As school gets back in full swing and employers are constantly advertising for interns, I recalled a list I made years ago when I was an intern at a local television station. Looking back at my experiences from early 2003, I would say those were some pretty good lessons. The following was written by my 22-year-old self. It appears in its entirety, unedited. Explanations are italicized.
Everything I Needed to Know…I Learned from Being a News Intern
Take advantage of all everyone has to teach you. Be a sponge.
Pick out your tapes ASAP and get your tape numbers in – it makes producers happy. (Hi Jerimiah, the Heathers, Julie and everyone else!)
Never act too stressed, you’ll stress other people out.
Never act too calm…you’ll stress other people out. (Sorry about that, Danie Taylor).
TV people love free stuff.
Pick out the best sound bite, log quickly.
Write quickly, but make it good.
Do your homework.
Know that sleep is often nonexistent.
Lock your doors at night.
Never walk to your car alone.
Never tell Scott Peters (sports director at the time) that you chew gum. (He would want some of it).
Never tell Scott Peters you’re going outside to start your car. (He would ask you to start his car too…every time).
Don’t gossip about other TV people.
Don’t be timid at press conferences.
Sometimes you have to ask questions you don’t want to ask.
Photographers appreciate silence once in a while.
Pack snacks.
Never, ever touch Dave Erickson’s camera – people aren’t supposed to convulse like that.
Me as a full-time reporter (I made it!) interviewing Senator Kent Conrad. Circa 2003. (And last but MOST importantly, people's names and their spellings MUST be accurate. Chris Hemmah WINS with Mel Stone in a not-so-close 2nd Place!)
Nice interview pose. Classic Sarah :P
Apparently I need to hear some Scott Peters stories!
Love it!
Check your spelling (I’m a little often spell ahve the same way);
Check your facts: that’s Sen Conrad, not Sen Dorgan.