By Olivia Lozy ’20
As a psychology, sociology, and anthropology geek, I’ve always been fascinated by culture. The behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes that define us are topics that I truly never want to stop learning about. I always felt that media was the most representative artifact of the culture from which it arises. I was able to manifest this obsession with culture and media through an internship experience this past semester at Viacom in NYC, thanks to Holy Cross’ New York Semester Program.
Although it’s in the midst of transitioning into its very own brand, Viacom is most commonly known as the holding company for television networks like Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, BET, and VH1, to name just a few. In my very first interview, I described my passion for the ways in which culture and media feed each other; media creates culture, and culture creates media. In this way, I was able to integrate my studies and academic passions into a full-time internship. It would be an understatement to say it was ‘cool’ to work there. Underneath all of the celebrity sightings, career workshops and book signings, there was no shortage of work to be done. At Viacom, I served on the Digital team at one of their internal creative agencies, Viacom Catalyst. There, I helped curate social content, develop several websites (check out catalyst.viacom.com – I helped tune up the backend!) and conduct tech and innovation research. I was able to dive head first into the media industry, and meet and interact with so many leaders who had so much knowledge and experience in their fields. Interning at Viacom both nurtured and fine-tuned my understanding of culture and media, professional experience, and career aspirations.
My internship at Viacom was incredible, and gave me the necessary tools to continue on the path of infinite learning. I hope to be involved with Viacom in the future, and I will forever cherish the experience it gave me. If you’re at all considering participating in the New York Semester, I can promise that you won’t be disappointed with what this program has to offer. You’ll gain invaluable internship experience, an irreplaceable bond with classmates, independence, and (truly) survival skills that you need to have in order to be a full time employee in New York City. It’s truly the most amazing place.
If you’re interested in my internship at Viacom or the New York Semester Program, don’t hesitate to contact me. From immersive experience in my industry of choice to networking with alumni to experiencing NYC with great people, it’s a program that will allow you to continue to grow and flourish.
