Alumni Spotlight: Hakop Ter-Akopyan, Class of ’17

What are you up to right now?

I am an attorney currently working as an Associate Director with the Business & Legal Affairs team at Fox Entertainment. Some of my responsibilities include negotiating and drafting a wide variety of agreements for Fox’s scripted and unscripted programming, including deals for writers. I work with producers and executives to ensure our productions run smoothly and to resolve any legal issues.

What sparked your decision to major in English Literature?

After participating in mock trials and learning about the Constitution in high school, I envisioned pursuing a legal career. However, I did not want to spend my time in college only reading philosophical texts, treatises, or cases – law school would provide me plenty of those! So, I decided to major in English Literature because it would not only improve my reading comprehension and writing (skills necessary for any effective communicator and advocate) but also expose me to some of the greatest works of literature and poetry. Essays and assignments become much more enjoyable when Shakespeare and Fitzgerald are your primary subjects! 

How did your English Literature major prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in your current field? 

I strongly believe that I transformed into a more critical thinker thanks to my English Literature major, which exposed to me diverse viewpoints. Whenever assigned a text, the class would analyze it from different lenses and literary theories, adding richness and depth to our discussions. My English Literature courses showcased that there is always more than one way to view something, and focusing on only one perspective limits us from seeing the bigger picture. As an attorney, I employ this form of thinking to better resolve any conflict. I always search for creative solutions and take into consideration the perspectives of others so all sides can feel satisfied. 

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to students feeling uncertain about their post-graduation path? 

I recommend students to never feel dissuaded by what others might say. Too many times, people would discourage me from pursuing entertainment law because it is too “difficult” or I did not follow the exact same post-graduation steps they took. Ignore the noise and remain steadfast to your goal. There is no one path to achieving your career dreams. While it may take some time and require trial and error, you will ultimately reach your end goal if you are passionate enough – do not worry about the road not taken.  

Are there any specific courses, professors, or resources within the English department or USC that you’d highly recommend to current students?

I loved all my professors and English Literature courses! I would recommend taking risks with classes you might otherwise have never considered. For example, one of my favorites was “Women in English Literature to 1800.” The class sounded daunting – how far back are we going here? All the way to the late 12th Century with Marie de France, it turned out! Yet, Professor David Rollo made the source material so entertaining and approachable. I discovered so many interesting stories, like Margery Kempe, and revolutionary authors, like Aphra Behn, from a time period that I always neglected. Thanks to all the great professors within the English department, USC exposed me to texts that made me a stronger and well-rounded reader. 

 Outside of the English department, I recommend taking courses in the Cinema School (and specifically within the Norris Cinema Theater) – my minor in Cinematic Arts is one of the reasons why I decided to pursue entertainment law. I also have great admiration for the Spanish department at Dornsife.