I have spent the past 10 weeks working as the Talent Relations, Operations, and Management intern for Discovery Communications global headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.
I chose Discovery Communications for multiple reasons. First off, I was interested in experiencing a broadcast media company first hand. Second, from my initial phone interviews for the position, I gathered the understanding that my department would deal with many of the other departments within the company; which I liked so that I could get a feel for other departments as well. I was also intrigued by the sound of the internship program Discovery puts together as a whole; with intern group projects and lecture series. Additionally, the experience to live in the D.C. area for the summer was an exciting prospect. Beyond that, I was keen on all the information about the company that I gathered from my research. Discovery Communications has an excellent green initiative towards energy and environmental conservation, and has won numerous awards on being one of the top companies to work for.
I could not be happier with my decision to apply and take the position here at Discovery. I have spent my summer providing operational support for the world’s #1 nonfiction media company. I practice interpersonal communication skills while collaborating with my supervisors on creating our department’s quarterly talent yearbook (a document issued to executives within the company highlighting all the key talent on all of Discovery Communications’ major networks). I have learned and utilized the Talent Management System database to fulfill subsidiary requests and inquiries issued by the Talent Relations team. Last but not least, I used our database, research skills, and communicated with my peers and superiors to execute requests for the talent-gifting program for all the major networks.
Overall, it has been a summer of a lifetime. I have grown personally and professionally; I am taking away so much from this wonderful opportunity I was lucky enough to have been granted. It is so bizarre for me to be going back to school for one last year. I have become so accustom to my job and the people I work with. I think it is going to be a sort of culture shock to return to classes. After talking to multiple professionals I am strongly considering grad school. I loved all the Marketing and Research departments I have visited and am leaning towards Marketing.
My supervisors have been so beneficial to my success here at Discovery. From day one they wanted me to have the best experience that I could, they went out of their way to introduce me to people, and give me opportunities to sit in on meetings and brain storm sessions. They literally pushed me outside of my comfort zone in order to be the best that I could be. There are many people to thank for how wonderful this experience has been for me, my supervisors being at the top of the list. It truly was the people that made this internship so spectacular.
