Intern Diaries – Jamari Jordan

This is part of a series where we asked Grady College students to describe their internship experiences during the summer. To see pictures of our Grady students interning, please see our #GradyInternDiaries social media collection.

Other Grady Intern Diary interviews can be viewed here: Kelsey Ann Williams

Name: Jamari Jordan

Title of Internship: Production Intern

Company: NFL Films

Location: Mount Laurel, NJ

Describe a typical workday in your internship.

I usually get into work around 9:30 a.m. and check in with a production assistant about what needs to be done on a particular documentary project. Usually, I log interviews, pick out highlights from past games and do research on documentary subjects. Whenever I finish that, I check in with the PA or the producer and ask what else needs to be done after that. I pretty much continue this cycle of tasks until I leave around 6:30 p.m.

What is the biggest challenge you face at your internship?

The biggest challenge I face at my internship is the pace of work. I’m used to doing live events/studio type shows. So with that, it is always a rush to put on things because everything is done live. Here at NFL Films, it is a relaxed workflow because we are preparing things for the upcoming season. Things don’t pick up here until mid-August and during the season.

What is the most influential experience or most important skill you learned at your internship?

The most influential experience I have had so far is the ability to have real, tangible interactions with professional producers. In college, usually when professionals come in, they are the on-air talent, directors, PR and Ad professionals, etc. I have rarely had any interaction with producers. Now, I’m speaking with them on a daily basis and picking their brains about creative choices and decision-making.

What advice would you give to a student looking for an internship?

Start now. There is never a time too early to begin the search. Don’t be afraid to apply to a place too big. It’s a good chance to get your name out there. At the same token, don’t be discouraged when you get the small market internship and not the big market. Small markets have their distinct advantages as they allow you to be more hands on.

What part of your Grady education did you find most valuable during your internship?

Professionalism and skill set. In Grady, we get all the tools we need to be successful journalists, PR professionals, advertising agents, directors and producers. No other college can boast our experience. I know when I apply to an internship, I’m automatically a top candidate because of the real-world experiences I’ve learned at Grady. 

Date: August 11, 2015