Intern Chronicles: Where are they now?
"That summer in Bristol was probably the most I’ve grown from a professional standpoint." — Landon Hong, NASCAR executive, 2023 ESPN Intern
EDITOR’S NOTE: Once again this summer, Front Row’s Intern Chronicles series showcases some of ESPN’s summer interns. For more information on ESPN Internships, visit the Disney Careers site.
From Bristol to Los Angeles and beyond, these former ESPN interns reflect on how their time with the company helped shape their careers and set the foundation for where they are today.
SIERRA SANDERS
Sanders studied creative media production at the University of Oklahoma and began her ESPN journey in 2017 as a Production Operations Edit intern.
While nervous about stepping into the role, Sanders excelled as an intern and used the experience as a launchpad for her career at ESPN.
Today, Sanders works as an Associate Director, and works across a variety of ESPN properties including College GameDay.
Looking back, she believes that her internship set her up for success because “ESPN does make a really concerted effort to really be inclusive and bring everyone together.”
This sentiment has allowed her to build community and create a dynamic environment with her teammates.
LANDON HONG
Hong was a Social Media Intern at the Bristol campus in 2023 following his sophomore year at North Carolina State where he studied marketing. Hong stood out as one of the youngest members of his cohort.
He focused on learning as much as possible during his time on campus, building habits that would carry into his professional career.
“That summer in Bristol was probably the most I’ve grown from a professional standpoint,” he said.
He credits his internship experience with teaching him how to be a good teammate and how to lift and celebrate those around him — skills he now utilizes in his current position at NASCAR as a Senior Account Executive for Brand Marketing.
KYLE VAN FECHTMANN
Van Fechtmann interned with ESPN’s Communications Department in 2015 after graduating from Auburn University with a degree in public relations. His time in Bristol was an experience he credits with shaping both his understanding of the industry and his professional approach.
He now serves as Program Director for NBA Experiences at Quint, a company that provides experiential travel and hospitality packages for major sports and events.
Van Fechtmann points to mentorship from Josh Krulewitz (EVP, ESPN Communications) as especially formative.
He says that Krulewitz, “just kind of took me under his wing,” and encouraged him to actively participate and collaborate with the rest of the team. That approach has stayed with him throughout his career, and he now aims to replicate that same mentorship style within his own department.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Abigail Moynihan is a summer intern from South Jersey, and recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seton Hall University with a degree in Public Relations and Business Administration. She worked with SHU’s D1 Athletic Department in multiple capacities, including in-game activations, promotional campaigns, and photography. Abigail has worked several internships in Marketing, Organic Social, and Public Relations throughout her time in college.
