The journey to secure a placement year at NBC Universal as the Social Media Intern was an insightful yet daunting experience. The process was filled with challenges and self-discovery, and fuelled by a genuine passion for the world of media and entertainment.
I always wanted to do a placement year because I really valued the ‘real world’ experience that I could potentially gain. The idea of completing my placement year at NBC Universal ignited me when I saw the advertisement during my second year of university. As a marketing student with a keen interest in social media, the prospect of working with global media company felt like a dream come true.
Before diving into the application process, I dedicated time to thoroughly research NBC Universal Social Media internship programme. I delved into the company’s values, recent projects, and the skills they were looking for in potential interns. Armed with this knowledge, I tailored my CV and cover letter to align with NBC Universal’s culture and requirements.
My CV and cover letter were my ticket to the initial video interview process, where I was instructed to answer five short questions about myself and the company through a recording which would be seen by the hiring managers later. Through these questions I highlighted my course, bringing in relevant coursework, extracurricular activates and any prior experience that showcased my passion for social media and the entertainment industry. It was crucial to convey not just what I could do but also why I was the right fit for NBC Universal.
Weeks later after submitting the video interview, I received an email inviting me to a Teams interview. This process was a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had to prepare a social media content calendar presentation to present in front of the hiring managers. This was a chance for me to showcase my personality, passion and how well I could articulate my thoughts. I prepared thoroughly, researching common interview questions, and rehearsing my responses. The interviewers were friendly, and it was a great learning experience. The day after the interview I received a call offering me the role! It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt. All the hard work, preparation, and the thousands of no’s I got before, really paid off.
Flashforward to 3 months of actively being the Social Media Intern for NBC Universal. I can proudly say that this is the best experience I have ever had. The start was nerve wrecking, but everyone was so welcoming. To work in central London has been a real experience for me. This placement is not only shaping my professional path but has also helped my confidence and confirmed what I would like to do with my life.
Chim Mwanza, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Student at the University of Reading