Editor’s note: In the video above, go inside the day-long Intern Symposium for summer trainees from the company’s Bristol, Conn., New York City and Los Angeles offices. This year’s agenda in Bristol included a welcome presentation with Senior VP, Human Resources, ESPN and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company, Paul Richardson; a talk with ESPN President John Skipper; a panel discussion regarding SportsCenter and more. In the text below, learn what it takes to be an ESPN intern from the recruiters who manage the company’s program.
Amy Bennett, Internship Recruiter
Bennett has worked for The Walt Disney Company for 16 years. She started her career in sports sales. Bennett currently recruits for ESPN’s Production, Production Operations, Stats and Information and Social Media internship positions.
What makes ESPN’s internship program unlike any other?
“To be able to come into ESPN and have multiple Speaker Series with the level of executives that we do is a differentiator. Also, the level of the work you’re doing. Our interns will come in and put together highlights that are running on SportsCenter and may have the opportunity to work in Master Control.”
(Photo courtesy of Susan Grouse)
Susan Grouse, Internship Recruiter and Programming Manager
Grouse is a 12-year veteran with TWDC. She works hand-in-hand with Bennett, reaching out to potential candidates for the Programming, Audio, International, Technology and Sales and Marketing positions.
What makes a candidate stand out?
“We understand that not every student can get an internship, but every student is at school and can take advantage of what is offered on their college campus. Our student applicants might not have had experience in a business setting, but if they joined an organization as a freshman and moved themselves up, that’s something that looks very positive on their resume. Another thing is being involved with your school’s athletic department.”
Brenda Green, Internship Coordinator
Green has been with ESPN for 10 years and was previously a part of the ESPN International Production team. She coordinates Rookie Camp, the Internship Symposium and networking events that take place throughout the course of the program. Green oversees the logistics, organization and handles communication with interns once they have been hired.
What is the best part about the ESPN’s internship program?
“We have interns all over the country who are easily able to connect with our ABC and Walt Disney partners, allowing them to create new opportunities and network. It’s something our interns should take advantage of.”
For more information on ESPN’s Professional Internship Program visit: http://espncareers.com/college
Video produced by ESPN interns Nida Chaudhry and Tatum Coffey
