InternViews

“My experience at Big Machine in the publicity department has confirmed my passion and desire to work in communications and music. I’ve always had a strong connection to music, and the opportunity to contribute to the storytelling process of artists at Big Machine has been so beneficial. This summer gave me a more clear view of how much strategy, storytelling and collaboration go into helping artists connect with their audiences. Working at Big Machine has made me realize that publicity is not just about landing media coverage, but more about shaping narratives and building up to memorable moments for clients. I’m leaving this experience feeling inspired to pursue a career where I can help bring those stories to life.”

“This internship has shown me how an entertainment management company operates and the different sectors of the industry that a manager can specialize in. After learning more about entertainment management and seeing what the managers and their assistants do day-to-day, I could definitely see myself working at an entertainment management company post-graduation. I am thankful for my internship here because it has made me look into a career path that I would have otherwise not known about!”

“The most valuable piece of advice I’ve gained is to see the hustle and bustle of New York City as an opportunity, not something to be intimidated by. Being surrounded by so many people and ideas can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also what makes the city so exciting. There’s inspiration around every corner if you’re open to it.”

“Working on animated projects is the end goal for my career—it has been for as long as I can remember. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this internship, meaning that it has been a massive step forward. The experience I’ve gained as part of the “Smiling Friends” team will allow me to be a more valuable asset on future animated productions. I’ve made valuable connections that are sure to last in this small, close-knit field. And as a result of learning more about all the moving parts of such a production, I have a better idea of what path I should take to reach my dream position.”

“One of my proudest accomplishments so far has been creating my own graphics and seeing them used both in the live show and in my own reel segments. At Grady, we’re encouraged to embrace our individuality through creativity, and bringing that mindset to WCNC has allowed me to introduce fresh ideas, experiment with more creative forecast presentations and to learn more each day.”

“I cannot express enough gratitude for what Grady has given me and the impact I have felt during my time here so far. From my first day in Grady to now, I have always felt the utmost support from my professors, advisors and mentors. There is no doubt that someone is always in my corner, who is truly invested in my success. Grady has prepared me through coursework that has sharpened my communication, writing and interpersonal skills. My public relations courses have helped me remain professional and personable while dealing with issues that arise. My sports media certificate courses have taught me critical skills to be effective and efficient in the sports industry. The courses I have taken during my time in Grady thus far have pushed me out of my comfort zone, making it easier to adapt in my current professional role.”

“Some of the best advice I got was during orientation at Cox. With a large intern class of around 150 interns, the Early Careers team encouraged us to make the most of our summer. Since then, I’ve been saying yes to every opportunity I can, including intern events, volunteer activities and getting involved in the Cox community. I also took on a role as a communications lead for the Intern Planning Committee, which has been a great way to stay connected and help bring people together. The best way to learn during an internship is to make the most of it and soak in the moments along the way!”

“The Grady College curriculum along with the Sports Media and News Literacy certificate programs have given me a strong understanding of the many roles and moving parts involved in producing what audiences ultimately see on their TV. Through experiential learning opportunities, I’ve had the opportunity to step into several of those roles, which has helped me become proactive, adaptable and a team player. These skills have been essential to making the most of my internship at ESPN.”

“As someone who is interested in the intersection between politics and media, this role has really helped me figure out what my voice is when it comes to storytelling. I have always known that I was interested in a future in television, but working in the news industry. I have realized what kinds of stories I am interested in telling and I hope to funnel this knowledge towards a future career in political commentary. Whether this is through narrative storytelling or broadcast news, I am lucky to be able to learn from some of the best journalists and producers at CNN.”

“Grady has also prepared me to think critically and collaborate effectively. Many of the projects in my Grady classes have been a team effort, so it has taught me to adapt to different working styles. Having this skill is crucial in Great Wolf Lodge’s fast-paced, collaborative environment.”

“I believe that the more challenges you face in an internship, the more you will get out of it. An internship is the perfect place to fail. Expectations are low and opportunity is high. When recording practice stand-ups, the bright light behind the camera can be distracting. I overcame this challenge by reminding myself that this is something I need to learn how to deal with and to not think too deeply about it.”

“This internship has helped me further confirm that sports broadcasting and play-by-play is what I want to do. Sports media has always held a special place in my heart, and having the opportunity to work with a professional team such as the Cougars has helped me gain more experience to better myself and learn more about what it’s like having a career in sports.”

“Put in the hours to bring empathy and excellence into the work you are doing wherever your feet are planted. In all aspects of journalism, you must deeply care about the impact you have on people and strive for the highest quality storytelling. Our industry is changing, and we need to hunger for more and for better.”

“Through my internship, I have had the chance to network with industry professionals from investigative reporters to communications directors. I also got to cover the hearing on strengthening child welfare and protecting America’s children and had the opportunity to watch Paris Hilton testify. Also, I met Raphael Warnock, one of the highlights of my internship and summer in Washington, D.C.”

“Make sure to tailor your resume to fit the specific company or internship you are applying to! Do your research to identify the company’s core values or technical requirements they seek in candidates. By establishing a clear connection between yourself, your resume, and the company or role, you significantly increase your chances of getting a callback.”

“My classes at Grady have truly set me up for success during my internship. The curriculum has prepared me for networking with industry professionals and, most importantly, provided me with essential entertainment knowledge. Understanding concepts related to development, production, and the business side of entertainment has proved incredibly useful.”

“I have gained so much valuable insight as to how the world of news reporting truly runs on a daily basis throughout my internship. Learning the basic elements of journalism in class is a completely different task than putting it all together in a newsroom. Seeing a package begin as someone’s mere thought that is then translated into a comprehensive on-air production is so exciting.”

“Working at an Omnicom agency has enabled me to get certifications in media planning, research, and Meta. OMG23 is also special in that it is extremely collaborative – even as an intern, I’ve gotten to sit in on meetings with upper level executives and middle management. This has opened my mind to more strategic, solution-oriented methods of thought while strengthening my communication skills.”

“Grady has definitely helped me because they have a very strong focus on relationships and the way you interact with people. I try to keep that in mind when I am working with people from the Bucs or other teams. The Carmical Sports Media program also taught me a lot about social media, etiquette, and even equipment that has helped me this summer.”

“One of my goals is to become an entrepreneur and run my own creative studio, so internships like this are crucial because they teach me the value of learning how to market and pitch myself in a specific space. They also remind me to let people know that I exist as not just a person but also a creative one.”

“Ask yourself if this role makes sense for you, personally and professionally. Do your values align? Do your past experiences fit with the expectations? Be honest with yourself when researching a company, and don’t make the assumption that more applications equate to more opportunities. Be intentional! Spend your time wisely during the process.”

“You are not behind. You put a lot of pressure on yourself to know everything and be perfect, but the news industry is constantly changing, so that is legitimately not possible. You are just where you need to be, so trust the process and I promise you will get to where you are supposed to be.”

“In creative roles, your portfolio is super important, so put a lot of effort into your work and how you present it. People typically see your portfolio and resume before they talk to you, so it’s crucial to make a good first impression and show off your best work.”