Entertainment Value
Dickinsonians discuss summer internships in the arts, entertainment, sports/recreation and nonprofit sectors
by Lauren Davidson
They wore shark costumes. They slogged through hours of television. They handled priceless works of art. They researched, wrote, pitched and presented, and now they are more prepared for life beyond the limestone walls because of it. Discover the experiences of Dickinson students interning in the arts, entertainment, sports/recreation and nonprofit sectors this summer.
Tyler Clauson-Wolf ’16 – The Soup
(funded by The DTP ’80 Internship Fund)
Major: American studies (film studies minor).
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
I watch a lot of morning news, talk shows, soap operas (in Spanish and English) and some game shows to find clips that we can make fun of on The Soup, a satire broadcast on the E! channel. Toward the end of every day, I join the rest of the staff for the pitch meetings. I get to pitch my clips to all the producers and writers, which is both nerve-wracking and exciting. The clips with the biggest laughs in our meetings get picked to be on the show, so even though I am an intern, I have just as much chance as getting something on the show as someone who has worked there for a long time.
What is the most valuable part of this internship experience for you?
I would say the most valuable part of The Soup internship (and any internship for that matter) are the connections I am making with people who have been working, and are established, in the entertainment industry.
How has this internship better prepared you for life after Dickinson?
While this internship has helped solidify my desire to work in comedy television, it also is helping me understand how to balance my life away from college. In school you have to balance homework, athletics, clubs, jobs and social life—but you have the help of all your friends and professors here. Out in the real world you are on your own to schedule arriving to work on time, getting groceries, making dinner, going to the gym, meeting up with friends or something as simple as doing laundry.
Previous internships: Gary Ross’ production company, Larger Than Life, in Los Angeles, and The Late Show with David Letterman in New York City.
Sydney Cross ’17 – Young Audiences New York
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
Young Audiences New York (YANY) expands art-education programming to reach beyond the schools and into the larger community. This strategy shift involves research on ways to integrate communities, whether that is through local business support, having art events in public spaces, etc. The idea is that by bringing people together physically and emotionally through arts events, the community becomes more united and committed to social action. So, part of my work this summer is conducting research on how to provide community programming in New York City neighborhoods. I will present this research project to the staff for them to use as a guide in the future. My other big project involves documenting summer artist residencies funded through a large grant for children in summer programs throughout the city.
Previous internships: Campus Kitchen at Washington and Lee University.
What are your plans/hopes/dreams after you graduate from Dickinson?
I learned in Girl Scouts to leave a place better than you found it. So I strive to make positive changes in this world. How exactly will I do that? It’s a work in progress.
Molly Hogan ’16 – Discovery Communications
Major: English.
How did you get this internship?
I found the application online and applied—along with 13,400 other people. I also attended a Career Center event where I met a fellow student who mentioned that her sister worked for Discovery Communications in Los Angeles. I got her information, and she asked to have my name flagged in the application process.
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
No, I can’t—which I love! I take on myriad projects and tasks each week, so usually my Monday is not the same as my Tuesday. Generally, I assist the Social Studies Techbook™ (digital textbook) team. I review content from a variety of Discovery networks to determine compatibility with each chapter. I also produce drafts of text and media compilations that focus on recent events or politics. This way, the book stays fresh and topical, as opposed to print textbooks, which are quickly dated.
What is the most valuable part of this internship experience for you?
Shark Week. Just kidding. Kind of. I found a lot of value working for a company that is so global. Discovery networks reach over 200 countries and exist in 45 languages. I am interested in international education and global study, so I love knowing that someone in Singapore or Copenhagen is working toward the same mission that I am.
Previous internship: U.S. National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Kelsey Horowitz ’18 – Boston Ballet
Major: undecided.
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
I record registration forms and put all students’ information into the database. I help write up the weekly schedules for the Summer Dance Program. Each group has a different schedule with different teachers and classes every hour, so this is a very important part of the job. I observe the studio administrators throughout the day and see how to handle the various issues that may come up and how they answer questions that parents have. I have worked three shifts where I’ve been alone at the front desk at night.
What is the most valuable part of this internship experience?
I’ve learned valuable computer skills that I can use in many other types of jobs, including working with online databases and Excel. I’ve also seen behind the scenes how the Summer Dance Program is set up and run. There is a lot more that goes into it than a person would think! I have also learned a lot about customer service, which is very beneficial.
Paris Humphrey ’16 – Live Nation/House of Blues
Major: Art & art history.
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
I am working on a long-term project of reorganizing and renaming all the graphics the design team uses in Photoshop to make it easier to find images for projects. I am also on a team of interns working on a tent-pole project. We have to come up with an idea for an event for a House of Blues venue. As part of this team, I conduct research and develop a business plan with my group. At the end we present our idea, and they will pick a winner. The winning team’s idea will be created into a real event for the Anaheim, Calif., House of Blues venue, and if it does well, it can be introduced at other venues nationwide.
What is the most valuable part of this internship experience?
Having the ability to work with interns from different departments and to meet with the heads of departments allows me to learn and understand how the departments work independently and how they interact with one another, as well as what each department does and how they are connected. Being able to work in a group is a huge asset for any career.
Previous internships: Hammer Museum, Technicolor and the Petersen Automotive Museum
Rebecca Race ’16 – The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation
Major: International business & management and art & art history.
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
I assist with the organization and documentation of Josef and Anni Albers’ art collections. I also help prepare for upcoming exhibitions around the world, from Milan to Reykjavík. I work directly with the artists’ works and have learned art-handling skills as a result. I have the opportunity to engage with museum professionals, conservators, visiting artists and researchers and gain valuable technical as well as business and social skills.
What advice would you offer to peers considering an internship?
Having an internship is one of the most important things a college student can do. Internships help you realize your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes, career-wise. Getting a taste of the real world and the 9-to-5 work schedule is something that everyone should do before graduating. My internship has allowed me to make connections with professionals in the art world, something that would not happen while sitting in a classroom.
Previous internships: Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University.
Isabel Richards ’16 – Franklin Furnace Archives at the Pratt Institute
(funded by Paula Kleine Internship Fund)
Major: Art & art history.
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
I have been moving between the various departments of the Franklin Furnace Archives, depending on whichever projects need my assistance. Generally I focus on one department for two weeks before moving to the next. My daily tasks can range from anything to archival work, database entry and editing, researching for artist venues and contacts and office administration.
How has this internship better prepared you for life after Dickinson?
I’ve gained valuable insight into the industry and learned skills such as grant proposal writing, archival processes and data entry, with particular programs like Filemaker Pro.
Previous internships: ArtAngel Inc. and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, as well as work experience at the Associated Press and CBS News, all in London.
Alexandra Stiebel ’17 – Sport and Speed Institute
Major: Psychology.
Can you describe what you do for the internship on a day-to-day basis?
I am a part of both the marketing and coaching teams for the Sport and Speed Institute. I am in charge of multiple social-media accounts for the company, and I assist with coaching the athletes. I also teach my own planned yoga routine.
What is the most valuable part of this internship experience for you?
I have met so many influential people who will be great contacts for me later in life.
In addition to these students, more than 400 Dickinson students are gaining valuable experience this summer through internship and research opportunities in science, finance, government, marketing and other fields.
Learn More
- Interns in Action
- Career Center
- "Nailed It: 5 Ways to Finish Your Internship Strong" (by Nick Bailey '16 in HuffPost College)
- "Spreading the Word"
- Latest News
Published August 6, 2015