My internship experience at CBS Austin News was nothing short of incredible.
Every professor I have ever had mentioned internships at one point. Every semester, every break—another reminder that the countdown of acquiring experience became more urgent. I had been searching for internships for months. Indeed was my best friend and worst enemy. Doubts filled my head as I overanalyzed my resume and portfolio.Â
When I came across the CBS Austin internship, I was immediately drawn to the job description and location. I knew I wanted an opportunity to work in a big city, as I plan to move to one after graduation.Â
Interviewing for the internship was an exciting and anxiety-inducing experience, as I was beginning to picture myself working there. I came prepared with story pitch ideas and multiple questions about the position. After reviewing some of my past experiences and answering other questions… the interview was over. Whew!Â
The days after the interview were some of the longest days of my life. I kept my phone fully charged and on me at all times. Every email and phone call was answered within five minutes.Â
Getting the news about being hired was one of the best phone calls I had ever gotten. I quickly shared the news with friends and family, as I was so relieved to be given a chance finally.
I immediately needed a wardrobe to match the intern and news aesthetic—and H&M knew what they were doing.
I spent the week before work picking out slacks, sweater vests, blouses, and other work attire. Along with reviewing the CBS Austin newscast, website, and social media accounts, of course. I wanted to learn as much as I could from this experience, so I was eager to begin.
The actual internship experience looked different every week. I shadowed photographers, digital team, producers, sports, and reporters throughout my time with CBS Austin.
I have to say my favorite memory from CBS was shadowing a reporter on a story about a gym strictly for individuals in recovery. Being a part of such an important story about addiction was such an eye-opening experience. I will never forget the poise and empathy the reporter showed toward the interview subjects.
At the end of my internship, I put together my personal reel and a package about a story I pitched. I decided to write about student housing safety and cover a story about burglaries in apartments near Texas State. Covering a story in my own town was such a fulfilling experience and I am grateful for the opportunity.
I will never take for granted my experience interning for CBS Austin. I learned so much from the team there and from shadowing people in different departments.
I’m extremely grateful to Victoria Garcia for selecting me to participate in this internship. She was in charge of interviewing and hiring candidates for the position.
Victoria Garcia, assignments desk manager at CBS Austin, explained the qualities she looks for in interview candidates.
“I look for someone who is just excited about news,” said Garcia. “Anyone who’s willing to or wanting to be in news and wanting to put in the work.”
As for internship advice, Walt Maciborski, anchor reporter at CBS Austin, stated that the individuals you are shadowing just want to help you.
“Don’t be timid, you got to be as aggressive as you can because everybody wants to help you,” said Maciborski.Â
Jessica Brandt, new producer at CBS Austin, said networking has helped her get hired.
“I think the biggest thing that helped me coming out of college and getting into this industry was my relationships that I formed with people who are already in the industry,” said Brandt.
I’ve compiled a couple of my top tips for gaining internship experience below. I hope this helps you and good luck in your search for internships.Â
TIPS:
#1. Before you start applying for internships it’s great to get involved on campus and different organizations to build your portfolio and improve your skills.
#2. Get on LinkedIn! It’s a great way to build your network and develop relationships in your community.Â
#3 When it comes to actually looking for your internship, I always use Indeed because I think it’s the easiest option. There are tons of paid and remote internships on there for all majors.
 #4 When it comes to actually interviewing for the internship, I always think it’s smart to review common interview questions beforehand to ease some of that anxiety from the interview process.Â
#5 If you’re unsure where to even start, use LinkedIn to find someone with your desired career and look through their experience to see where they started and what steps they took to reach your desired career. You don’t have to follow someone’s exact career path to reach that dream position, but it can give you a better frame of reference to see where you can start.