My Experience Internings At A Major Television Network

Summary

The author reflects on their enriching internship experience at Fox Entertainment's Talent Relations department during the summer of 2019, highlighting the unique opportunities, networking, and the dream-like environment of working on a historic film lot.

Abstract

The author had the privilege of interning at Fox Entertainment, which marked a significant milestone in their career. Over 3.5 months, they gained hands-on experience in the Talent Relations department, performing tasks such as researching gifts and interacting with network talent. The internship provided a blend of responsibilities and networking opportunities, with the author noting the kindness of their team and the importance of resourcefulness and attention to detail. The historical significance of the Fox Lot, where iconic films were shot, added to the magic of the experience. The author also appreciated the chance to attend high-profile events like the Teen Choice Awards and the networking opportunities with fellow interns, many of whom had industry connections. The internship concluded with a memorable after-party, solidifying the author's passion for a career in television media.

Opinions

The author found the internship to be one of their greatest experiences, particularly valuing the hands-on responsibilities and the supportive team environment.
Working on the Fox Lot, with its rich history in film, was described as surreal and a dream come true for someone with a strong interest in film and television.
The author emphasized the importance of being resourceful and detail-oriented, skills they learned during their time at Fox.
Networking with fellow interns was highly beneficial, with the group being supportive rather than competitive, often assisting each other in securing further internships or jobs.
The glitz and glamour of the television industry were tangible through events like photoshoots, press days, and attending the Teen Choice Awards, which the author found particularly memorable and enjoyable.
The internship program was considered innovative and formative, shaping the author into a well-rounded individual and leaving them with fond memories as they continued their career in television media.

My Experience Interning At A Major Television Network

Fox TCA 2019, Photo Courtesy of Author

During the summer of 2019, I had the great privilege of interning at Fox Entertainment in their Talent Relations department. By far, this internship was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had, and was the perfect way to wrap up my college career. I spent approximately 3.5 months interning, and would love to share some key takeaways from my experience for those of you who want to pursue a career in entertainment, or perhaps have always been curious about what actually goes on in the hustle and bustle that is the television industry from an intern’s perspective.

Fox Entertainment Emmy Awards, Photo Courtesy of Author

Fox Entertainment is the television sector of the Fox Corporation, and is located on the historical Fox Lot in Century City, California. Some iconic movies filmed there include The Sound of Music, The Seven Year Itch, and Edward Scissorhands. Because I have a strong interest in film, it was incredibly surreal working on the very lot that many of the world’s most beloved films were created.

Seven Year Itch Mural on Fox Lot, Photo Courtesy of Author

The Fox Entertainment team is housed in what is known as the “Executive Building” on the lot. This is where I spent the bulk of my time during my internship. Because my department was on the smaller end, I had the wonderful opportunity to take on more responsibility than some of my fellow interns in the other departments. Some of my prime duties included researching birthday gifts for the network talent, wrapping gifts, and sending them out to their respective locations. The team I worked with was incredibly kind from beginning to end, and taught me so much about the importance of being resourceful and detail oriented. One of the best parts of my internship at Fox was being on the actual Fox Lot. It’s HUGE! I’d often take walks around the lot, passing through outdoor sets, and gazing at the murals that graced the sound stage walls. As I mentioned previously, I quite enjoy film and television and being in the thick of it all was a dream come true. On any given day you’d see scenes being filmed outdoors, actors in elaborate costumes roaming the lot, not to mention production assistants zooming by in golf carts. It was everything I imagined it would be — but better.

Executive Building on the Fox Lot, Photo Courtesy of Author

This experience was also great for networking with fellow interns. The HR team always made sure that we had frequent intern events, workshops, and seminars. It was not uncommon to hear that an intern had a parent who worked for the network, or had a parent who was quite up on the corporate ladder at another network or studio. Though I’m sure these things are quite the norm for LA natives, this certainly was not the norm for a gal from Orange County. Because of this, I felt especially grateful that somehow the stars aligned for me and I was able to also partake in this internship as well. All of the interns I had the privilege of getting to know throughout the duration of our internship were incredibly supportive of one another. We would actively help one another get other internships, or find jobs after the summer was over. I can even recall a time where one of the fellow interns kindly gave me her extra thank you cards (after I ran out of mine) so that I could send out thank you notes to the executives I had the opportunity of having one-on-ones with. From my perspective, there was none of the competitiveness that you might expect at an internship as highly sought out after as this one was.

Teen Choice Awards after party, Photo Courtesy of Author

As you might imagine, working for a network certainly has its moments of glitz and glamour. I had the great opportunity of attending several photoshoots, press days, and even the Teen Choice Awards. This experience was especially memorable, as I grew up watching this particular award show since I was a kid. From being in the same green room as the talent, to backstage of the actual award show, this was by far my favorite day as an intern. The after party was probably my favorite part of the night — free food galore! Because the Teen Choice Awards was towards the end of the summer, it was the last time the interns and I got to hangout before we wrapped up our internship at Fox. What a way to end a magical few months!

New York Street on the Fox Lot, Photo Courtesy of Author

Overall, interning at Fox was by far one of the absolute best experiences of my life. Every day I was on the lot, I’d pinch myself thinking “how am I even allowed here?!” I am incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to participate in this innovative internship program, as I feel it truly molded me into the well rounded individual I am today. As I continue my career in television media, I look back on my days at Fox with joy remembering where it all began for me.