Experience Journal

PBS Distribution

I stuck with the public service media scene in Boston! Interning with PBS Distribution brought me deeper into the world of public service media. More specifically, I interned with the Sales division(and dabbled in some marketing). In summer of 2023, I screened rough drafts of content, and provided notes based on what would appeal to potential buyers. I also attended general sales team meetings, general PBS and PBS Distribution meetings, and meetings with producers. I asked a lot of questions, and did a lot of listening! It was fascinating learning the role of sales in entertainment. I watched the team ensure that producers were able to maintain their vision, while making sure that the content is distributable and appealing to buyers. I learned to balance company values, producers’ visions, and my own input. I also gained a deeper understanding of the collaborative relationship between sales and marketing, and the differences between those roles. 

EBONI(Emerson’s Black Organization with Natural Interests)

In the midst of the pandemic, the first year of my college experience was mostly remote. EBONI held a massive budget, but didn’t have the capacity to hold events to its fullest potential. Midway through my sophomore year, I was accepted onto its executive board, eager to revive the organization to its former glory! EBONI is Emerson’s first cultural organization, established in 1969. As President for two years, I, and my passionate peers, were able to get the ball rolling again. Here’s a picture from our Coffee House Open Mic Event(where I recited some of my own work), and our screening of Beyonce’s Renaissance movie.

Johns Hopkins Summer Business Academy and CVSHealth Pitch Competition

This past summer, I had the privilege of attending a 2-week long professional development program hosted at the Carey School of Business by INROADS.  I participated in workshops and seminars that strengthened my professional development skills. 

I also took part in a pitch competition judged by executives at CVS Health, where my team placed third. Most of my experiences are rooted in media and entertainment, and this was an amazing opportunity to hone in on the analytical skills and general business knowledge needed to succeed in any field. I enjoyed working with my team on a case that didn’t directly pertain to my field because I broadened my horizons. I also met some really cool people!

Anthropologie

As much as I love spending time on campus, it’s nice taking a walk to Anthropologie and getting a change of pace. As a sales associate,  I’ve practiced being more outspoken, and thinking on my feet. I enjoy creating genuine and positive interactions with customers, and with my coworkers. It also sparked my newfound passion for fashion!

American Public Television

I knew I loved media and entertainment(and still do)-- especially after spending a summer immersed in it. I wanted to continue exploring media and entertainment during my semester in Boston, and luckily, I landed a marketing internship with American Public Television, a public media distributor based in Boston Massachusetts. Here, I shadowed the marketing communications team. I used Meltwater to track media coverage of APT, its content, and its producers. I helped organize APT’s client newsletters, and helped compile materials for the upcoming Fall Marketplace event, where potential media buyers scope out content! As usual, I enjoyed the strategic and marketing aspects of this role, and of course, working in media and entertainment, I also found joy in working with public service media. This experience enhanced my respect for platforms that value doing good, and that uplift content that educates people, produced by creators that care about societal wellbeing.

NYC Tastemakers

During the summer of my freshman year of college, I interned with NYC Tastemakers, an online lifestyle magazine based in New York City. I wrote 6-8 articles daily about food, music, and TV. Some of these topics were assigned to me by an editor, others I chose for myself. As a young writer, this was a great opportunity to enhance my writing abilities, and to gain confidence publishing work. I learned to submit on a deadline, and to rapidly generate meaningful content. I had plenty of room for growth as a writer and as a professional, and I’m grateful for the experience.

Tactical Writing for the Public Relations Professional

The key component of my senior-year Tactical Writing Class was compiling a media kit for a nonprofit. As a film/media enthusiast, I was excited to connect with the Somerville Media Center, a community-access media center in Somerville, Massachusetts. SMC oversees Somerville Community Access Television(SCATV) and Boston Free Radio. They strive to make media production and education accessible to all. 

To complete the project, I met weekly with their executive director to make sure the kit aligned with SMC’s vision. This project was probably one of my most rewarding. I practiced AP style writing, and delivering materials to a client. I also worked. To see it, find “Media Kit,” in the menu bar!

The IT Help Desk

I never thought I would hear myself say “I worked in IT,” but here we are. Working at Emerson College’s IT Help Desk was a highlight of my college experience. I helped loan film production equipment to my peers, and troubleshooted any IT-related issues. I learned a lot about the inner workings of my school, and enjoyed my amazing coworkers!

Next Level Entertainment and My Time in Los Angeles

Next Level Entertainment Global is a boutique talent/literary management group. Their presence is global, but I interned at their base in Los Angeles through Emerson College’s Los Angeles campus. It was my first time leaving my time zone! I loved every bit of it. Daily, I met with actors and producers to discuss their projects and how they were progressing. I also submitted actors for roles that suit their interests, abilities, and goals. This position pushed me out of my comfort zone by teaching me to advocate for my clients(and myself!) I was able to blend my strategic thinking with my passion for connecting with people. There was no better feeling than seeing a person or a project succeed with my support. I was also able to attend some pretty cool panels and networking events through Emerson College. This summer was certainly an adjustment, but I’m excited to keep on adjusting! I’m excited to travel more and to learn more.