Pedro Machado has two main passions — media and communications.
Not content to pursue one avenue as a career, he chose to come to Temple and study both. This week, Machado graduated from both Temple’s Klein College of Media and Communication and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts with degrees in Media Studies and Production and Film and Media Arts.
“I’ve always been very passionate about media and communications, specifically media in television and/or film. I’ve always been really invested in that area and working in production and postproduction, so I like videography and photography,” said Machado, who is also an Owl Ambassador at Temple Ambler. “I like to edit stuff, whether it is video or audio. I’ve just really been interested in creating digital content of whatever form it might be.”
Machado said he chose Temple “because it is a school that I really identify with and that is excellent for both of my majors.”
“Temple really drew me in because of the facilities available for media studies and production students,” he said. “Philadelphia is one of the biggest media markets in the whole country so as a student that studies media, tv and film, I felt like this was a very good city to go to school in because I knew that after I graduate, and even during my time here at Temple, I would have a lot of opportunities when it comes to internships and projects.”
While being a dedicated member of Temple’s Main Campus community, Machado has also called Temple Ambler home, helping to introduce other potential owls to the campus as an Owl Ambassador.
“I first discovered Temple Ambler when my family moved to the United States from Portugal — the Ambler Campus was close to home, and I really like the campus. Becoming an Owl Ambassador was one my first jobs in the United States and I very much feel like a part of the Ambler Campus community,” he said. ““I really like the natural aspect of the campus and the close-knit community. You really get to know everyone on campus, and you feel like you can make important contributions here.”
Machado said his experiences at both Main Campus and Temple Ambler “have been great — there’s no doubt in my mind I’m ready for my future career.”
“I’ve had classes that I really enjoyed taking and that have helped me to improve my skills in media production and film. It’s also helped me make connections, not only with my classmates and my peers but also with faculty members and guest speakers who have visited my classes,” he said. “That’s a thing a find very beneficial about being a Klein student or a TFMA student. You’ll find a lot of opportunities for networking and building connections with people that have actual experience in the industry.”
Machado believes that the impact of media today can’t be overstated.
“With new technology and social media, with AI and things like that, we are surrounded by media and film every day. I feel like Media Studies and Production is a very relevant area that offers a lot of opportunities,” he said. “I think it’s the same for Film and Media Arts. The film industry had a rough time during COVID but I think it is making a comeback — I love seeing people going back to the movies more and more. There will always be film, you can’t replace it with anything else — something that I find really important about the industry is that there are so many different and relevant jobs that go into creating a film.”
Degrees in hand, Machado said as an international student he plans to apply for an Optional Practical Training authorization “which gives international students an opportunity to stay in the United States for an extra year and work in a job that relates to their field of study.”
“I’ve applied for the Disney College program. I grew up watching Disney movies and I've fallen in love with so many of those characters and the songs, and it's just been a very important part of my life,” he said. “Ever since I moved to the US five years ago, something I’ve thought about every single day is that once I graduate, I want to go get something done at Disney; a job or an internship. I feel like the Disney College program is my best option to get my foot on the door.”
While his hope is to work for the House of Mouse, “I’m also pursuing some other options whether that be in Philadelphia or in another city.”
“There are so many possibilities in the media studies and production fields and in film and media arts. There are a lot of great opportunities for internships or jobs,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next year brings.”
Machado’s advice to students just beginning their journey at Temple is to “always do your best.”
“Take advantage of the opportunities you are given. Go to your classes, learn new things, because there are so many interesting classes at Temple, whether they are electives or classes for your major,” he said. “Take part in your classes and become a part of the Temple community. Try the food trucks, Try all of the food spots around campus. Become part of clubs and organizations — there are just so many things to do here.”
Machado, for example, joined the Brazilian Club and the Film Club at Temple as a way to connect with other students on campus.
“While I’m Portuguese, I wanted to find a group of people to talk to that spoke Portuguese as their main language. I found that it was a good way to get involved in campus life and also be able to speak a little bit of my language,” he said. “With the Film Club, I’ve probably made some of my best friends at Temple. We have watch parties for the Oscars and get invited to early screenings. I’ve found that it’s improved my film knowledge a lot, which was already pretty good.”
Temple, Machado said, “I feel is very good for international students.”
“Philadelphia as a whole is great for international students because there are a lot of people from different backgrounds and Temple itself is no different. I've met people from all around the world that I would never get to meet if I was back home in Portugal,” he said. “There are people from so many different backgrounds, so many different religions, so many different cultures. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to get to know so many different people and learn about their backgrounds and experiences.”