Katy Workman (MSL 2023) came to USC Gould’s Online MSL with nearly a decade of creative industry experience and a desire to deepen her understanding of the business and legal forces shaping entertainment. In this Q&A, she shares how completing the Online MSL and the Entertainment Law and Industry Certificate strengthened her ability to navigate contracts and negotiations, elevated her career, and gave her the confidence to think analytically and communicate skillfully in high-stakes business settings.
What made you pursue the Online MSL at USC Gould School of Law?
I pursued the Online MSL program while working in licensing at a UGC (user-generated content) media company. I had a strong understanding of the entertainment industry after working on the creative side for almost 10 years, but I craved a deeper understanding of the business aspects that make the industry go ’round. I also wanted to navigate complex legal contracts and negotiations with business savvy and understanding. The University of Southern California was my top choice for its incredible reputation in higher education, along with its remarkable alumni network. And, personally, I just always wanted to be a Trojan.
What was your experience balancing your Online MSL coursework with your professional and personal commitments? What strategies helped you to succeed?
I was fortunate to have fully remote, full-time employment for most of my time in the program. This, coupled with fully online coursework, allowed me to maximize each hour of my day and easily “clock in” to school as soon as I “clocked out” of work. I could not have done this without the flexible presentation of each class module. Having every resource available 24/7 at my fingertips was a gamechanger for my time management. Weekends were spent with my nose in the books, and this kept me prepared for the following week’s classes and live sessions, and allowed me to finish my coursework in four semesters.
What is a key takeaway that you learned from your studies at USC Gould?
My key takeaway from my studies at USC Gould School of Law was learning how to communicate effectively with legal teams. The program fundamentally changed how I navigate business negotiations by slowing down, asking the right questions, and evaluating risk with clarity… which has given me a priceless edge in my career.
Looking back, what aspects of the program provided you with the most unexpected value?
The most unexpected value was how my studies on a Monday night could be applied to my work the next Tuesday morning. Each class was practical, hands-on, and relevant to today’s ever-evolving industry, which gave me a priceless advantage in my career. Education always felt official to me once I had a degree or certificate in hand. With the USC Gould’s legal master’s degree, my education started paying off immediately.
How has your Online MSL given you an advantage in your career?
I owe my career to my USC’s Online MSL. Since entering the program in May 2022, I’ve had the opportunity to work for two major media and entertainment organizations, and USC’s reputation has helped my résumé stand out at every turn. Between alumni referrals and the program’s unique combination of legal insight and entertainment expertise, I’ve been entrusted with meaningful decision-making authority that allows me to perform my role with confidence and informed judgment.
What advice would you give to prospective students who are interested in pursuing their MSL?
Feed your curiosity. Ask questions early and often, work through hypothetical scenarios, and take the time to read current cases that genuinely interest you. The more intentionally you connect what you’re learning to real-world decisions, the more impactful the MSL experience becomes! Good luck, and fight on!
What sparked your interest in learning about law and legal concepts?
Between my years as a choreographer and my first job in licensing, I became fascinated with how owning creative works worked. Combined with my need to understand contract language, learning about intellectual property law was a natural step!
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