Final Blog Post

My time at Hearst was an incredible experience. The internship, as all experiences in life, had it's plusses and minuses and, in all honesty, I am unsure is i would want to work at such a company full time.

In regards to the type of work I did, I was incredibly happy with the job. I worked with people who had experience in the production field and were able to assist and teach me for the three months that I was there. I also had fun and was able to enjoy my work while assisting on shoots for youtube. For these reasons, production is definitely a career that i would try to pursue in the future.

The drawback of Hearst, however, was the size of the corporation. The amount of people working on my floor, let alone the entire building, was extremely intimidating. There were times where I was sent to find a specific person in the building, and people on the floor in which they worked did not know who they are. In the future, I think I would be happier working in a smaller, more private company in the production Industry.

The most important thing I learned at my time at Hearst was the importance of networking. Although I finished working at the office a week ago, I have still kept in touch with people from the production team that I worked for. They have put me on a list of people who they call when they are in need of a (paid) production assistant because they trust my work and would be happy to have me when I am available to help out. I have also become close with someone from my team and will be helping him out with a feature film that his other company is producing over the summer and fall.

Hearst Digital Media has served as a great place for me to further my abilities in video production and editing. I would suggest this internship to anyone who wishes to have their filming and editing abilities improved under the watch of such professional workers.

Last Blog Post

1.      After the end of every independent production the company ends as well, so I can’t work specifically there, but in the same field. In this field I would like to try working full time. I have never worked on set during my internship only as a production assistant for the office. It was a lot of what the description of what question number one contained “I worked as a production assistant for 6 months… running around getting coffee, sitting for hours on a set wait for one thing or another.” Replace set with the production office and 6 months with a semester and you kind of have my experience in a nutshell. Honestly, the internship was a little discouraging and it makes me want to look at other fields. It is discouraging because I don’t like the idea of work taking up all my time and everyone worked 12 to sometimes 14 hour days. Most of those people were doing paperwork too which is probably something no one can escape in life but that I thought would be less a part of film. So many jobs are just divided up based on what paperwork they do versus something that I thought would include more physical or creative exertion. Still I don’t think I got a full view of film production as I was mostly in the office, so I would like to give it another shot.
From outside of my internship, I saw my friend one day who just finished a job as a production assistant on a TV show and he looked exhausted. He was working the same amount of hours I mentioned before and had no social life because of it.
I wouldn’t say this is a career/industry/position I would never want to have, but I also don’t think it looks all that great anymore. In general starting out in any work you are not starting from the top and don’t get the best pay or even great hours, but when I see the amount of people who are giving up so much of their time and sometimes not going that far up the ladder it can look discouraging. On the other hand set is still something I have never tried that looks more interesting to me. I’ve always been an active person so I think working on set versus sitting in an office for a large amount of time would be more appealing to me.

2.      The most important thing I learned from this experience is how to do production assistant office work. I know how to do the daily script sides, do research for things that the production needs (such as truck parking, apartments for directors or actors..etc) and other general office things that could translate into an office job, but that also gave me knowledge on film production.

3.      I think I networked as much as I could. I made a joke to my friend about how everyone who works in film is really cranky because they don’t get much sleep, but mostly I wasn’t joking. Some people are just not very interested in knowing an interns name, some people are kind of, but also are kind of too busy. After reading other people’s blog posts on here I am wondering if this is just specific to my internship experience as other students seemed to get to extensively make connections while I feel very much like I am not sure where I stand with people.

4.      I would and I wouldn’t recommend this internship to other students at QC. Reading other student’s blog posts made me slightly disappointed in my experience in comparison. I think that there are probably better internships out there, but I think my experience at this internship could help me land a better internship in the future. So yes in experience it is something great that I can put on my resume.

Final Blog Posts/What I have learned from my Internship at dvDepot

The thing about dvDepot is that unless I had a full time job there I wouldn't really have worked in the field much. Yes, they did prepare me for the field but I wasn't really given any in field experience. I did, however, learn much of what I would need to do to be a Production Assistant. I expanded my skills in various areas, such as camera work, lighting, and other field work needed to know to be a PA. I'm honestly not one hundred percent sure it would me much different if I worked there full time, so no, I wouldn't want a full time job there. However, it didn't discourage me from wanting to work in the film industry. I know all internships are different. Though I enjoyed it, I still need an internship that gives me more hands on experience in the actual field. I have much experience in the field, but I would really like to expand on that. I can never learn enough skills in this field.
I would want to be a PA to start. Though I would like a higher position, I would like to start at a lower on because its it provides me with skills I need to obtain first. I'm not the type of person that just wants to jump to my dream job, because I honestly need more time learning the lower jobs, building a thick skin and taking constructive criticism before I can be successful in a career as a director. Bottom line I would pursue a job as a PA but only as a starting job, because I feel it's something I need and something that will truly make me stronger both psychologically, physically, and even emotionally.
Much of the time at dvDepot I was running errands for the company or doing inventory or sitting around when it was quiet. I was disappointed a little to be honest. That doesn't mean I didn't learn anything. I was trained how to set up and test lights and work with cameras I never worked with before and the dynamics of some of them.
The most important good thing I learned from this internship was what I need to do to work as a PA. When I was interviewed I was told my skills in film were what they were looking for, but I was never really able to utilize them, because the company never gave me the opportunity. I learned that companies can tell you they need you for one thing and make you do another. Some of those things are the jobs no one else wants to do.
I would keep in touch with dvDepot as a reference for future jobs. There is no other reason to really keep in touch with them. The company was nice and so were the staff, but i felt I could have gotten more out of it. i would recommend this internship to someone with much less experience than me. I did learn some things, but it;s an internship for students that don't have many skills at all in the film industry. Honestly, I most looking forward to my summer internship where I'll be traveling in and out of state to films and photograph and I will be editing as well. that is something to really look forward to.

Reflecting On My Internship Experience

           Tomorrow is the last day of my internship at Dana Dramov Consulting. I am more than excited that this day has come. I regret this to say that although I went into this internship with excitement, an open mind, and high hopes, I am finishing it off with bitter feelings. This is not a company I would like to work for in the future. In fact, this company is currently struggling. I regret to have spent such a miserable three months during this internship. I spent the majority of the first two months running personal errands that were both time consuming and mentally and physically challenging. It was not until the last month that I wrote an email to my supervisor requesting to do tasks related to the industry that I was actually given time to do more reasonable things.
          There are a total of three employees at this company. Aside from their inability to provide adequate mentorship to me, and their lack of respect towards their interns, another reason why I would never want to work for this company is for the lack of excitement they portray as publicists. When learning about PR and Marketing campaigns, I learned about exciting projects and events agencies organize. However, for the past three months that I have been interning at Dana Dramov Consulting, I have not witnessed any great projects, client collaborations, events, or anything of that nature. Public relations and marketing are two of the few industries that provide opportunity for creativity. However, the energy and work that I saw from this company seemed to be rather dull and tedious. I did not learn anything here that I otherwise couldn't have just by searching through Google. As for what I do want to do in the future goes, I definitely would love to pursue a career in marketing, but I am almost positive I want it to be in the beauty, rather than the fashion industry.
           The most important thing I've learned in this internship is that when you feel you need your voice to be heard, then let it be heard. At first, I was very intimidated and fearful of speaking up and letting my supervisor know how I felt and what was bothering me. I later realized that if I don't speak up, then I will never get asked what I want or what I need. I am a very social, friendly and approachable person. Rarely do I ever come across someone that I cannot get along with. If I do meet someone who I cannot communicate with, I tend to keep my distance and avoid any stress or dilemmas. However, having to commit three days a week for three months to a place with people who were very difficult to approach taught me to grow tougher skin, face and deal with the conflicts.
            Unfortunately, I was not able to network at all during this internship. Although I made many trips to magazine publications for dropping off and picking up samples, I did not meet anyone because these trips were always to the messenger centers of those buildings. In the office, I did not have contact with the clients. When clients, stylists, bloggers or editors came to the showroom, I was never introduced to them because my supervisor said that I am only an intern and too junior to be introduced to anyone. I did not have an opportunity or ability to meet people or establish any connections.
            I definitely would not recommend this internship to another student at QC. If you want to intern for a fashion pr/marketing company, do a lot of research and find several places to apply. I strongly recommend interning at a company bigger than one with only three employees. I assume the size of the company was also a contributing factor for my miserable experience. On a positive note, I now know New York City like the back of my hand thanks to the countless trips I made these past few months!

TTFN AAM

1. As my internship is coming to a close, I’d say overall, I had a fun experience! I learned a lot working within a music management company, such as Advanced Alternative Media, and was able to use social media in more ways than just tweeting gifs and live tweeting Dancing With the Stars. As for a future with the company or industry, I think it’s not really something I’d like to pursue. I feel like i’d want to pursue more of the entertainment and music reporting (ex: Access Hollywood-esque/Billboard) but I know it’s a competitive field, as well. It was a great experience though, and learning about the different clients who work with the artists I’d like to write or work alongside can serve as a benefit too.
2. The most important thing I learned from this experience was to be open and not be afraid to ask questions. I’m typically the quiet type, and I’d rarely ask questions unless it’s absolutely necessary. Interning with AAM forced me to ask questions since we were in charge of specific clients. My supervisors also made sure I asked questions when needed and were very welcoming to answer any questions whether it was to get to know about what they do, who they are, and learn the company/clients/tasks.
3. In my opinion there wasn’t much networking I can do. Most of the clients were interacted with during the phone, but I did network with people working at the office (it turns out the President of the Company is related to the former owners of Crumbs Bake Shop, which is where I’ve been working part-time for 3 1/2 years!) I do wish that I was able to meet some of the clients, it would've been a lot better networking-wise especially since they work with artists I enjoy listening to. 
4. Although it’s something I don’t want to pursue, if a student at QC is interested in working with a music management company, I’d 100% recommend it! I was very lucky I was able to get an internship with them, and I’ll definitely take my experiences from AAM and bring it to my future endeavors (especially asking questions!). If anyone at QC does get an internship, I can guarantee they’ll have fun and definitely learn a lot interning with AAM.  

Final Internship Post!

 My experience interning at Allied has truly been a wonderful one. I know that I am extremely lucky to be able to have such a hands-on experience in a positive and fun environment. My struggle now is just finding a place just as positive and exciting, if not better. I would absolutely love to work for this company full time. I don’t see it as a forever type of job but one of the reasons I love being a Media Studies major is that I have so many options. As far as a position within the company, I can see myself as a Promotions Coordinator or Publicist. I have recently had two interviews to work on a cruise ship based in NYC (Entertainment Cruises), but both of them offered me Sales Associate positions, and I know that it is not something I would enjoy or like to do. At first, I wanted to take it as a safety net but I have realized that there is no need to rush into a job that I would hate while I am only 21 and have the choice to do what I want. I worked an event with the supervisor of the promotional department at Allied last Thursday night, and he told me that if there was a position open that I would have it, following up with the fact that he wants to help me find a job. He asked me to come into his office on Tuesday to discuss where exactly I see myself working which was really exciting to hear so I am looking forward to that tomorrow. My main goal when I was a Drama/Theatre Major was to open up my own theater for children with Down syndrome, and to get my Masters in Drama Therapy. Obtaining this marketing internship has been fun, and has taught me so much about where I can take a company that I still intend to start down the line. I love to give back, and that is why I am currently looking for a position with a company that is well established, and gives back.

The most important thing I learned from this experience is to stay centered to who you are and what you want, without adding more pressure than is necessary. I know that I need to work in a creative field in order to love my job, but I have also realized that is very easy to get caught up in work, and only work. I have learned to always keep myself in check and consider what I am stressing out about, and what that stress means in the scheme of everything within my job, and life. I have also learned to never shy away from making another connection with someone new, because you never know how that connection could be helpful down the line. Lastly, to trust your gut feeling with an idea that I feel could be successful.

I definitely networked as much as I could, and the business cards I made were a very big help with networking. (For anyone reading this, the square business cards on MOO were a big hit!!) They often struck conversation, and really helped in getting to know someone new because I placed a photograph I took when I was in Italy on the front. Luckily, I felt very comfortable with everyone in the office and I have made many connections that I will be able to stay in touch with.

I would ABSOLUTELY recommend this internship to other students at QC. There is room to get paid if you can afford to put in the extra time at events, and it is a very positive environment with hands on experience. Anyone who enjoys working in the Entertainment field will love this internship!

Final Internship Post

1) When I first began my internship, I was certain that this company was one I wanted to work for. I was doing so much work hands-on within the development department for research and show pitches, that I really felt like I was being put to good use and training for future employment. However, as the months have gone by, I have been left with less and less to do. It seems as though I had taken a vital role in development, and due to this had gotten the attention of the President and Vice President of the company. They were very impressed with my work and work ethic, telling me that there was a future for me at Engel. However, I believe there were some sour grapes within the department and due to this I have been given less and less work. When before I was being put to actual development and production work, now I am only being sent on runs to the post office or FedEx. Of course, this bothers me and I have brought it up to my superiors that I feel like I was doing more in the beginning than I am now. However, The company is going through structural issues, as I've heard through the food chain, and due to this, I don't believe this may be the company for me exactly. I definitely know I want to be doing more TV Writing and Development than Production and Post Production. I also know I do not want to be working in reality television. Due to this, this company may not be for me either. 

2) I think the best thing I've learned was to do my best and if I don't know how to do something, don't give up on it and keep digging deeper. Within development they're always saying "dig deeper." Not everything you'll find will be on the internet, sometimes with shows that you're trying to cast or look for a plot, you have to call around and ask people questions, find specialists and things of that nature. It's important to be personable and proactive about your work. I learned that knowing the names of everyone in the office is vital and definitely helps to get to know them or try to talk to them to help out when they need you. I also learned that not everything is going to be a home-run. Some days will be great and others super boring and slow. Just have to stick it out. 

