Kira Shea Dalton (Smithson) 

 

A focused, driven, quirky and adventurous spirit, Kira’s career has spanned a wide range of experience across multiple film and TV departments and the world of higher education.

 

Kira currently serves as the Associate Director and Career Strategist supporting students in residence at the University of Southern California in the MS Programs in Marketing, Global Supply Chain, Business Analytics and Finance. In this role, Kira partners with students through individual career strategy discussions and group workshops to help each one develop a clear understanding of industry trends, employer hiring practices, effective networking, and how to shape and present their unique stories to demonstrate value to employers.

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Before moving to the Graduate Career Services team, Kira was a part of the Undergraduate Career Services group at Marshall. In this role she managed an international internship program, coached students through behavioral interviews, delivered workshops, and served as the employer relations contact for companies in entertainment, retail, fashion, hospitality, and travel industries.

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Prior to joining USC, Kira worked in the entertainment industry for 10+ years in Campus Recruiting, HR, and Production Support roles for major studios including The Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm, and DreamWorks Animation.

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Kira holds a BA in Theatre and TV Production from Pepperdine University and is currently working towards an Executive Master of Leadership (EML) at the Price School of Public Policy at USC. She is a Student Affiliate Member of the International Ombudsman Association.

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Kira enjoys advising college students, recent grads, and LA transplants, helping each one find his or her unique place in Los Angeles by polishing and presenting their best attributes and skills to a city that is always looking for something special.

 

In her spare time, Kira enjoys perfecting shots of delicious foods on Instagram (@cleverfoodie), attending live theatre shows, and  working on creative writing projects. She loves Tillamook caramel pecan ice cream, fluffy puppies and her husband, Andy.

 

Now, a list of credentials (for those who want them):

 

10+ Years Experience Working in the Entertainment Industry

(Recruiter for the Walt Disney Studios; Feature Animation Production, Executive C Level/Dept Head Floater & Recruiting Assistant at DreamWorks Animation SKG; Commercial & Theatrical Casting Associate; Independent Recruiter for Wildbrain Animation Studios & Westside Nannies; Project Manager & On-Site Production for Blu Fable Corporate Media; Food Consultant for Location Based Corporate Conferences).

 

8+ Years Professional Experience as an Independent Copywriter, Resume & Interviewing Consultant, and College/Post-College Mentor 

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6+ Years Experience in Higher Education as a Career Services Professional

 

Remarkable Social and Professional Network.