| |
Interview
with Tom Campbell, Intern, Clear Channel Communications, 4/04
By Ben Keller
Service Learning Intern
1. What made you decide to apply to the PPW Certificate Program?
I was considering double-majoring in Communications and English
Writing when the idea of doing the Certificate program was introduced
to me. It seemed to be a better overall idea because it would save
me time and also allowed me to concentrate more on writing for the
public, rather than just writing in general.
2. What made you choose Clear Channel as an internship site?
I want to pursue a career in the field of advertising after
graduation. Clear Channel has become one of the largest media conglomerates
in the country over the past few years, controlling radio stations,
television stations, outdoor advertising, and more. It seemed like
this would be a great place to get my foot in the door. This internship
was supposed to give me an opportunity to see if this field was
something I would like to do as a career. Unfortunately, in Pittsburgh,
Clear Channel’s main outlet is radio. Radio was not the section
I was really interested in, but I figured it would allow me to experience
something different, so that I could see if it were something I
would like to pursue.
3. What sort of things have you been asked to do?
When I first started, I was doing grunt work, like filing,
shredding paper, etc. From time to time, I am still asked to do
stuff like that, but I am also writing radio commercials, station
promos, and working
with the promotions director.
4. Is this what you expected?
At the start, it was not what I expected at all. Since I have
been writing, however, it has been much more what I had expected
from the beginning.
5. What are your relationships with other people at your site like?
Some of the people see me as a person who should be doing the
grunt work that I described above. Others, though, see me as a very
valuable asset. Some of the sales representatives have taken a liking
to me because of my writing skills. One sales rep in particular
has been extremely helpful. He has taken me on sales appointments
with clients and was the first person to actually allow me to write
something. He is trying to assist me in gaining as much experience
as I can.
6. What has been your favorite aspect of your internship?
Writing radio commercials is a lot of fun. I enjoy writing,
so I do not mind that aspect, and when you are finished, the product
is something that is going to be broadcast to an entire city of
people.
7. What do you hope this internship adds to your experience?
Well, for starters, this internship will add a very nice experience
to my resume. In addition, writing radio commercials has taught
me what clients want and what they don’t want. People say
that practice makes perfect, so the more commercials that they have
me write while I am interning, the better prepared I will be for
whatever job I am given after graduation.
8. What best prepared you for your internship?
The class that Pam O’Brien teaches, Persuasive Writing
for Advertising and Fundraising, was a phenomenal class. That was
the only real training for this type of work that I had coming into
this internship, and people are amazed at what I can produce. I
took a lot from that class.
9. What have been your overall thoughts about your internship? About
the PPW Certificate?
I am very happy with my internship. I have been allowed to
do a number of different things that will help me in the future.
Most of the people have been very helpful. On the other hand, things
get very hectic there, so getting a hold of people is not always
a simple task.
I cannot even begin to express how highly I think of the PPW program.
The leaders of the program are extremely helpful and want nothing
more than assisting you along your way.
10. What one thing would you like to tell other students investigating
the PPW Certificate?
If you have an interest in writing in the professional world
after graduation, you would be doing yourself an injustice by not
completing this program prior to graduation. The program only requires
18 credits, which is not a lot at all, and the experience gained
is absolutely amazing.
Visit the Clear Channel Communications
corporate website.
|
Up
Up |