The “One Minute Drill” is a weekly video series full of tips and tricks for getting ahead in the sports broadcasting industry. In this edition, SportsTVJobs.com founder Brian Clapp shares a tip on how to build your network after an internship so that you’ll get multiple job opportunities coming your way!
How to Turn an Internship into Multiple Job Opportunities - Video Transcript:
At SportsTVJobs.com we stress the importance of internships, it’s your best chance to get in the trenches and learn what it’s really like to work in television. Today though we’re going to discuss the follow up after your internship. The follow up is so important because it is how you build your network of potential advocates and contacts in the industry.
Many times people do an internship and then just go back to their normal lives. We want you to be extremely focused on the follow up after your internship is done.
Here’s how: During your internship take notes on every person that impacts you, no matter how big or small, and write down specifically what it was they did to help you. After the internship write hand written notes to each of those people, specifically explaining how they helped you.
Things like “I really appreciate that day you spent teaching me how to properly edit a script” or “Thanks for showing me the right way to mic up a studio guest” Be very specific!
Now they are going to know that you really paid attention and have a thirst and appreciation for knowledge. Not only that, but you took the time to write a hand-written note rather than just send out an email blast to everyone. You want to stand out for being different, in a good way.
After you’ve written the initial note continue to follow up over time. The additional follow ups can be through email at this point, but be specific about how you can help them.
DO NOT just ask ‘hey do you have a job for me?’ DO NOT ask what they can do for you.
What you want to do is provide them value. So say things like, “I spent the summer learning how to edit with Final Cut Pro, I’d love to come in and help you guys edit highlights during the season”. Or, “I just took an Audio class and feel I have a lot to offer with Pro Sounds Audio equipment during a live broadcast…can I come in and volunteer to assist your audio operators?”
Now you are showing them not only that you have the aptitude, not only are you continuing to learn, but you have the right attitude you want to be productive and pro-active. When one of these people, who are your new network of contacts, hear about job openings you are going to be top of mind. They are going to have warm and fuzzy feelings about you and feel comfortable recommending you for the opportunity.
Bottom Line: Write hand-written notes, and follow up with what you can do for them.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.
