Instead of watching television this summer, Whitman School marketing management major Joseph Howard got the chance to try life on the other side of the screen. As an intern for ABC Family in New York City, he was able to see every aspect of television production, from the creation of a show to its debut on air.
What kinds of things did you get to do as part of your internship?
Joseph Howard
I was a part of a rotational internship program, meaning I had the opportunity to work with a different department every day of the week. Working with teams in various roles, such as sales or integrated marketing, allowed me to see all sides of the business, which helped me to develop my core skills.
At the conclusion of my internship, I completed a final project that required me to work with a team to brainstorm an idea for a new television show. We also were tasked with developing marketing strategies, exploring potential advertising sales and completing market research for our concept. I then pitched the idea to about 50 executives from ABC and ABC Family. I really enjoyed my past internships as they taught me a lot, but this was hands down my favorite experience and made for one of the best summers of my life.
What other internships have you had?
I held marketing internships at Madison Financial Planning Group and Blue i Marketing Group, where I gained valuable experience in branding, social media and web development.
What activities are you involved in on campus?
I’m involved in the Whitman community, serving as the co-president of the American Marketing Association, as a member of Delta Sigma Pi, Whitman ambassador and IMPRESS mentor. I’m also the co-founder of Syracuse’s chapter of WeThrive, which is an entrepreneurship mentoring program that works with the Syracuse Housing Authority that will be starting this semester.
What makes Whitman special for you?
It’s the connections that I’ve developed over the last three years both in and out of the classroom that make Whitman so special to me. I have met several Whitman alumni that would go out of their way to make sure that they are helping fellow Whitman students with internships, advice and careers. Whitman really teaches us how to network early on and how to maintain those connections.
What do you plan to do following graduation in May 2016?
I plan to attend law school—and might even stay at Syracuse to do so. Eventually, I hope to work in corporate or entertainment law.
Story by Newhouse School graduate student Meghan Rimol
