Wise, a double major in Arts Administration and Acting with a minor in Business Administration from Raleigh, North Carolina utilized the resources provided by the Student Professional Development Center and leveraged faculty connections to land an internship with a company that has been trusted to tell the stories that inspire, enlighten, and captivate audiences across the globe.
When it comes to pursuing your dreams, having the right tools and resources can make all the difference.
Since the beginning of her first year at Elon, Alyssa Wise ’25 has understood what it takes to develop as a professional[OC1] . Wise sought to secure an internship before embarking on her summer experience through the Elon in Los Angeles program, and scheduled appointments with Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) advisers to review her resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.
Wise has had a unique Elon experience as a student employee at the SPDC. She has been exposed to the incredible resources offered since the beginning of her college experience. This early exposure has allowed her to take full advantage of these resources, including reserving an interview room to ensure privacy and professionalism during the interview that landed her a summer internship. Advisers like Rhonda Kosusko and Adriana Batiz Daleccio continuously helped Wise fine-tune her application materials and navigate the application process to ultimately land the internship opportunity of her dreams.
By working closely with staff members like Amber Moser, director of Internships at the School of Communications, Wise was able to stay informed about internship opportunities and receive valuable guidance throughout her application process. The strong support system provided by SPDC and faculty members played a crucial role in helping Wise secure her internship at Mandalay Sports Media (MSM) and Tollins Productions, an Emmy Award-winning sports-focused media company located in Los Angeles.
Wise worked as a production and development intern, gaining valuable insights into the sports entertainment industry. Throughout her time, she was able to dip her toes in the water, including learning how to do script coverage, navigating production set responsibilities, participating in team production meetings, and witnessing the creative process behind sports TV. The experience expanded her knowledge and helped her develop important skills such as time management, adaptability and collaboration.
The supportive company culture at MSM and Tollins Productions left a lasting impression on Wise, with opportunities to work on exciting projects beyond her initial responsibilities. MSM and Tollins Productions interns were invited to participate in an essay contest, awarding tickets to the prestigious Excellence in Sports Yearly Awards — the ESPYs — to the top two contestants, one of whom was Wise. Wise described her attendance at the ESPYs as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she will never forget.
Toward the end of her experience, Wise participated in an Intern Pitch-fest. During the pitch-fest, interns presented their own ideas for new films or television shows to the entire company. This experience solidified her interest in pursuing a career in an environment that values employee growth and provides ample opportunities for professional development.
Reflecting on her experience, Wise recommends that fellow Elon students take advantage of the resources offered by the Student Professional Development Center. Whether it’s seeking advice on resume-building, cover letters or interview preparation, SPDC advisers are there to provide valuable insights and help students strengthen their applications.
Overall, Wise’s internship journey serves as a testament to the power of utilizing resources like the SPDC and leveraging faculty connections to pursue and secure professional opportunities. With the right support and guidance, Elon students can achieve their career goals and make impactful strides in their chosen fields.