My Semester in LA

Ithaca College allows its students with a unique opportunity to study "aboard" in Los Angeles for a semester. This gave me the opportunity to hold an internship in the industry, while taking classes to continue my degree. It also allows students to explore a new city, and test out the waters while surrounded by likeminded students and still having some administration support from the college and professors. I was able to acquire an internship at Walt Disney Studios. Although it was tough to dive into a new industry while also adjusting to a new city, it ended up being one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college career. I'm excited to get back out there soon!

Internship

While in LA, I had the opportunity to intern at 20th Television within Walt Disney Studios. I worked in person, in the Office of the President, under Karey Burke and her team, on the Fox Studio Lot.

My time here was incredibly eye-opening; I learned more than I could have ever expected. I was able to sit in on meetings that taught me about the internal functionings of a studio, I developed my coverage work, and gained assistant knowledge in the process. I met with a multitude of individuals that taught me about the different executive positions within the studio and the skills needed to succeed there. And I truly enjoyed being able to watch what 20th was creating both in current series and development!

Live Studio Audiences

Going to Live Studio Audience events in Los Angeles were some of the coolest experiences.

Highlights: America's Got Talent, That 90's Show, and Jimmy Kimmel.

In LA, it's incredible how everything around you is so media-focused, and how easily you can become immersed in that world!

911 Filming

Two of the 20th shows that filmed on the Fox Studio Lot were 911 and 911: Lone Star. I had the amazing opportunity to visit these sets and talk to the crew and writers to learn about their experience. Getting to step foot onto such an iconic, active set was truly amazing as an avid TV viewer.

Joshua Tree

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park remains one of my all-time favorite experiences. Getting to walk though the beauties of Earth like this can help you feel grounded and at peace even if the whole world around you seems to be spinning out of control.

Disney Intern Perks!

During my internship at Walt Disney Studios, I had countless incredible opportunities to explore. Being based on the Fox Studio Lot, I had the chance to visit active television sets and sit in on two Television Critics Association set visits and talkbacks. These experiences allowed me to hear from industry professionals, gain valuable insights, and learn from people actively shaping the television world. Additionally, I took full advantage of employee events, seminars, and TV School meetings offered by 20th Television and Disney to broaden my knowledge about the many opportunities within the industry.

I also had the privilege of visiting the Walt Disney Studios Burbank Lot a few times, which was truly an amazing experience. Through intern events, I connected with other young professionals, toured the studio, met experts in their fields, and even got to explore the cutting-edge Virtual LED Wall on their lot.

Living in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vibrant city where dreams become reality. Living here meant I got to immerse myself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood while forging connections with talented professionals from various fields in the industry. The opportunities are endless here, from networking events to creative collaborations, they are all set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes and a rich cultural scene. Embracing this city not only helped me grow professionally, but personally as well.

I loved living in a city that surrounded me with an enamoring passion for entertainment and a community of people who have the same goals and love for film and television as me. I had the chance to have coffee chats with industry professionals, experience sets as both an audience member and a worker, and learn how to thrive while managing the challenges of adjusting to a new city.

I think I officially became a local after being stuck in two hour traffic due to the Hollywood Bowl, eating In and Out, and complaining when the temperature under 60 degrees.

Some of my favorite personal experiences in LA include hiking to the Hollywood sign, laughing in a live studio audience, reading scripts on Manhattan Beach, and grilling with friends by the pool as we swapped stories about our newly found professional lives.