College internship success story: Stephanie Cobian
In the mid 2000s, I wrote a series of college internship success stories describing how eight recent college graduates leveraged their college internships into full-time jobs. In 2024, I decided it would be fun to revisit these stories and see how the internships set the stage for their future career development. Much of their career advice is relevant for remote-first careers.
From Television Intern to Producer and Writer
Stephanie, what college did you attend?
California State University of Northridge, Northridge, CA
Where did you complete an internship?
I did three internships:
1. Project Hollywood Cares
2. IBN Sports
3. TVGuestpert.com—they hired me after 4 months
How did you find/land your internship?
For this specific internship, I found it through a teacher at school. He was also in charge of the internships for cinema. He sent me many emails regarding opening positions. I submitted my resume and received a call within the next few days.
What type of work did you do during your internship?
I handled phone calls and the company calendar, set up meetings, prepped production shoots, logged receipts and contracts, and wrote contracts.
What was one significant thing you learned about working during your internship?
I had a lot to learn! School is just practice, but this was the real world with real bosses, not teachers. There were real consequences for things either being done wrong, not on time, etc.
How did your internship lead to a full-time job?
I worked really closely with the owner/founder of TVGuestpert and we hit it off from the start. I worked overtime. I worked quickly and efficiently, and clients really liked me. My career path is similar now, maybe more defined. I wanted to direct when I started; whereas, now my goal is to direct one hour TV dramas. My boss and I are in great communication about where I would like my career to go.
Any words of wisdom you would like to share with current college students?
Don’t get down on yourself at work. Sometimes it may not seem like you are getting the most of your time or skills, but still do everything (even little things) to the best of your ability. With time, your bosses see what you are doing and see all the hard work you give, that they will eventually give you more responsibilities. It took time to grow into the company and now I do so many more things and have earned the trust of my bosses.
Stephanie, thank you for sharing your experience and advice.
Update in 2024:
Stephanie Cobian is now a Show Producer and Co-Host of Front & Center.
