ABC News Intern: Day One

ABC Intern Blog After Day 1:

Interns get to drive nice rental cars!

I learned to drive about 10 years ago in my mom’s two-toned Chevy Suburban. They’re nothing new, but the Suburban I drove on my first day as an intern with ABC News was special: We picked up the executive producer of the Iowa Debate and his assistant in it. The city producer used it all week. And ABC paid for it.

What I’ve learned after day one:

Patience. You’ll get to see some pretty cool stuff if you’re willing to hear, “Not now,” from four people and still stick it out, trusting that the next person to enter the room could need you to take George Stephanopolous to the grocery store.

Intern perks:

Behind-the-scenes observations:

·      See the set of a national TV news production build from nothing.

·      Back-stage access that no other student has.

Epiphany moments:

·      Post up at an intern table and big-wig execs stop by for appx. seven minutes to bestow wisdom on young, idealistic, aspiring journalists.

·      Observe executives at the peak of their careers and how they act.

An “in” or three:

·      Interact with said executives and (with luck) impress them.

·      Someone in the ABC offices may remember your name.

·      They’ve already done your payroll paperwork, so it’s logistically easier to hire you again.