Renee Aldana, a recent journalism graduate, embarked on a unique opportunity as an intern at the Peacock Digital Network Operations Center. She broadcasted the 2024 Paris Olympics from Stanford, Connecticut, and as she puts it, was “at the hub of where history was being made.” 

Aldana’s typical tasks consisted of inserting ads into livestreams and the USA Today E network, hosting feeds, communicating with the operators and monitoring broadcasts. Most importantly, she gained skills in areas she’s been wanting to explore.  

“My focus and experience at Michigan State was a lot of sideline work,” Aldana said. “Although I did do cameras, I didn’t do too much of the production side of it. Listening into calls was super interesting because I get to learn their lingo.” 

Between the 12-hour shifts and inherent excitement that comes with broadcasting the Olympics, Aldana had ample time to build relationships with fellow interns. 

“All of the interns would crowd around one computer because we got to see everything live faster than the world did,” Aldana said. “We were all locked in, screaming, loving it — the energy was insane. A lot of us were almost in tears when we left because we were together 12 hours every single day. You get really close to the people you’re working with, and then you’re also watching the Olympics.” 

Aldana says she made great connections at NBC — particularly with the fellow interns. One thing she’ll take away from the full-time employees is the benefit of being in a welcoming workplace. 

“I learned how much can get done in a work environment that’s so positive,” Aldana said. “I’ve worked in a bunch of different environments, newsrooms or production areas that are sometimes competitive. I didn’t get that at all being at NBC. I felt like everybody, no matter what level they were at, was super welcoming.  I noticed that everybody was so happy that they were able to produce a lot more and focus on their work.” 

Showing drive and dedication, Aldana said, is part of what landed her the job.  

“Following up is one of the most important things,” she said. “You never know when sending an email will change everything. If you’re persistent, someone is going to hear you out.” 

As for her dream career, Aldana aspires to be in Formula One as a host or presenter. No matter where she goes, she hopes to find a company culture like her internship at NBC. 

“That’s something that I’m going to be looking for moving forward in other jobs,” she said. “I want to ensure that I’m working somewhere where I can tell that the people that have been there for years are comfortable. That they’re a family. That’s what I want to be part of.”

This story was originally featured on the College of Communication Arts and Sciences website.