What better way to start than by diving straight into work?

That’s exactly how my exciting internship experience began! Our first assignment was to join the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and record video content for Stetson’s social media. Our team leader, Rodrigo, gave us a brief introduction to his creative process for crafting videos and let us experiment with some amazing equipment. This hands-on learning opportunity was incredible! The professional cameras and lenses were far more advanced than what I’m used to—sorry, duPont-Ball Library, but this gear was on another level.

All the interns had the chance to use the camera and record what we found interesting. I specifically sought out individuals with signs or T-shirts featuring Martin Luther King Jr.’s quotes, believing it would add a human touch to the content. Sharing people’s voices and messages is a great way to make content more relatable and impactful.

In addition to capturing the parade, we interviewed the event coordinator and the DeLand mayor. We asked them to share their thoughts on the significance of MLK Day and why it’s so important. Including perspectives like theirs not only adds credibility but also highlights Stetson’s connection to local community leaders.

Finally, Rodrigo invited us to visit the marketing department office, where he walked us through the post-production process. We learned about saving footage, editing, audio production, and the finer details of putting everything together.

This first experience was incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the chance to engage in hands-on learning and real-world practice. That said, after discussing with my internship coordinator, Morgan, I realized that my true interest lies more in social media strategy than in filming and editing. She assured me that I’d have opportunities to explore that side of marketing as well, which makes me even more excited for what’s to come!

Through my journey at Stetson, I’ve gained clarity about what I want to do—and what I don’t. While I enjoy photography and videography, I don’t see myself pursuing them as a career. I’m eager to explore different areas of marketing that align more closely with my passions, and I hope this internship will give me those opportunities soon! (: