This summer we’ll be sharing ‘Intern Insights,’ a series of guest posts all about internships, from students enrolled in UC 225. Today’s post from Maryam Squillace, a Screen Arts & Cultures major interning with NBCUniversal in NYC, offers some highlights from her experience so far, and insight into the increasing importance of social media within the media industry as a whole. Thanks Maryam!
Maryam Squillace on the set of TODAY
I don’t think many people realize how important social media is in our lives. It is more than tweeting what you are doing tonight, or checking in to a cool restaurant on Foursquare. What started back in chat rooms before I was born has now become an inexpensive way for many massive media conglomerates to interact with their audience. I knew this summer I wanted an internship doing something media-related, but I never imagined how large a role social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play in the success of media corporations.
I knew this summer I wanted to get out of Ann Arbor for a little while and move to a big city. This past semester, I felt somewhat at a crossroads in my college career. I knew I needed some experience to say more definitively what I want out of a future job. I decided to look for internships in New York because I had family I could stay with there. After applying to multiple media and PR internships, I received an email about an interview from the News Communications department at NBCUniversal. I learned in early April I had gotten the internship and the rest of the month was a blur. I moved to New York only days after my last final, without ever setting foot in the city. I love living here, and it is amazing to walk into 30 Rock every day and have a badge that allows me into the building. I love knowing that so many brilliant minds have been in this building, are currently here, and will be when I leave; it’s the same feeling I have walking around Michigan’s campus.
I have learned a great deal about the media industry at my internship. Working in News Communications, it’s a mix of PR, marketing, and digital media that work together to make the final TV product show up in as many households as possible. I am lucky to work with some of the most brilliant people in the industry, who work on promoting the news programs I grew up on and still love. Its incredible to see all of the work that it takes to look so effortless on the viewer’s side. Working in the media industry, I have seen how important social media skills are on a resume. Almost everyone I have had the privilege of speaking with or working with has told me that social media is something to know now because it is only going to get bigger. One of the first questions in my interview was if I had a Twitter, and what I newspapers I followed. One example of social media’s importance was watching the department prepare for Justin Bieber to perform during the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the TODAY show. I worked with the department to spread the #BieberTODAY hashtag throughout the media before the concert happened. NBC’s followers then began to use the hashtag to begin a conversation about the concert with their own followers, and the hashtag’s usage grew even more. The hashtag even trended worldwide at one point. I watched as Justin Bieber sent out Matt Lauer’s first tweet (on a TV, but still) and watched as Mr. Lauer’s followers rapidly grew by the thousands because of the help of Justin Bieber. It is a digital reminder of how linked humanity really is.
Posted by Scott Tsuchiyama 
Every year I am so impressed with the work that students and other members of our Michigan community put forth to make the 
With graduation approaching, some students are starting to say, “I just want something, ANYTHING, to do for next year.” The Part-Time Marketing Coordinator position with start-up company Door-to-Door Organics, could provide that “something” while still giving you time to explore. I found this position by simply typing “explore” into the keyword search. At 20 hours a week, but with quite a bit of responsibility, this Part-Time opportunity in the Livonia area could provide valuable experience in multiple areas. For those interested in marketing/sales or the “business” side, there is quite a bit of very hands-on experience in this opportunity. For those interested in public health and/or environmental sustainability the company’s mission may provide an interesting gap year opportunity. Or for those more entrepreneurial individuals, getting experience working for a relatively new start up that is still nationwide having a footprint in five different locations, could give some interesting background for your own future proposals. It’s ok if you are not fully decided on what the next steps are, and maybe this opportunity allows you to explore that while still having some income. 
This posting interested me because of its focus on Media and that it’s in an excellent location to be involved with media – New York City. As an assistant media planner, you will oversee media budgets, make planning decisions and maintain relationships with clients and vendors to execute advertising and communication efforts. 
My pick for the week is the Project Vote Smart National Internship Program. I found this internship program by typing in “politics” to the keyword search box. The reason that I like this positing is because it is a really interesting public service related internship, and part of the internship program includes living on a ranch in Montana that can be paid for with scholarship that the program offers.
These are cool opportunities that you can get involved in right now that will help you develop essential job skills and professional networks. These internships impact key elements of urban/suburban development through the connection of southeast Michigan communities. In addition, they provide the opportunity to develop very practical skills that many employers look for in candidates. Whether you are a sophomore, junior or senior, you can get involved in this work and develop strong communication skills and interact with many levels of community leaders. These internships will also provide an opportunity to build a community professional contacts for future employment. Check them out if you are looking for a productive way to build your job skills and contacts next semester.
I have seen a lot of students within the last few weeks looking for an internship that would allow them to be creative in their work. I think an internship with Fugly Sweaters would be a great way for students to gain relevant experience, skills and contribute their innovative thoughts and talents to a start-up company. There are several different internship positions from marketing to sales. If that doesn’t sound appealing, then having access to some fashion forward ugly sweaters for next year’s ugly sweater party may seal the deal. I found this on C3 by clicking on the “Brand/Product Management” selection in job function. So, if you are a hard worker and enjoy doing fresh and creative things then check this one out. The deadline is quickly approaching!
