pub Activities Board (PAB). Binghamton at that time had a pub located in
the Student Union and I programmed and booked bands for the Pub. It was incredibly
fun!
What is some advice you would offer current Binghamton University students of color as they transition from college to career?
Marisol Marcin ’16:
I encourage graduates and soon to be graduates to build connections while they are here. Using LinkedIn and other platforms, they can start to expand their network and have chances to follow their dreams. And following their dreams and talents is my second piece of advice. We are living an incredible time and the professions of the future are being created right now.
Edna Cowan ’91:
Take advantage of the career center and the networking opportunities presented. Get
started earlier than you think. Look for internships and opportunities to be of service in
your chosen field. Put yourself out there no matter how introverted you are or how
inexperienced you feel, everyone has to start somewhere.
Do your research. Identify alumni who work in the field you’re interested in and try to
learn as much about them as possible. Be systematic about expanding your circle of
contacts. Through them, you will probably meet people who can make introductions for
you. Keep in touch. Mine your past for contacts. Call the alumni association and career
center and see if anyone is doing what you want to do, and get their contact info. Look
up every single name on Facebook and see if you know anyone in common, then ask
for an introduction.
When you do reach out to someone, make it pleasant and easy for them. Offer to come
to their place of work and bring coffee. Don’t stay for longer than half an hour, and send
a follow-up note thanking them for their time. Don’t ask for help in the room. Ask how
they got where they are, ask tons of questions about their lives and work. The more you
listen, the more people like you. Make it less about you needing something, and focus
on getting them invested in you as a person.
Have things to talk about – ideas you’re thinking on, articles you’ve read about the
industry, just have a conversation in which they talk more than you. You want to develop
a relationship with people, and people want to help people they like.
What programs and resources helped you during your academic career?
Marisol Marcin ’16:
I worked very closely with my advisor, and I looked for assistance in the Fleishman center, CLT, and the writing center during my school years.
Edna Cowan ’91:
Talking to my younger self, I would tell her to do more than I think is enough during my
time at Binghamton. Many of the ways I got involved with the university community were
fun for me, but I think I would have made an effort to do at least one thing that wasn’t
fun – maybe even a little uncomfortable. Telling ourselves to be 100% responsible for
our own success is acting from a place of power. Does it take a village? Absolutely. But
no one can afford to wait around for the phone to ring in order to achieve their goals. My
goals have always been my goals – therefore I have to always nurture and be
responsible for them to the best of my ability.
How have your experiences contributed to your identity since your time at Binghamton, and how has your identity evolved (if applicable) since then?
Marisol Marcin ’16:
I have been able to pursue many of my passions while working at Binghamton. I love teaching with technology, and I have had the opportunity to sharpen my skills on that end. I have been able to create my company and develop entrepreneurial skills thanks to the support of the Koffmann Incubator and the connections I have built through my time here. I have continued to grow as a professional and this university has become my community. My identity has evolved in all kinds of ways because of my role here and the work I do with this university community.
Edna Cowan ’91:
I wish I had taken the advice I’m now offering! I didn’t have any connections in
entertainment when I graduated, so I applied to law school. I decided to pursue
entertainment law and earned an internship with the NYC Bar Association’s
Entertainment Law Committee. That led to a summer internship with an entertainment
law firm, which led to a job offer after graduation. After a few years of practicing law, I
realized that I wanted to be more involved in my clients’ creative life. I took a leap of
faith and started my own talent management business. I have learned to trust my
instinct about my own taste and judgment. For me, being an entrepreneur and running
my own business, having ownership of my time and schedule, have proven to be
invaluable.
