We are so excited to launch our new bi-weekly series: HCNYU’s Intern Diaries! Every two weeks we will feature an NYU student who is currently interning in the city. We’ll hear the highs and lows of their internship position, and will also get the chance to learn from their stellar advice. Our first installment features Rachel Barber, a Gallatin junior who is an absolute all-star on the intern scene. Read on to hear all about Rachel’s Fifty Shades moment, and more!
Name: Rachel Barber
School: Gallatin School of Individualized Study
Year: 2016
Major/Concentration: Marketing & Visual Art / Minor in Media, Culture, and Communication
Past companies you have interned for (if applicable): Photo Department at NBC, Wallflower Model Management, a fashion iPhone app startup
What company are you interning for? Universal Pictures
What department/who do you report to? Marketing & Publicity
HC NYU: Why did you choose to intern with this company?RB: I’m not exactly sure what I want to do as a career, but I’ve always really loved film. I applied at Universal so I could explore what careers are available in the film industry. I want a career in a field where business and art intersect, and I felt like interning in marketing/publicity at a film company aligns with that goal.
HC NYU: What are some tasks that you complete daily, or frequently?RB: My daily tasks vary quite a bit, which is nice because I’m always working on something new. Sometimes I’ll research businesses or groups that might want to attend a preview screening of a film. Another day I might track the screening results by film or by market for all of the preview screenings in the United States. I like working on that because I get to read people’s reactions to the films. I also research locations for events, brainstorm ideas for promotional contests, and assist at press junkets. I get to work the preview screenings, and I see all of the movies which is great!
HC NYU: Can you share a favorite part of the internship?RB: My favorite part of working at Universal this semester was working on the Fifty Shades of Grey Today Show premiere. I got to sit right behind Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, E.L. James, and Sam Taylor-Johnson during their live interview, which was awesome! I definitely would not have had that opportunity without my internship. On a day-to-day basis, I most enjoy researching relevant videos or articles to post on social media, reading scripts, and looking at audience reactions to the films.
HC NYU: What advice would you give students who are seeking internships about how to be the best intern ever?RB: I think it’s really important to put in your best effort, no matter what the task. It also makes a huge difference to pay attention to detail and follow direction. At the same time, don’t be afraid to ask questions or come up with new things you can work on. As far as applying for internships, my advice is to learn as much as you can about the company before interviewing and reach out to people for informational interviews even if you feel intimidated.