We are a sports nation. These are five words that any American can identify with. For Cronkite students these words mean much more because they provide a unique opportunity and hope for a future at one of the largest companies in the world.
As ESPN nears its 31st birthday, the possibilities and opportunities are endless for aspiring journalists.
However, these opportunities, like anything else, do not come without great sacrifice and dedication.
A panel of five ESPN representatives offered their time and expertise to a room full of eager students Thursday night to help them understand what it will take to land their dream job with their company.
Students quickly learned that landing the job will be no walk in the park.
Joe Franco, the Director of College Relations for ESPN, said to succeed in any career, especially at ESPN, “you must take chances and challenge yourself.”
While jobs at ESPN are plentiful, internships are limited and they are looking for the best of the best. Recruiters will not settle for anyone that “does not work to set themselves apart,” Franco said.
The panel was quick to identify the Walter Cronkite School as one of the better journalism programs, but they were also quick to identify how many journalism schools were just as good.
“Our internships are very, very very competitive so you need to wow us,” Franco said.
Public relations senior Leighton Eusebio said she took Franco’s advice to heart and said the forum was “informative, but extremely intimidating.”
“(I’m) discouraged from trying to apply for an internship with the company,” Eusebio said.
Public relations junior Emily Robertson said she felt the same way.
“They scared the crap out of me,” Robertson said.
In the past three years, about seven ASU students have received internships with ESPN, according to Michael Wong, the director of Career Services at the Cronkite School.
“The students who were hired are doing well and ESPN has been impressed with them,” Wong said.
The last time ESPN visited ASU was about three years ago and Wong said he hopes that he can make their visit an annual occurrence.
The representatives provided helpful tips and strategies for anyone who wishes to apply to their company or anywhere else.
Anita Adams, a member of the ESPN international production team, said it is crucial “to provide a resume that is just short of amazing,” because competition in the field has become so fierce.
Mike Barlow, who oversees production operations and has worked with a few ASU students, encouraged the audience to take advantage of ESPN visiting the ASU campus.
“We are here to build relationships and learn about passionate students,” Barlow said.
The ESPN representatives said passion and networking are just two of the many tools a student will need to differentiate themselves from the endless competition.
“Journalists looking to do an internship at ESPN must give themselves the opportunity to compete by having two or three internships under your belt before submitting an application,” Franco said.
Contact the reporter at ammarty@asu.edu
