Emily Keeney

Majors: Strategic Communication, Film & Video Production

Game Presentation Intern at Fans First Entertainment (The Savannah Bananas)

How did you learn about this internship opportunity?

I first heard about this internship opportunity on TikTok, and I found the official application on LinkedIn.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?

Apply to everything and anything! I applied to numerous other internships besides this one. Keep your option open, and don't be disappointed if one doesn't work out.

What key responsibilities or projects have you taken on during your internship?

Every weekend, I traveled to one of Banana Ball's weekend series. I was responsible for creating video board graphics, writing game day scripts, and directing full video board shows. The biggest show I did was at Nebraska University's football stadium, where I directed a game for 85,000 fans. I also directed three games at the Twin's MLB stadium.

How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals? How did being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue apply to your internship?

This internship has significantly enhanced my directing and producing skills. Additionally, I learned to use Photoshop and ShoFlo for graphics and script writing. It made me realize my skills in leading a crew to success and making quick decisions under pressure. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue applied to my internship in many ways. My communication courses helped prepare me to speak thoroughly and confidently to large camera crews. Additionally, these courses helped me learn to think outside the box and be creative in my work. My internship was extended into the fall, so I will continue to fly out and work games for the Savannah Bananas. I accepted this extension because it has truly helped me find out what I'm good at and what I'd like to do as a career.

In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participation in our Job-Ready program specifically aided your professional development?

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University has significantly helped me on my internship journey by providing me the Job-Ready Scholarship. Without that support, I would not have been able to afford to live in Savannah, Georgia for my internship with the Savannah Bananas. That internship provided me with experience that will profoundly help me on my professional journey.

Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in the Job-Ready program that you find particularly noteworthy?

I thought it was really cool to do a day-in-the-life Instagram story takeover for the CLA Instagram account. I have never had the opportunity to do this, and all my co-workers enjoyed doing it with me.