For the third time in a row, NBC Sports will welcome Bradley interns to its media team covering the Olympics.
“[This] speaks to the high quality of our students and the excellent preparation provided by our great faculty,” Chairperson of the Department of Communication Paul Gullifor said. “It also speaks to the great performance of the students who worked at the 2012 summer games and 2014 winter games.”
The Summer 2016 Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which also recently played host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
As with any Olympics, safety of visitors is an issue, but a recent increase of violent crimes in Brazil may add to these safety concerns. Gullifor, however, said there should be little worry about intern safety.
“NBC provides very tight security, and one could argue it will be as safe there as anywhere,” Gullifor said. “Some folks forget that the last incident at the Olympics happened on American soil (Atlanta), so I’m not overly concerned about it and neither are the students I talk to.”
Not all accepted interns will make the journey to Rio. Bradley interns will be split between Rio and Stamford, Connecticut, where they will assist event coverage remotely.
Last year, 18 interns worked with the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia. Twelve students worked from Stamford while eight voyaged across the globe to join NBC’s Sochi team.
Senior public relations major Anna Wilks worked as a Guide Intern in Sochi.
“My experience was incredible,” Wilks said. “I never thought in a million years that I would be going to the Olympics, and I made so many great friends through the experience as well as professional connections. I learned a lot about my work ethic and how much I can handle all in a day’s work.”
As advice for intern hopefuls, Wilks shared a few thoughts.
“Take advantage of all the resources Bradley has, such as the career center and workshops they host; I went to all of them, and they really helped,” she said. “Also, be yourself. For my final interview, the Skype interview, I was completely myself and basically told them that I believe I am very qualified for this job [and] am so ready to do this. [Have] confidence.”
Those wishing to intern at the 2016 Olympics may apply for one of three positions, which are runner, logger and shot selector.
Applicants must have a current class standing of sophomore or above with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preferred qualifications are junior or senior class standing and knowledge of or interest in Olympic sports.
Internship durations will be three to six weeks, between July 18 and Aug. 24, 2016.
Those interested in applying should contact Gullifor or the Smith Career Center.
