Television Internships: Launching Your Career in Broadcasting

Landing a television internship is a crucial step for aspiring media professionals. It offers invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into the fast-paced world of television production. This article highlights the experiences of two successful professionals, Ciara Musson and Alicia Hastey, who leveraged their Television Internships to launch their careers. Their insights offer valuable advice for current and future interns looking to make the most of their opportunities.

From Classroom to Studio: Real-World Experience in Television

Both Musson and Hastey completed multiple television internships during their time at Hofstra University, each focusing on different aspects of the industry. Musson gained experience in international media distribution, web content creation, and social media outreach at Sesame Workshop, PBS, and CNN, respectively. Hastey, on the other hand, immersed herself in news production at NBC News, Fox News Channel, and ABC News, along with gaining experience in live television production at “Live! With Kelly.”

These varied experiences provided them with a well-rounded understanding of the television industry, exposing them to different roles and responsibilities. Musson’s work at Sesame Workshop, for instance, allowed her to contribute to educational children’s programming, while her time at CNN provided her with the opportunity to pitch, produce, and publish her own news piece. Hastey’s internships focused heavily on news production, allowing her to develop skills in live shot production, research, and field reporting.

The Impact of Television Internships on Career Development

Both Musson and Hastey credit their internships with significantly impacting their career paths. Musson emphasized the importance of networking and staying connected. Her previous internship at Sesame Workshop directly led to a full-time position after graduation. Hastey’s internship at NBC News paved the way for her current role as an NBC Universal East Coast Page, highlighting the value of company-specific internship programs.

Beyond securing employment, both women highlighted the invaluable skills and knowledge gained during their internships. They learned the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and understanding the roles of different team members. Musson learned to “speak the language” of producers, cameramen, and editors, enabling her to contribute effectively to the production process. Hastey underscored the significance of relationship building and a proactive attitude, emphasizing the need to say “yes” to opportunities and seek out additional responsibilities.

Maximizing Your Television Internship Experience

Based on their experiences, Musson and Hastey offer invaluable advice for aspiring television interns:

• Network Actively: Connect with professionals in your desired field. Take the initiative to schedule informational interviews or coffee chats to learn from their experiences.
• Embrace Every Opportunity: Be willing to take on any task, no matter how small. View each assignment as a learning opportunity and a chance to demonstrate your skills and work ethic.
• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned. Seek out additional responsibilities and demonstrate your initiative. Ask questions and show genuine interest in the work.
• Build Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with your supervisors and colleagues. These connections can lead to future opportunities and mentorship.

By following this advice, aspiring television professionals can leverage their internships to gain valuable experience, build their network, and launch successful careers in the dynamic world of broadcasting. Television internships are not just about fulfilling academic requirements; they are about building a foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.