Danielle McCalla is a sophomore communication studies major with a concentration in public relations. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, McCalla moved to Florida in January 2013 to pursue her passion in the world of media. Being part of the NATPE internship program solidified her desire to get into the public relations field.
The National Association of Television Programs Executive (NATPE) is an association of television executives and producers, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. It hosts a three-day annual conference that is globally recognized as the key media event of the year.
This year’s conference was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Each year, interns help make the conference an exceptional experience. In exchange, interns receive a behind-the-scenes look at television production. I had the privilege of being selected as one of the interns to work at this year’s conference, which ran from Jan. 28 to 30.
NSU communication studies students are encouraged to participate in internships as much as possible, because it is the best way to gain experience and to establish ourselves in the industry. I was introduced to this internship by my mass media professor, Dr. Egwu, who insisted everyday before class that we apply. I figured that, if she was making such an emphasis on our participation, it must be for a reason, so why not give it a shot?
The application process was simple; I submitted my resume and cover letter — which told of my interest in combining public relations and television, along with a recommendation and a recent photograph. Well, little did I know, this was about to be the greatest experience of my life.
Gregory Pitts, NATPE’s director of faculty and student programs, and Sheri Beam, intern supervisor, selected a group of interns from all across the nation and Puerto Rico. In total, there were about 40 interns; they were the most talented, motivated and educated people I have ever met. All are communication studies or journalism majors who aspire to have careers within different areas of media — from programming, to directing, to writing. I am proud to say that NSU was well represented with nine interns; eight undergraduates and one graduate student.
As interns, we helped with preparations for the event at the hotel the weekend before the conference started. These duties included packing over 3000 bags — which we later gave out to attendees at the conference, offering assistance — which included having knowledge of where all the seminars in the four towers of the hotel were held, and much more.
This is where all those communication classes came in handy. We had to be pleasant, clear and accurate communicators, because the patrons spent a lot of money to come to this event and we, as facilitators, had to help them get the most out of it. Our days started at 7 a.m. and ended at around 7 p.m.
At this point, you may be wondering, how this is one of my life’s greatest experiences; just hang tight, it gets better. Yes, I worked as though I owed one year’s rent and I was on my feet all day, but the connections I made and the people that I met made it all worth it.
As a greeter, I had people walking up to me asking for directions or general information. They would see my name tag or the name of my school or hear my Jamaican accent and would strike up a conversation. The next thing I knew, I was having a full conversation with three members on the board of Black Entertainment Television, then we exchanged contact information. Once, while walking back to the intern room, I had a brief conversation with Vanilla Ice about his show “The Vanilla Ice Project” on HGTV.
Where else is one going to find the Chairman and CEO of BET Debra Lee, the Co-Creator of “Modern Family” Steve Levitan, Creator/Executive Producer of “CSI” Anthony Zuiker, Owner-Chairman of AXS TV (formerly HDNet) and owner of the NBA’s Dallas Maverick, Mark Cuban, and so many others all in one place? It was like I struck career gold.
In addition to these well-known executives, there were representatives from smaller companies, such as radio talk show host Jill Tracey, who I had a chance to network with. Though these people are important, the people who stuck out most were the up-and-comers in the industry who were trying to sell their television ideas to the big companies, and are always looking to hire young, bright students, who are fresh out of college.
If that was not enough, after the long day of work was over — the night brought some pretty awesome parties, which the interns had all inclusive access to. The biggest party of all, NATPE’s big 50th birthday bash, was held inside the hotel’s Liv Night Club. It was at these parties that most of the big executives were more relaxed and open to conversations. And even if the person I was having a conversation with could not help me themselves, they might have known someone who could. That, my friends, is the power of networking.
I don’t know which internship will have you work hard, party just as hard, meet amazing people, and feed you like royalty all in the span of five days. I have to say a major thank you to Dr. Chetachi Egwu, for insisting that I take this internship and for giving me sound advice. What I did was not only incredible for my career, but great for NSU. As the President of NATPE Rod Perth said while addressing the interns before the conference, “It is not about the end, but rather, the journey. Take each moment as it comes.”
