Now that you have completed your internship with a television news station,
don't just clear your desk and take farewell pictures for the memory book -
step into action and turn that internship into a paid position with the
station! That's exactly what I did while interning at a local news station.

During my internship for a Morning News program, I made certain to acquaint
myself with everyone from the news staff (including editors, cameramen,
assignment desk staff, anchors and reporters) to the human resources staff.
These relationships led to a freelancing position at the assignment desk,
then to a full-time freelance position as a Supervisor for Production
Assistants and Interns.

I knew when I began the internship that I wanted to be more than just an
intern passing through. It is definitely to one's advantage to utilize the
resources that are available to you. For instance, if you have the
opportunity to learn from a staffer how to produce news segments, shoot a
live shot, write news copy, edit video, then go for it! Possessing such
knowledge of industry production will make you stand out above the rest.
Moreover, the "powers that be" will likely deem you an asset to the station
because your skills will represent a working knowledge of various aspects of
broadcast news.

It pays to take the initiative to ask someone to teach you a new skill, but
be advised that not everyone will be willing to teach you. Nevertheless, it
doesn't hurt to ask; let them tell you "no." By learning how to produce I
positioned myself for the opportunity to produce teases and segments for the
morning news. Be advised, you have to be realistic with your expectation -
as an intern you are not guaranteed to become a reporter overnight. You may
have to freelance at the assignment desk and, over time, impress the
assignment editor enough for him or her to send you out on a reporting story.
This could subsequently result in freelance reporting and possibly a full
time position, or at the very least give you footage for your demo reel!
Laying the proper foundation during the internship experience will prepare
you for your "big break" and will enable you to have staying power in the
industry!

About the Author
Sandra currently works for Ken Lindner and Associates, a Los Angeles based
broadcasting agency. She has also freelanced for KTLA Morning and Evening
News, Daily Journal Legal Periodical - Business Section, Variety Magazine -
Vpage, and Cyber Esq. Magazine.