3) I definitely networked a bunch, probably not as much as I could have but within development I made an impact. One casting and development manager became almost like a mentor to me, she and I have become very close and she's taken me under her wing almost. She has an extensive resume within media and is hoping to help me out with my job search through some of her connections (she rocks). I know that being able to network with the president and vice president of the company has been a rewarding and learning experience for me, as well. I know that the other interns and I will most likely stay in touch because we've become pretty close working together so often!

4) I definitely recommend Engel Entertainment for any students who are interested in specific fields within TV Production. For example, the company is always looking for editors and post producers, if this is something that you're interested in, it's a great place for you. Because I am more interested in sketch/tv/comedy writing and development, it's not as rewarding for me because their main focus is in reality television. I think that because the company is doing so many shows in their future, they will definitely be looking for extra hands in the office so APPLY!!

And As For Now. . .

     I've been doing a lot of thinking in my time off from the internship about where I would like to see myself years from now and my ideals are a little uncertain. I mean, I loved my PA internship, all of the people I worked with and the fantastic perks of PA'ing on Inside Amy Schumer, but I definitely don't want to PA for the long haul after studying film and media for 4 years. I feel I can accomplish much more and aspire to do great things. For now, I see myself finally quitting my aggravating college job at a restaurant and entering the world of PA'ing - And I'm thrilled to be in the mix of production. Through the people I've met, there are a few who truly inspired me to be the best I can be and not settle for less. And these people saw potential in me, and for that, I'm most gracious for. They have been offering me post grad jobs in production, such as 2nd AC'ing on television shoots or other PA gigs, which I'm more than happy to accept. As I meet more people in the industry on jobs like this, I will begin to discover where I want to be years from now, and I do believe I'm on the right track.
     What have I learned about production and being on set? It's pretty interesting to know that a good portion of the people I've worked with from the sound department, to other PA's, don't have an educational background in film or media. They have obtained these jobs through social dynamics or in other words: It's not necessarily about what you know, but about who you know. I have had the production office manager say to me, "listen, all you need to do to be successful in the media industry is to be charming and the rest will follow". Although, this is taken out of context and is naive, he does make an amusing point. When I went on my interview for this internship (after conducting myself awkwardly in other previous interviews), I went in with a refined attitude I did not carry with me on previous interviews and I believe was the key to my hiring. My disposition was simple: You have the experience in order to succeed and you are going to be working for free, so might as well just be 'cool' in the interview and have a good time conversing with them. We shared a few laughs, I told them about my production history and I asked questions. But it should be said that I still had to work extensively to get this internship. And while I know, to get where I want to be won't be easy, at the same time it won't necessarily be hard - it's all about perspective for me. There are much harder things in life: My great grandparents fleeing from a poverty stricken country in the post famine years of Ireland is food for thought; After their true hardships and sacrifices made, for me to be in the position I am now, with considerable opportunity and a whole career ahead of me, I aspire to accomplish great success in the film and media industry and to make my family proud.
     After building up a social network in production over the past year, I've met plenty of dependable people that have already helped me get my feet off the ground. I've seized every opportunity to network and attend events such as the premiere party of Inside Amy Schumer; I made my rounds, said my congrats to Amy for her recent success and being renewed for a 4th season, wrote thank you letters, exchanged numbers and had a great time doing it. That is what is so appealing to me for PA'ing for a little while after graduating - the charismatic atmosphere and work environment.
    With this being said about Inside Amy Schumer being renewed for a 4th season, I would definitely recommend this internship to other QC students. I plan on working for them again when the time comes around. And who knows, maybe I'll be working in the camera department by then. As for now, I will continue to gauge my options as I navigate through the industry, put in the work, further develop my career plans and goals and find my calling.

Final Blog Post Due: Friday, May 8

Your final blog post is  a reflection on your internship experience. In thinking about what you did over the course of the past semester, include information about the following:

1. There are a few important questions to consider coming out of an internship: is this a company would like to work for full time? are there positions in the company/field I would like to pursue? OR Having done this internship, I know this is a career/industry/position I would never want to have. Which one of these describes your situation? Be specific. (For example, I worked as a production assistant for 6 months and after running around getting coffee, sitting for hours on a set wait for one thing or another, I knew production was not for me.)
2. What is the most important thing–good or bad–that you learned from this experience?
3. Did you network as much as you could? Are they people you will be able to stay in touch with?
4. Would you recommend this internship to other students at QC?

Feel free to add other information that might not be covered in these questions.