Each year, hundreds of Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through an internship. The experience of an internship also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills, and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require an internship, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Students are participating in various internships in a variety of locations this summer.
Meet Lindsay Pepper:
Who: Pepper is a Big Rapids native who will earn a Bachelor of Science in Television and
Digital Media Production with a minor in Film Studies upon completion of her internship.
Internship: Pepper landed a highly competitive paid internship with the Academy of Television Arts, Sciences and Education in Los Angeles. She works for Larry Levinson Productions, which creates five to six TV movies each year for the Hallmark Channel. Pepper is a member of a team working on a Christmas-themed movie scheduled to air this holiday season.
Pepper’s various duties in the pre-production stage have included script coverage and helping with props. Her work also will include production assistance, and she will shadow the director, producer and cinematographer.
“On set, I have the opportunity to work with every department to learn every person’s role in creation of a film,” said Pepper, who also has attended executive department meetings and gone on scouting trips with the crew.
“So far this internship has been a very rewarding experience. The people I work with are so appreciative of what I do for them, but I am so appreciative of the fact that they are letting me be involved.”
What she’s learning: Each team member has responsibilities integral to development and creation of a film, and Pepper is learning how every detail and step comes together.
“My favorite part about the internship is the people I’ve met who all have incredible stories of how they got to where they are today, and have those very successful people tell you they want to help you achieve your dreams of breaking into the film and television industry,” said Pepper. “I have amazing opportunities through the Academy of Television Arts, Sciences and Education, such as networking events with top executives in the industry, exclusive film-viewing events and the opportunity to attend the Creative Arts Emmys.”
She also is learning how to network in the “biz,” and “how to get your foot in the door at the right time.”
How she’s benefitting: Besides gaining valuable experience for her resume,Pepper is making connections in an industry that is difficult to break into.
“In this business, it really is all about who you know, so connecting with the right people is crucial,” she said. “The people that I have met through both the academy and LLP will be able to connect me to so many more in the industry and mentor me along my path to success. I could not ask for anything more than the support they are providing me with.”
Goal for the future: Pepper plans to stay in the Los Angeles area and continue to pursue a career in the television and film industry. She hopes to one day produce and/or direct a dramatic episodic television series or film.