Internship Reflection – WHRO Public Media
How has your internship experience shaped your views of your major and/or your career aspirations or plans?
My internship at WHRO confirmed that I want to pursue a career in media production, specifically in audio, video, and live event coordination. Experiencing different departments;from production to master control, it ultimately helped me see how each area contributes to a finished product. This gave me a clearer sense of how my Cinema Production major aligns with real-world broadcast and public media operations.
What aspects of your internship helped you to clarify your career goals?
The hands-on opportunities were the biggest factor. Editing a PBS Curate segment showed me how fulfilling storytelling through video can be, while working live at the Juneteenth event proved that I thrive under the fast-paced, problem-solving nature of event production. These experiences helped me narrow my focus toward creative roles that balance planning and execution.
What networking opportunities or professional connections did you make during your internship? Why are these opportunities important?
I worked closely with WHRO producers, engineers, and technical directors who were generous with their knowledge. These connections are valuable because they open doors for mentorship, future collaborations, and potential employment opportunities in both public media and independent production settings.
Which disciplinary or major-specific skills did you use?
I applied camera operation skills, audio mixing techniques, and post-production editing methods learned in my Cinema Production courses. For example, while editing the Walker Babington segment, I used my training in Adobe Premiere Pro to manage multiple video tracks, clean up audio, and color correct footage for broadcast.
In what ways did your internship experiences connect to your classroom learning? Provide specific examples.
In class, I learned about production timelines and the importance of pre-production planning. At WHRO, I saw those concepts in action when preparing for the Juneteenth event; including checking equipment lists, scouting the venue layout, and rehearsing camera positions before going live. This direct connection between classroom theory and professional execution strengthened my understanding of production workflows.
What new knowledge, skills, and abilities did you gain by completing this experience?
I gained technical knowledge in broadcast operations, particularly in master control, where I monitored live programming and addressed real-time playback issues. I also learned about the editorial process for public television, including how to maintain storytelling quality while adhering to strict time and technical requirements.
What does it mean to act as a professional in your field?
In media production, professionalism means being reliable, adaptable, and respectful to everyone on the team, from producers to on-air talent. It also means maintaining composure under pressure, especially during live events, and delivering quality work consistently.
What specific contributions have you made to your internship organization that highlight the value of a humanities education?
My humanities background gave me a deeper appreciation for cultural representation in media. For example, when editing the Juneteenth coverage, I understood the historical and cultural significance of the celebration, which helped me frame shots and transitions that respected the event’s meaning while engaging viewers.
How have your communication, analytical, or ethical reasoning skills benefited your internship organization?
Clear communication was essential when coordinating with multiple team members during shoots and live events. My analytical skills helped me troubleshoot technical issues quickly, while ethical reasoning ensured that the content we produced was accurate, respectful, and aligned with WHRO’s mission.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your experience?
The most rewarding part was seeing my work broadcast to the public and knowing I contributed to meaningful programming that reaches thousands of viewers. It was fulfilling to know that my efforts directly supported WHRO’s mission to educate, inform, and inspire the community.
Advice for Future Interns:
Be proactive;ask questions, volunteer for projects, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn and the stronger your professional connections will be.