Ellen Fideli
Major: Film & Video Production; Minor: Organizational Leadership; Certificate: Sport Studies and Production
Production Intern, Markee Sports Network (Chicago Cubs)
1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity?
N/A
2.) 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?
My internship was instrumental in building my skills and clarifying my career
goals. I learned new programs such as AVID MediaCentral and other AVID
software, which expanded my technical abilities. By shadowing different roles in a
sports broadcast, within the crew, studio directors, and talent for pre and post
game shows, I solidified my passion for the sports industry. This experience
specifically directed my interest towards the TV show aspect rather than live
broadcasts. As a Liberal Arts student at Purdue, I benefited from effective
communication skills and resources like the Career Center, which taught me how
to utilize LinkedIn and email to connect with professionals, further enhancing my
career development.
3.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone in your major looking for an internship?
Network! Reach out to people via Linkedin, student organizations, or Purdue
Alumni. Find people in your desired field at companies you would like to work at
and send them a message asking to set up a call. That is how I got my
internship. Don't be afraid.
4.) What specific responsibilities have you undertaken during your internship?
During my internship, I had several specific responsibilities that enhanced my
experience and skills. I compiled live events from the production studio office to
prepare for pre- and post-game shows. Such as making highlight reels for
specific players. I assisted in the production process for live studio shows and
taped studio shows, such as running a camera. Additionally, I monitored live
channel feeds and stats feeds on our digital platforms, addressing technical
issues as they arose. I also supported production crews and production
operations staff in both control room and truck environments, ensuring smooth
and efficient operations. In all, I utilized good judgment and preparation to
prioritize and select content from various sources.
5.) 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?
When it came time to accept my position, I faced a tough choice between my
current one and another with a Major League Baseball team. After consulting
with my professor, Cory Palm, we agreed that relocating to Chicago for the
summer would be the most beneficial for my career growth. My participation in
the Job Ready program has been instrumental in my professional development.
As a three-year recipient, I was able to take on two unpaid internships and, this
year, move to a new city with housing support. Being a CLA student at Purdue
provided me with these opportunities due to the college's small size. The
one-on-one attention across the department has allowed me to make valuable
connections and grow academically and personally. I wouldn't have been able to
succeed in my internship without the knowledge and confidence I gained from
CLA.
6.) Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy?
Meeting the other Job Ready Interns, connecting over this shared experience
while all pursuing vastly different career paths. I have been able to make many
friends through the program.