Jo Beth Bender is one of 25 students selected from a pool of 800 candidates to participate in a nine-week, all-expense-paid program in New York City that will allow the 21-year-old to gain real world experience. Bender, who earned her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications in May from IU Bloomington, began her internship with the International Radio and Television Society Fellowship Program June 6.

The Evansville, Indiana, native began her one-of-a-kind experience with a one-week orientation to broadcasting, cable, advertising, and new media. Students questioned industry professionals at panels, lectures, and group discussions, and took related field trips. During her first week, Bender learned networking skills by attending industry social functions. She gained knowledge from industry specialists who gave advice on career planning, resume writing, and job interviews.

After her orientation week, Bender began her internship with the Sesame Workshop in the home video department. Bender is assisting and learning about the production of home videos for Sesame Street. Bender describes what she hopes to learn during her internship and how she landed this amazing summer fellowship.