Being an Endowment Intern at SCETV has allowed me to learn many important lessons that are allowing me to grow into the person that I want to be in my professional career life. I will be sharing with you the top five valuable career lessons I have learned during my internship. (If I tried to share everything, I would be typing for days!)
1. Networking
Throughout my time here at SCETV, I have learned the importance of networking and maintaining connections with new people you meet. It is vital to develop relationships with people you meet in both personal and professional settings. These people may one day become future collaborators on a project, co-workers, or maybe just someone you enjoy meeting for lunch.
2. Strong Work Ethic
I have always had the importance of a strong work ethic instilled in me since I was a young child. (Thank you, Mom.) This internship really reinforced in me the fact that a strong work ethic is vital. Although I have learned that culture here at SCETV is one that may be considered laid back and we are all just a big family, it is important that we all do our part. I think it’s because we are a family and depend on one another that it is even more important that we all try not to let each other or the viewers down. A lot of hard work, planning, and consideration goes into every project that we pick up and having the ability to see something all the way through is a must-have!
3. Integrity
Integrity is the backbone of everything that we do here at SCETV. It is not only about being a “good person” but about being honest and transparent. Ethics really come into play in everything we do. It is important, whether it's in a situation where an editor may consider using a sound bite from a royalty-free site over their own footage but not telling the audience, or blatant plagiarism. As part of the media, it is our job to earn and maintain the trust of the public. It is a very special relationship with the public that we must never break. Regardless of what career choice is made, integrity is something everyone must strive to possess.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is so important. Whether it is being flexible with your hours, chasing down a story at the last moment, or allowing a story to organically take a different route than planned, flexibility is vital. Being able to roll with the punches and letting the current carry you where it will are necessary when seeking out and sharing stories.
5. Objectivity
I have learned first-hand the importance of going into a story objectively. As human beings, we all form opinions and beliefs from information and experiences we have gathered throughout our lives. It is so important to go into a situation with an open mind and rid yourself of any bias. I had the privilege of going to the Allendale Character Housing/Behavioral Unit and record footage and conduct an interview. It was important that I didn’t go into that story judging the inmates and the choices that led them to their incarceration. Going in with a clear and open mind, I was able to fully grasp the magnitude of what is being done there.
I am beyond grateful to be an intern here at SCETV and to have the amazing honor to learn from all of the staff here, as well as my fellow interns. This internship is not only shaping who I want and will be in a professional capacity but also as a person.