This summer, ABC News and The Hispanic Media Initiative will work together to give students a once in a lifetime experience at a major network.
The Hispanic Media Initiative works with the Nicholson School of Communication and Media to better serve the university’s Hispanic population. Through the 2020 ABC News/UCF Hispanic Media Initiative Summer Internship, UCF students pursuing a career in broadcast journalism receive hands-on experience in ABC’s New York offices, working in departments or shows such as abcnews.com, “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “20/20,” “Nightline,” and “The View.” Here is how the first recipient of the internship, Carolina Tessutto describes her experience:
“Having the opportunity to intern for the ABC network on the program Good Morning America in New York City was one of the best professional experiences of my life. During my time there I was able to see every single part of how such a massive news show gets put on the air. I experienced first-hand the fast-paced environment in the newsroom and during the live segments. I was also able to meet many people from different programs outside of Good Morning America. Thanks to UCF Aluma Victoria I got in contact with people from Nightline, World News Tonight, and ABC News Digital. The things that I learned during this internship is something that I will keep with me for the rest of my professional career.”
Carolina says “mentors in this field have made all of the difference.” Victoria Moll-Ramírez is the UCF alumna who started the ABC News/UCF Hispanic Media Initiative Summer Internship. Moll-Ramírez is an experienced broadcast and multimedia journalist who now works as a producer and booker for ABC News Live. Now, as she continues to give back to her alma mater, she gives insight into why she established the internship, and why it is so important to keep it running:
“I always try to think about how I can give back to both UCF and my community, so I decided to ask around about creating an internship exclusively for a UCF student. I knew about Professor Coronado’s work with the Hispanic Media Initiative so I approached the folks here at ABC News with the idea and they immediately supported me. I discussed a few things with Professor Coronado, she got Professor Brunson and Erica Kight on-board and the rest is history!”
“The opportunity for networking and exposure with this internship is HUGE. Plus, I personally try to connect the intern with other producers and on-air talent in the building. Depending on where you end up, you’ll be able to pitch stories, write for the website, and work alongside producers who help craft stories viewed by millions across the country. ABC News produces America’s #1 morning show and evening newscast every day, and my team at ABC News Live is ramping up to air 18 hours of live and original content streaming daily by the end of the year. You’ll be surrounded by the best in the business, I’d say that makes it quite the exceptional place to be.”
As always, UCF thanks ABC News for their longstanding commitment and collaboration on the internship. It is because of major networks like ABC, that UCF students are able to reach their media goals at the end of their academic careers. As the committee looks forward to the new applicants, they encourage those who meet the requirements to apply. It is an opportunity in which students will be able to unleash their skills, strengthen their professional connections and find new ways to connect with the world.
This article was written by guest columnist, Erik Smith.